Janet Maxwell, VP of Finance
Just got back from the Western Regional Conference, and I wanted to share my experience with all of you. Most of you in Scottsdale Express Network have not attended an ABWA regional or national conference, so I thought I would just provide a small overview of what you can expect. Things have changed considerably over the years. In the past, there were six district spring conferences. This year they combined the districts and there was an eastern conference, a central conference, and a western conference. In the western conference, which was Districts II and VI (we are District VI) there are 18 states represented. District VI represents the most states, 13. There were approximately 200 people in attendance. Previously, you had a choice of what tracks you wanted to attend. This year, there was one seminar, strictly about ABWA, which everyone attended on Friday, and an interactive seminar on Saturday on How to Build Strategic Thinking Skills. The presenter was excellent; she really knew her topic. I am not going to go into detail, but if anyone is interested, let me know and I will share my workbook with you. There was just too much information for one report. Spring conference is an excellent opportunity to meet business women (and men) from other states who all share a common goal. We have an extremely high number of entrepreneurs and a lot of businesses owned by women. This is a great place to share ideas and to meet new people. Belonging to ABWA gives you the opportunity of going to meetings in other cities and making new friendships that will stay with you forever. Even if you only see someone at conferences, you know they are there for you. If you have a problem, need advice, or just want to toot your own horn, go to WIN and post it. That is what the team board is for. Or go on Facebook and get feedback from around the country. If there is a certain subject regarding ABWA that you would like more information on, please let us know, and next month we will address that in the SEN newsletter. Or better still, attend the local Arizona Regional Council Leadership Retreat on June 11 - SEN will pay your way. 
Donna Tucker, VP of Communication
I too attended the Western Regional Conference last week. After attending for so many years, it's like old home week. I always room with an ABWA member from Colorado Springs whom I met at a conference about 10 years ago. I consider her one of my very dearest friends. Since Janet covered the seminars, I thought I'd tell you about the recognition (part of the ABWA Mission Statement). Have you completed some of the free online courses that ABWA offers? There's an award for that (The Apex Award - Achieving Personal Excellence). Have you recruited new members into ABWA? There's an award for that (Inner Circle after recruiting 11 members -- I'm at 80, I believe). There's the Woman of the Year recognition; Top Ten Businesswomen recognition, team Best Practices and the opportunity to run for national office. ABWA is so much more than our local monthly meetings. You've paid your dues; now make the most of your membership. ABWA is designed to help you grow personally and professionally. I know it has helped me. | 
