Our Homeward Bound Holiday Fund Raising Raffle was anything but a success. I was hoping to sell 100 tickets. We didn't even sell 30. I guess this is all new to me. By the time I learn from my mistakes, I will no longer be President. I believe the job of the President is to motivate the members and encourage them that our group is worth it. We struggle with that even on the board. The cost of the gifts, not to mention my company's contribution in work for this project far exceeds what we made. However, they were donations, so we will honor our commitment to Homeward Bound and present them with a check that splits the amount based on $10 a ticket. SEN gets $5 and Homeward Bound gets $5 for every ticket we sold.

I am asking for advice on being a better President. We want to have a beer tasting in the spring. We want it to be a success. We do have to determine what that means.

We are hoping you are enjoying our focus on social media and technology at our monthly meetings. If so, our group can only be success by having a decent amount in our treasury to be able to do the things we want. We still are unable to become a 501(C)6 because we do not have the extra $300 it takes to make that happen.

I guess I need to be more optimistic for the new year. I say we can make things better by inviting your friends to the meetings. We need to increase our attendance and increase our membership. This will help to improve our chances of having successful fund raisers.

I know we have a good group but we have to let others see it. I have to say I am enjoying the title of being President. I am hoping I do better for you this year.

Happy New Year

Education Benefits of ABWA

There is a wonderful benefit to the ABWA; The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF)! This is a National Educational Fund. The Outright Grant Program offers grants for tuition, books and fees up to a $1500 maximum. The grant must be used by a woman at the junior level or above at an accredited college or university.

Do you have a daughter or know of a woman of who would be interested and qualify? Please contact me!  Additional guidelines and eligibility info to follow in next month's newsletter!

Donna Pontorno

VP of Education

480.285.8400

In addition to listening to dynamic keynote speakers during our networking lunches, members may gain recognition through other continuing education and professional development opportunities with the following:

• Team Tools Training Modules inside WIN - They deliver market-relevant business training and completion certification to promote your efforts;

• Continuing Education credits earned via online courseware. Additionally, district and national conference participation, and individual study result in on-stage recognition for candidates dedicated to continuing their education;
• A special partnership with the University of Kansas School of Business results in a unique MBA Essentials and Management Certificate Series;
• The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF) provides financial support through graduate-level scholarships, outright grants, and Business Skills Tuition Reimbursement for qualified candidates.

Try this experience for yourself.Get the most from your ABWA membership.

Fund Raising in 2011