E-Newsletter, Vol.8, No.5 Professional Women’s Network May 2006
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear PWN members,
The Professional Women’s Network celebrated 28 years last month. I am so grateful for PWN. It has provided me with great friendships and business. Overall, being a member of PWN has taught me a lot. Personally, I have learned tons from some of our wonderful PWN members. Over the last few years, what I have learned is that we must all have a group of friends and colleagues who are not only dear friends but are our mentors or advisors.
A mentor/advisor is someone who serves as a teacher or trusted counselor – a personal or professional advisor. A mentor is someone who has “been there, done that” and can give you their take on a situation. A mentor can be a business associate, family, or friend. I have a circle of mentors – a financial advisor, a lender, real estate advisor like my broker, and a business advisor. I also surround myself with a marketing team to help me do the creative part of my job; promoting real estate for my clients. When I was in my 20s, I used to do it all by myself, trying to play the super-woman role, but I now know that I was actually playing the stupid role – overdoing it and getting myself sick and unbalanced.
Why do something that is not your job? Why add so much to your workload when you are able to create balance with support from other PWN members. Hire those members who are in the fields of expertise you need. Also, look to them as advisors. Advisors do not have to cost money. They can just be people working in areas that give them the ability to help you make life decisions. You may want to ask other women to join your own advisory committee. You can create a group that meets once a month and just talks about business situations and things happening in each of your lives.
Another thing that I have learned is to always look for opportunities to move upward. Whether it is emotionally, spiritually, or financially, keep in mind that you shouldn’t just take from others. Instead, exchange energy and ideas, and as you do this you will find that you will move upward in your life. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” say, “I will or I am doing.” Each of you will come across many obstacles and challenges in life. It amazes me how some people will see an opportunity from these challenges and turn them into something positive and productive. My biggest challenge for me was breaking both my arms at once. It was a humbling feeling to be treated as a child. My mom had to cut my meat and cut my sandwiches into fourths. I also had to learn the biggest lesson in life: how to take the little steps to get to where you want to go. Sometimes, for every two steps you take, you go backward one step. However, you are always moving forward.
The most important lesson that I learned is one that most of us don’t like to deal with – to be financially prepared. I recommend finding the right financial planners for your personal and business needs – a CPA; and a lender. The financial planner will help in growing your money and the right lender (make sure they have years of experience in the field) will help you analyze where your FICO score is and what needs to be cleaned up to get a better score. Most people think that to close out old credit card accounts would be the best when, in actuality, it may hurt your score. A great lender will work with your future goals so you are able to purchase that first home or investment.
PWN provides a lot of avenues for all members to connect with each other. Start by networking with each other and put together your own personal advisory group. It works! I have seen my own life become more balanced as I bring on help. It doesn’t hurt to ask for help!
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK
The Professional Women’s Network is dedicated to supporting professional and businesswomen in Hawaii, acting on the premise that mutual support is a necessary factor in bringing about personal growth and business success. The Network’s objectives are to promote the exchange of professional ideas and provide an opportunity to share experiences that will help women expand their business position in the Hawaii marketplace. We are committed to providing women in Hawaii with the opportunity to obtain support from other like-minded women in the pursuit of their professional and business goals. We are committed to challenging our members with new ideas and information that will help them attain their business and personal goals.
Membership Information can be obtained by visiting our Web site:
www.pwnhawaii.org or by calling 533-4800
YOUR 2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Audrey Hutton
President
Lorraine Faithful
Publicity
Audrene Burress
Secretary
Amber Ricci
Special Events
Tracy Adams
Treasurer
Biz Kellam
Past President/Advisor
Susan
Minser-Will
Arrangements
Barbara Guss
Alt. Past President/Advisor
Connie Valenti
Membership
Marie Massengale
Alt. Past President/Advisor
Derek Matsumura
Membership
Joann Seery
Alt. Past President/Advisor
VOLUNTEER!
It’s the best way to NETWORK!
Carol Williams
Alt. Past President/Advisor & Executive Director
In attendance: Tracy Adams; Audrene Burress; Lorraine Faithful; Pam Herrington; Audrey Hutton; Marie Massengale; Derek Matsumura; Susan Minser-Will; Amber Ricci; Connie Valenti; Carol Williams.
Absent: Barbara Guss; Biz Kellam; Joann Seery; Jeannie Shaw.
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Membership:
Public Relations:
¨ Press release and flyer for April luncheon are already sent out. The focus is our 28th anniversary.
Scholarship:
Special Events:
¨ Hike has been rescheduled to June. Exact date to be determined.
Next board meeting: May 11, 2006, Pacific Club, at noon.
If you were at our pre-Mother’s Day Spa Day, you know what I mean when I say that I wish I were still there getting another spa treatment. Fifteen minutes was just too short a time for the wonderful aromatherapy massage from Connie Valenti. I wanted more!
Our third Spa Day Scholarship Fundraiser was definitely a major success! The 40 women who attended – both members and guests – enjoyed spa treatments; yoga; belly dancing; card readings; swimming; mini seminars; and food, food, food! What a yummy – and healthy buffet! Who could resist the sorbet and angel food cake dessert, cheesecake too! Vendor booths (including a booth manned by our associate members) in this unique venue in Portlock made for some interesting shopping for Mother’s Day. And, Bill Dasher took some fabulous photos! (See the sample photo page in this newsletter.) Bill has these and more Spa Day photos on display on his Web site. He took a number of individual portraits too. You can see all of them at: billdasher.com/pwn-event.htm and you can purchase a copy for your own collection if you would like. (A portion of every purchase supports our Alex Memorial Scholarship.)
Another PWN benefit that helps you and our scholarship fund is the Aloha Gas Card program. Aloha Petroleum contributes money to our Alex Memorial Scholarship fund for every gallon of Aloha gasoline that you purchase. All you need is an Aloha Petroleum gasoline credit card and tell them you want to be part of the Professional Women’s Network Save-A-$ Club program. If you already have an Aloha card, just call customer service at: 924-SAVE and ask them to make sure your account is included in the Professional Women’s Network program. This program works two ways – PWN gets money for our scholarship program and you save two cents a gallon as long as you pay your Aloha gas card in full before the monthly due date. You don’t even have to be a member of PWN to join our cause. Anyone with an Aloha gas card can make sure they are part of the Professional Women’s Network Save-A-$-Club program.
And, talking about our scholarship program – it’s time to apply for a scholarship. Applications are online at www.pwnhawaii.org. Deadline for submitting an application is July 31. Scholarships will be awarded at our August luncheon. If you have been a member in good standing for at least one year, you and/or your children are eligible.
Aloha,
Carol Williams – Newsletter Online Editor
PWN Executive Director and
Alternate Past-President Advisor
BRING a GUEST or a prospective MEMBER to the
MAY 2006 LUNCHEON MEETING
Thursday, May 25
Mark your calendars now for 2006: (4th Thursday of ea. month)
May 25, June 22, July 27,
Aug 24, Sep 28, Oct 26,
PWN Event Calendar
Thursday, May 25 – Regular monthly luncheon-meeting. Ellen Carson, attorney with Alston, Floyd, Hunt & Ing: “Legal Strategies for Busy Business People.” 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki Ballroom.. RSVP: 533-4800 or pre-register online: www.pwnhawaii.org
Thursday, June 22 – Regular monthly luncheon-meeting. Paul Brewbaker, Chief Economist, Bank of Hawaii: Economic Forecast for Hawaii’s Small Business. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki Ballroom.. RSVP: 533-4800 or pre-register online: www.pwnhawaii.org
Thursday, July 27 – Regular monthly luncheon-meeting. Nolyn Blanchette, Feng Shui expert: Breathing Space – Feeling Centered. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki Ballroom.. RSVP: 533-4800 or pre-register online: www.pwnhawaii.org
Monday, July 31 – Deadline for Alex Memorial Scholarship Applications. Contact PWN Scholarship Director Jeannie Shaw for details at jeannie@hcc.hawaii.edu. Scholarship applications and instructions are online at www.pwnhawaii.org.
CAM CUNNINGHAM (Tastefully Simple) and her husband are lucky they live Hawaii. They had the privilege of actually being right there at the Merrie Monarch hula competition in Hilo. For those of you who don’t know Cam, she’s a brand new member of PWN. Please introduce yourselves to her at the next luncheon.
BARBARA GUSS (Adecco) is really looking forward to taking a break to attend a Christian Conference in Portland, OR, followed by a few weeks of R & R with her family. Barbara says, “I will be helping my daughter to finish unpacking and fixing up her new condo and spending time with my son and his family, tagging along on baseball practices and games, etc. The only firm plan we have right now is a nice boat ride up and down either the Willamette or Columbia Rivers. (I forgot to ask which river.) I'm sure I'll be hiking the Columbia Gorge again and visiting my friend's day spa in Clackamas with my daughter and daughter-in-law for a day of pampering. I can't wait to get around my grandsons to spend some quality time with them.
NATALIE IWASA (Natalie Iwasa, CPA) says that despite her very busy family life and growing business, she has found time to remain active in the community. During the past legislative session, Natalie provided testimony for several bills that would make doing business in Hawaii easier for small businesses. She also attends the monthly neighborhood board meetings in Hawaii Kai and encourages all PWN members to get involved in their neighborhood boards too. Natalie firmly believes that we all need to be aware of what is happening around us, while the decisions are being made; not when the construction starts or after the law is enacted, etc.
SUSAN MINSER-WILL (Shop Girl) is having a trunk show for Doncaster now through May 23. The spring and summer collection will be showcased at Shop Girl for ten days. Susan also is having a great sample sale – 25 to 50% off. She says she even has several washable suits and invites us all to come and take a look.
AUDREY HUTTON (White Sands Realty) used her networking resources and called on PWN
member Emi Hanamizu (Emi’s Flowers and Gifts) to make a special Mother’s Day floral arrangement to Audrey’s mom from Audrey and Tiffany (Audrey’s puppy). This is what Emi designed – “Tiffany” in flowers.
LORRAINE FAITHFUL (Sisters Offering Support) reminds us that Sisters Offering Support is a participant in Macy’s/Ala Moana Community Shopping Day fundraiser on June 16, 2006. Community Shopping Day is an all-day shopping event dedicated to raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. By purchasing a Macy’s Community Shopping Day ticket directly from a Sisters Offering Support volunteer, ticket bearers will help raise funds to support Sisters Offering Support’s community programs, plus enjoy exclusive 10-20% savings at Macy’s, exciting events, special samplings from event sponsors, and the chance to win a $500 Macy’s shopping spree.
SUSAN AIU (Susan Aiu Astrology) invites us all to take in all the healthy activities at the annual Holistic Health Fair, Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili. She will be giving readings at the Fair. Susan will also be available for readings at the monthly Psychic Fair at the Maunakea Marketplace, Chinatown, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday, May 21st .
CAROL WILLIAMS (440 International Inc.) received the best gift of all for Mother’s Day (or is
that Grandma’s Day?) Her daughter, Dayna, gave birth to an 8 lb. 1 oz. boy on May 12. Mommy and baby Max are doing fine!
E-mail your member news item for next issue to Carol Williams: Carol@440.com
……………………..
……………………..
LYNN GREINER
Realtor
RE/MAX in Paradise
1051 Keolu Drive, #107
Honolulu, HI 96734
Telephone: 237-2420 Fax: 800-521-3944
cell: 760-213-5586
DEBORAH KIRK
Realtor/Renovation Design Specialist
RE/MAX Honolulu & Action Contracting
1858 Paula Drive
Honolulu, HI 96816
Telephone: 721-8863 Fax: 734-6168
cell: 721-8863
Professional photographer Bill Dasher donated his photographic services to PWN for Spa Day. See the full-frame view of these photos and many more at: billdasher.com/pwn-event.htm and you can purchase a copy of your favorite photo/s for your own collection if you would like. (A portion of each purchase supports our Alex Memorial Scholarship.) Mahalo, Bill!
APRIL LUNCHEON RECAP
by Audrene Burress, First Capital Group, Inc.
The format for our 28th Anniversary luncheon was a little different. It included a soup, salad, and sandwich buffet rather than our usual served luncheon; and a panel of guest speakers instead of an individual speaker. The panel represented organization in our home, business, and also the benefits of organizing our computers.
The first speaker was Kelly Gavin, owner of Organized in Paradise. Kelly, a former PWN member, emphasized these nine keys to getting organized:
1. Commit to making decisions.
2. Buy less and keep less.
3. Practice being organized.
4. A place for everything and everything in its place.
5. Keep items where you use them.
6. Group like and related items together or adjacent.
7. Things need containers.
8. When your life changes, adjust your environment.
9. Keep only things that are useful, beautiful, or you love.
Ruth Wong, founder of Organization Plus talked to us about setting priorities and knowing what is most important on a daily basis. She spoke of making lists, or writing your thoughts down to help remember them. One of her highlights was what she called redeeming your pockets of time. This is where you allow an extra 10-15 minutes here and there to take care of tasks you tend to put aside.
Karen Simon, founder of PC Tech Associates, stressed the importance of keeping yourself technically organized – keeping everything in order on your computer and keeping all information backed up; storing all disks properly; and knowing who to call when you have a technical emergency. In today’s high tech business world, it is becoming more and more important to stay organized in this element of your business.
Following their presentations, all three speakers answered a flurry of questions from the audience. Staying organized seems to be a universal problem facing our members.
Luncheon Evaluation
Program:
Excellent:
70%
Good:
21%
Average:
6%
Fair:
3%
Poor:
0%
Food:
Excellent:
58%
Good:
24%
Average:
9%
Fair:
9%
Poor:
0%
Some Comments:
- “Good tips!”
- “It was a good luncheon today!”
- “Great topic for ideas.”
- “Excellent.” (3)
- “All speakers should use microphone no matter how loud they think they are. ”
- “Time management and organizing are so important. It is always great to re-hear tips – over and over. Wish we had more time!”
- “Excellent panel – very useful and helpful.”
- “Great time. Great program. Great fun!”
- “Good information that everyone can use.”
- “Great luncheon; keep it up!”
- “Good tips for organizing.”
- “Great program – speakers were funny and informative.”
- “Lovely centerpieces!”
- “I really enjoyed this venue.”
- “I enjoyed the program and the buffet.”
- “Great buffet.” (3)
- “Yummy buffet!”
- “Nice buffet. Something for everyone.”
- “Food not really very good.”
- “Was a nice change. Desserts were not up to snuff. Where was the hot fudge?”
MAY 25, 2006 LUNCHEON
Ellen Carson, Attorney – Director, Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing
“Legal Strategies for Busy Business People”
We are happy to welcome back Ellen Godbey Carson, a former Professional Women’s Network member and director, as our speaker for our May 2006 program. Ellen has served as the president of the Hawaii State Bar Association; Hawaii Women Lawyers; Institute for Human Services; Hale Kipa (Emergency Youth Shelters); Central Union Church; and the Sex Abuse Treatment Center. This very busy woman has been named as one of America’s Best Lawyers in Health Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution, and has been honored by Hawaii Women Lawyers as its Outstanding Woman Lawyer of the Year and for Outstanding Service. She has received the YWCA’s award for Outstanding Woman in the Professions; the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Pro Bono Award for Community Service; and the Hawaii Foodbank’s Na Hoku Malamalama Award for Service.
Ellen previously practiced in Washington, D.C., where she represented Japanese-Americans in a suit to the U.S. Supreme Court for civil rights violations arising from their World War II imprisonment.
Join us at our May 25th luncheon meeting and learn how your business can operate with minimal risks. Please bring a guest and your business cards and your inquiring minds since Ellen will be fielding questions.
Location:
Hale Koa Hotel
Date/Time:
May 25, 2006
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Reservations:
Reservations are required. E-mail: reservations@pwnhawaii.org or call 533-4800 by Monday, May 22 to guarantee your meal. No-shows are billed. The Hale Koa is a military hotel and is under high security. You may have to show ID for admission. We may be required to present our luncheon attendees list beforehand, so please get your reservations in as early as possible.
Menu:
Salad or Soup – Hale Koa salad
Main Course – Macadamia-crusted fresh Island fish
Vegetarian – stir-fry vegetables with tofu
Dessert – tropical cheesecake
Beverage - coffee and tea
Cost:
Members: $18 Sponsored Guests: $25 All Other Guests: $30
Use your credit card online: www.pwnhawaii.org/pppay.htm
Validated parking: $2
UPCOMING LUNCHEON SPEAKERS
Thursday, June 22 – Paul Brewbaker, Chief Economist, Bank of Hawaii
Economic Forecast for Hawaii’s Small Businesses
Thursday, July 27 – Nolyn Blanchette, Feng Shui expert
Breathing Space – Feeling Centered
Exit Newsletter - to PWN Index
