President's Message

Although our year ends in June, I would like to consider the month a new beginning for our chapter. As many of you know, finding a new meeting location was one of this year's biggest challenges. I am happy to announce that after a long search, we have decided to meet at the Merrill Lynch Conference and Training Center on Scudders Mill Road. Merrill Lynch will not only provide us with high quality food and service, but will also accommodate the varying needs of our chapter. Having the task of finding a new location behind us, the board and I are looking forward to a great year! We have planned a stellar calendar of speakers, which I am sure you will be pleased with!

Our June meeting was a perfect end to a great year. Those of you who could not attend truly missed a great meeting. Our wonderful guest speaker, George Tabor, taught us about our local economy and more importantly, how to position our businesses to ensure continued growth and profitability.

The highlight of the evening was our chapter awards. It was not an easy task picking our recipients. We have so many talented and giving businesswomen in our group. I am eternally thankful to everyone who has made our chapter the success that it is. Our recipients stand out among the group for their efforts. This year we gave out two teal hearts. This award is given to a ember who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for the good of the chapter. Our first recipient was Susan Guarneri. Susan has done a tremendous amount of work for our chapter not only this year but in the last four years! Susan became an active board member by being our State Board Representative. As such, she attended all State meetings and Chapter Board meetings to ensure we were all well informed on issues at the state level. In 2000, Susan took on the task of creating the Mercer Chapter's website, and she continues to improve and update our site. Susan has volunteered her expertise and has spoken at a membership open house as well as a Dinner meeting. As VP of Programming, she has done a tremendous job with very little guidance or assistance. I firmly believe that our programs are what allow us to continue to grow our chapter and that a good portion of our growth is due to Susan's efforts.

Our second recipient is a newer member of our chapter, Linda Gardner, Esq. Linda has very quietly become a critical link in our board. As the award's chair, she has done a great job notifying the board of award requirements and deadlines. She has been instrumental and will continue to be instrumental in getting our members recognized for their achievements. Linda also sits on the membership committee and is active in finding new ways to make people feel welcome and to increase the value of membership in our chapter. Linda has attended many state functions including the Retention Program, and has spoken at a state conference and at our chapter. Linda is always willing to help!

This year, (thanks to Linda's efforts) we have added two new awards: the unsung hero and the rookie of the year. The rookie of the year is a new member who jumped in feet first and became a visible, enthusiastic supporter of NJAWBO Mercer. She typically participates in committee work soon after joining, attends all meetings and special functions, and promotes NJAWBO Mercer in other venues. She quickly becomes a resource for new members. The unsung hero is a person critical to the growth and health of the organization, but may not always be visible. She helps others move up, supports and empowers them leading from the middle. She is a stabilizer and can lead through rough spots. She gives back, works behind the scene and does not look for credit. Others look to her for guidance and are comfortable approaching her.

We had a tie for the rookie of the year and felt that both of these ladies were equally deserving of the award, so we awarded two! The first recipient was Sarah Miller. Sarah quickly became a very active member, immediately volunteering her time on our newsletter and numerous planning committees. Sarah has improved our newsletter, giving it a new face and means of distribution via the net. In the past she has volunteered to work at a conference and has also enlisted the help of her husband and business partner, Michael. Along with Susan Guarneri, Sarah put on a very informative seminar called, "Marketing via your website". It did not take long for Sarah to be very involved, and for that we are eternally grateful.

From the moment Amanda Pupo joined, her enthusiasm and energy has inspired us all! Amanda quickly became involved feet first by agreeing to work at conference 2001. She has put her expertise to work for our chapter by following up with potential new members. She is a critical part of our membership committee and attends all meetings. Whenever asked to help she is always willing. Amanda also volunteered at the Princeton Fete.

Our unsung hero truly fits the description of who this person should be. Eileen Entin has been an active member since the resurrection of the chapter back in 1994. Originally VP of Marketing, Eileen started our newsletter. Eileen has maintained our mailing lists for years and currently sits on the membership committee. She has attended every conference since 1994 and is a regular at all of our monthly meetings. Realizing the importance of getting away and relaxing, Eileen has organized a cruise for women that many NJAWBO members are still raving about. This year when we did not have someone to run our table at the Princeton Fete, Eileen quickly volunteered to co-chair with Linda Richter.

It's an honor to know and work with these exceptional ladies. Please join me in congratulating them all!