November 2006 - ABWA

EMERALD COAST CHAPTER º AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
F O R T W A L T O N B E A C H, F L O R I D A
November 2006
Volume XXV Number 4
A Message From Our President
2006/2007 Chapter Officers
President...............…...……...…Tammy Magee
President Elect.......………..….Lisa Jo Spencer
Vice President.......……………….....Pam White
Treasurer.............………………….Kathi Heapy
Secretary…..…..........................Lynn Holland
Committee Chairs 2006/2007
Hospitality...............…….....Terre Dominique
Membership.....…………………...…...Bev Bain
Education………………….…..Sherry Kennedy
Publicity..................….......Tammy McDaniel
Program……………..……….....Elaine Sheldon
Ways & Means…..…....…..Shareen Ketchum
History.....………………..…….....Kathy Browe
Fall Enrollment………...…..Lynda Hammond
Spring Enrollment....……...…Jackie Pilcher
Business Associate….……..…Ginger Walker
Newsletter....Evelyn Livermore & Joni Flanagan
Sand Pebbles is a monthly newsletter
published by the Emerald Coast Chapter of
the American Business Women’s Association
for its members.
Send inquiries and submissions to:
Joni Flanagan
900 Lajolla Lane
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Home Phone....…..…862-2779
Email to [email protected]
Well summer has come to an end, the air is getting cooler, the leaves are
changing colors and already there are stores that have their Christmas displays
going up. I know the next few months all of us will be preparing for the holidays.
Some of you will leave and visit friends and relatives in far away places while others
will celebrate here with all your loved ones gathered around. How wonderful to live
in a country that allows us the freedom of choice and opportunity. Let’s share the
power this season with those that are less fortunate by remembering a member of
our Armed Services, who is serving overseas away from their family and friends, by
sending them a letter thanking them for all they do. Donate a coat to help keep a
homeless person warm this winter. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and help put a
smile on a child’s face this Christmas. These are small things we can do which will
makes a big difference in someone’s life. I will sign off with one of my favorite
quotes from William Penn: “If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I
can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not
pass this way again”.
Happy Thanksgiving
Tammy
ABWA DINNER HOTLINE
864-7697
Call by 12 Noon on Friday before meeting or Email
[email protected]
Tossed Salad w/Assorted Dressings
Turkey/Dressing/Cranberry Sauce
Whipped Potatoes & Gravy Green Peas, Mushrooms & Carrots
Rolls & Butter Pumpkin Pie
Coffee & Ice Tea Service
NOVEMBER 7 Meeting Agenda
Networking starts at 5:30 p.m.
Invocation & Pledge
ChapterWeb Site: www.abwa-ecc.org
Advertise a business card size ad for only:
•
•
•
$60.00 for 12 months
$35.00 for 6 months
$25.00 for a 1 page insert for 1 month
Annual and semi-annual ads will be published
on the ABWA web site.
Call to Order is at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
Introductions
Program
Beware & Be Safe During the Bustling Holiday Season
Guest Speaker: Ashley Barrineau
Crime Prevention Specialist with the
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department
Door Prizes & Benediction
Twenty Three Years Ago in Our Chapter
By Kathy Browe
As your historian for this year, I am attempting to consolidate twenty three years of scrapbooks. I plan to scan some
photos and put them in the newsletter each month for everyone to enjoy, (except for the possibility of those who are in the
pictures and are now 23 years older)!
1983:
President Rec. Sec. Public RelationsEducationMembership-
Judy Wurstner
Dorothy Farland
Ginny Alexander
Penny Borio
Sally Johnson
Vice Pres. TreasurerWays and MeansScrapbook-
Karen Woltz
Gloria Mix
Patti Baker
Julie Dillinger
Corr. Sec.BulletinProgramHospitality-
Sylvia Palkowski
Nancy Yoas
Mita Emerson
Martha Owens
The chapter was chartered in March 1983 and was named Playground Chapter of ABWA.
The dinner meeting was held at Marina Bay Resort and cost $7.50.
Menu : Salad with dressing, fish casserole, rice, mixed vegetables, crepe, rolls and butter.
The main fund raiser was a fashion show at Cash’s which raised $760. (there is a photo of Patti Baker in a spandex workout
outfit.) Fashions were provided by Mary’s Shoppe, Leon’s, Smiths, Tillie’s Big Miss, Tops n Such, Dee’s Boutique, Laura’a
Dance Wear, Erma’s and Lois’s Lingerie. I don’t know if any of these shops are still in existence.
There was another fund raiser that sold cookbooks and raised $649. Chairlady was Darlene Dean.
At the March Enrollment Event the presentation is being done with an overhead projector.
The Fall Enrollment Event brought several new members – one of them was Freda Fife.
The first Business Associate Event honored Virginia Gadow. The guest speaker was Don Anchors (with hair.)
Jeanne Rief received her Gold Guard for already bringing new members into the chapter.
Sally Johnson
WAYS AND MEANS
Freda Fife
By Shareen Ketchem and Kris Lee
Ways and Means had a committee meeting on September 7th
and made plans for the November and December programs.
November
Paula Ward has donated a turkey and ham to be raffled off.
(Tickets — $1.00 each)
December: Silent Auction
Our committee is making up a large basket for the silent auction. We challenge the other committees to make a basket. If
you would like to donate an auction item for the December
meeting, please bring it to the November meeting. Paula
Ward is donating a turkey and ham for a raffle at this meeting
also. Thanks so much Paula for your generosity.
We will be drawing some door prize tickets during dinner so
make sure you purchase your tickets prior to dinner so you
don’t lose out. We really appreciate and thank all those members who donate door prizes for our drawings and if anyone
would like to donate a door prize, please just bring it to the
meeting. There will be signup sheet at the door prize table. If
you bring a door prize, please put your name, business, description of prize and value. We need this for IRS purposes.
Patti Baker
November 2006 ●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 2
Important Bits & Pieces
ABWA is...Friendship
ABWA Hotline Update
November Birthdays
864-7697
Call the ABWA Voice Mail Hotline by NOON on Friday
before the dinner meeting for any of the following reasons:
• Cancellation of a standing reservation.
• “Active no-dinner” and you plan to attend the meeting.
• You have a guest you wish to bring.
• Cancellation of a guest reservation.
• You wish a salad instead of the dinner.
7 Becky Dawkins
10 Dawn Lowe
11 Lynda Hammond
11 Anita Burton
14 June Davis
19 Kimii Felder
21 Deanna Haley
26 Becky Belcher
26 Brigitte Sullivan
30 Lynn Holland
Or Email: [email protected]
ABWA Traditional Invocation
Lord, in the quiet of this hour, We come to Thee for
wisdom, and for power; To view Thy world through only
love-filled eyes; To grow in understanding; to be wise And
sure to see Thy guiding light; and thus To know each other
as Thou knowest us. Amen
Years of Service/Anniversaries
21 Marsha WrightReynolds
19 Kathi Heapy
9 Dixie Grant
9 Lee Leonard
6 Kathy Browe
5 Jackie Pilcher
3 Rebecca Freeman
3 Lynn Holland
3 Michelle Johnson
2 Barbara Angel
1 Karen Jones
1 Deborah Mundy
ABWA Traditional Benediction
O Guiding Spirit, Guardian of our days, Be with us as we
go our separate ways. Help us to feel those thoughts that
lift and bless, To know a closer bond of friendliness; To see
Thy beauty always - every day, Translated into living - this
we pray. Amen
ABWA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Business Women’s Association
is to bring together women of diverse occupations and to
provide opportunities for them to help themselves and
others grow personally and professionally through
leadership, education, networking support and national
recognition.
Other Chapter Meetings
FWB Charter Chapter—2nd Thursday of each month, Two
Trees Restaurant at FWB Golf Course 6:00 pm Networking,
Dinner 6:10 pm Entree $15.50 & Salads $11.50. Contact:
314-3010 (leave message).
The “Been There - Done That” Prime Time Connection
Chapter has been formed for retired businesswomen. They
meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:30 pm.
Meeting locations change monthly. They are looking for new
members -- retired or not. Points of Contact: Liz O'Shea
678-7739 and Gloria Walker 651-4008.
If you cannot attend our chapter meeting, attendance at
another chapter’s meeting will count for perfect attendance.
Sheltie Puppy – 13 week old female, 1st shots and
wormed, very sweet and playful – pure-bred, but
not registered – Asking $300 or make offer! Lyn Kelley 863-8244 or 368-4963
November 2006 ●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
Dinner for No Reason
The November dinner for no reason will be held on
Tuesday, November 14, 6PM at AJ's in Destin. We will
have dinner on the first floor and go upstairs for cocktails
afterwards. If you plan to attend, please email Sherry
Marcolongo no later than Monday, Nov. 13 to [email protected] or leave a message at 642-0191.
Bev Bain read a
brief bio introducing April Cohen
who was affiliated
into the chapter by
President Tammy
Magee at the October meeting.
(L to R: Vicki Edge
sponsors April Cohen
into the chapter.)
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 3
Secretary’s Report
ABWA Monthly Meeting Minutes of October 3, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by
President Tammy Magee. Elaine Sheldon delivered our
invocation followed by the flag salute. Introductions
were made as we came to the podium and commented
on what is our favorite thing about being a member of
our ABWA chapter.
Our meeting started at 7:45PM when Jeanne Rief
read our Mission Statement and spoke about her fondness for the chapter. Sherry Marcolongo also told us
how being an ABWA member gave her a room full of
sisters. Barbara Angel announced the Best of the Emerald Coast awards which included several of our
members and their companies. And our chapter also
was a winner! Lynda Hammond spoke about the Halloween Party 10/24 at Attitudes. The Treasurer and
Secretary‘s reports stand approved as printed. Bev
Bain did an affiliation of April Cohen who was sponsored by Vickie Edge. The Board meeting was changed
to Wednesday, October 11 due to Columbus Day holiday on October 9 our normal meeting. Chapter rosters
should be ready next month. Thank you for the centerpieces went to Shareen. Elaine Sheldon won the
50/50 of $118.50, and also one of the Edible fruit arrangements that Julie had brought. Good going
Elaine! Each of the Birthday girls were given a gift bag
by President Magee and the Anniversaries were read
by President Magee. Lynda Hammond gave the Benediction and we were adjourned at 8:40PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Holland, CHME
Chapter Secretary
Door prize time - Lisa Spencer, Carolyn Baker, Paula Ward and
Shareen Ketchem at the microphone calling out the winning door
prize tickets.
November 2006
●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
By Bev Bain
DINNER RESERVATIONS.....
Good News! We now have 2 options for dinner reservations each month:
1) call the Hotline, 864-7697 before NOON on Friday before the 1st Tuesday night meeting
2) email to [email protected] before NOON
on Friday before the 1st Tuesday night meeting.
Remember this is a great convenience to be used:
a. to RSVP your dinner reservation
b. to reserve a guest name for a dinner reservation
c. to cancel a standing reservation.
How much easier can it be than this?
The difference between Active Dinner and Active No
Dinner : Active Dinner ... You will always have a meal
and place at a table for each monthly meeting. If you
know you will not be able to attend a meeting you must
call/email Hospitality to inform them so that you will not
be charged for the meal.
Active No Dinner... You must call/email to reserve a
meal & place at a table. Deadline: Before NOON on Friday before the 1st Tuesday night meeting. This is very
important because Hospitality must let Hurlburt Soundside know the number of meals needed for each meeting
at Noon on Friday before the next meeting.
If a member has a guest that will be attending then
her name needs to be called in so that she has a meal at
the meeting. IMPORTANT: If a guest wants to come and
does not want to eat she still needs to call in or email to
let Hospitality know that she will be attending so she will
have a place at the table even though she will not be eating.
I know I have heard comments from several in our
chapter that you don't want to call in or email your guest
name that will be attending because if she is a no show at
the meeting then that meal must be paid for and that is
correct. Please don't tell her to just come to the meeting
and there will be a meal for her. She needs to understand
our policy so that if your guest knows after the deadline
that she will not be able to attend the meeting that the
meal must be paid for. A good way to handle this situation
is when you invite your guest to attend a meeting, let her
know the cost of the meal and the deadline to call in or to
cancel, and that you will be calling in her dinner reservation and if for some reason she doesn't show up then the
cost of her meal has to be paid. Let her know that the
Soundside prepares only the amount of meals that were
called in. Remember that if your guest does not show up
you are responsible for seeing that her meal is paid for.
Guests that come to a meeting without a reservation
will be asked to wait until all those who have dinner reservations are checked in. Our chapter wants to be a good
host to our guests that are attending, to make them feel
welcome so that they will decide to become a member.
Our guests are very special to us.
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 4
Salvation Army Christmas Volunteer Opportunities
“Doing the Most Good”
The Salvation Army
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Serving Okaloosa and Walton Counties
As you know, the Christmas season is just around the corner and The Salvation Army is looking for
compassionate individuals and organizations who are interested in giving back to the community, by
volunteering during this Christmas Season! We are currently recruiting volunteers for the following
programs:
Staff Angel Tree Tables in the Malls (November 6th – December 7th, No Sundays)
Christmas Assistance Distribution (December 13th -14th)
Bell Ringing (November 17th – December 23rd)
Perhaps if time is not available, these options may be better for you:
Incentive Coupons and Discounts: Your company can provide coupons and discounts as incentives for those returning
Angel Tree gifts (Provide coupons by Nov. 1)
Adopt-an-Angel: A great way to spread Christmas cheer in your work place, organization, or club! Commit to adopt one or
more angels in advance and the information will be sent to you directly. Provide new clothing and an age appropriate toy
for the child or children. Work together to make Christmas extra special for a child! When the items are ready, we come
and pick them up from your office. (Nov. 6 - Dec. 7)
Adopt-A-Kettle: For $500 you can adopt a kettle for a day. A sign will be placed at a location telling the community your
group is helping by adopting a kettle. (Nov. 17 – Dec. 23)
Contact: Captain Carey Richmond, The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1117, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549, Or Fax 243-2791
Why Does Gold Discolor Fingers
by Shareen Ketchem
SRK-Fine Jewelry
Established 1995
The most common reason that your gold jewelry “turns”, blackening or discoloring the skin and clothing or
the jewelry itself is metallic abrasion, caused by:
Cosmetics: Contain compounds harder than the jewelry itself, which wear or rub off very tiny particles. Very
finely divided metal always appears black rather than metallic, so it looks like a jet-black dust. When this dust
comes into contact with absorbent surfaces such as skin or clothing, it sticks, forming a black smudge
Chlorine in swimming pools
Hand lotions, perspiration, strong detergents, hair sprays, body oils
Suggestions:
Remove all jewelry while applying makeup, hand cream, hairspray, shower, housework, swimming in either chlorine pool or
saltwater such as Bay or Gulf.
Never wear your jewelry to bed. Jewelry can get caught on the bed clothing and your reaction will be to pull the bed clothing
which in turn will put stress on your jewelry and prongs causing breakage.
Keep a bottle of jewelry cleaner on your vanity and when you remove your jewelry in the evening, put it in the cleaner, rinse
it off in the morning and you will be surprised how good it looks.
Weekenders USA is the featured Direct Sales company in the November/December issue of Empowering Women Magazine. Empowering Women is a National magazine that dedicates their entire issue to a company of choice each month.
Weekenders Executive Sales Manager and ABWA member, Kimii Felder is featured in one of the Lifestyle Portraits. The
magazine can be purchased at Borders, Barnes and Nobles, and Books A Million.
Register using Kimii’s Coordinator Code #11444 at www.weekenders.com and receive 10% off your first order each time you
order a new product.
November 2006
●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 5
Home Made Money
By Tonya Nunes
Until recently, there were two main ways to get cash from your home: you could sell your home,
but then you would have to move; or you could borrow against your home, but then you would have to
make monthly loan repayments.
Now there is a third way of getting money from your home that does not require you to leave it or
to make any loan payments. It is called a “Reverse Mortgage”. The Reverse Mortgage became a valuable
and safe tool for Senior Americans when the U S Congress authorized the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) in 1989. Many people are interested in this program because of the cash availability. The requirements are very few. All borrowers must be age 62 or
older, must occupy the home as a principal residence, & the home should be paid in full or have at
least 50% equity paid. There are no income or credit requirements.
We have been serving the community since 1964. Call me at the Lucky Nunes Insurance Agency, 243-0232. I would
love to answer your questions.
Neighbors in Need
The Waterfront Rescue Mission in Fort Walton Beach is having their Winter Supply Drive and Adrienne Humphreys, one of our ABWA members is taking collections. They are collecting the following items:
•
Coats
•
Gloves
Please collect as many items as you can and bring them to the ABWA Novem•
Hats
ber meeting. Adrienne Humphreys will pick up the items and turn in the dona•
Scarves
tions for us. Receipts can be given when you drop off your items at the meet•
New Socks
ing. If you have any questions, please call Adrienne at 850-266-4400.
•
New Underwear
•
Deodorant
•
Shaving Cream
•
New Combs/Brushes
•
Travel Size: Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo, Lotion
Handling Stress – is it possible?
By Lyn Kelley
You need stress in your life. Does that surprise you? Perhaps so, but it is quite true. Without stress, life would be dull and unexciting. Stress adds flavor, challenge and opportunity to life. Too much stress, however, can seriously affect your mental and physical wellbeing. A major challenge in our stress-filled world today is to make the stress in your life work for you instead of against you.
The human body reacts to stress in a fight or flight response, which is a natural biological response to fight the danger or flee from
it. During times of stress, the human body can experience a host of signs and symptoms including: physical problems and illness; short
temper; feelings of being overwhelmed; strained relationships with friends, co-workers and loved ones; negative thoughts; increased bad
habits (smoking, drinking, etc.); exhaustion and fatigue.
What do you do when you recognize one or more signs or symptoms of stress? Identify the source(s) of the problem. To use stress in
a positive way and prevent it from becoming distress, you must become aware of your reactions to stressful events. Once you realize what
the stressor is, you can start to relieve it or find ways to adapt to it.
Important things to remember in dealing with stress are: be aware of the problem; take care of yourself; change something about
yourself – your attitude, your behavior, etc.; think of what you have accomplished and not what you have in front of you; learn to be flexible; reward yourself; and don’t try to be perfect. Learning to use these strategies will help you see the opportunity in a crisis, to use stress
as a stimulator and not let it control your life. If you believe you have control, you will.
Some specific techniques for dealing with stress are:
o
stop and take a few deep breaths (the increased oxygen flow will help calm you and make you feel better instantly)
o
take a break when possible (go for a short walk or get a drink of water)
o
choose to have a positive attitude (only you can control your attitude)
o
see the positive side of the situation (the glass is half full – not half empty)
o
learn to be proactive instead of reactive (look ahead for potential problems instead of waiting for them to come to you)
o
“don’t worry, be happy” (change the things you can and accept those you can’t)
o
learn to be flexible (nothing is constant in life except change)
o
devote some time to yourself (get regular physical check-ups, exercise, eat right, get a massage/manicure/facial, take up a
hobby, lounge on the beach)
o
run errands at off-peak hours (shop on Tuesday instead of Saturday)
o
take a book, hobby or activity with you when you may have to wait (pay your bills, read or knit while waiting for an appointment)
When you feel stress coming, ask yourself, “How important will this issue be to tomorrow, next month or next year?” By always having an eye on the “big picture” of life, you’ll learn to let the little hassles go and use stress in a positive way. When you can manage stress,
it can be a motivator and actually make your life more fulfilling. Always remember that as long as you are breathing, everything else is
small stuff. If you are dead set on completing everything, you may be dead before you complete anything!
November 2006
●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 6
Treasurer’s Report
Westie Social
Sept. 30, 2006
REVENUE
Dinners
Dues
FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
50/50 & Door Prize Tickets
FIN - Fund Raiser
Ginny Winn Memorial SF
Poker Run Revenues
Silent Auction
OTHER REVENUE
Money Market Interest
Name Tag Revenue
Newsletter Advertising
Refunded Scholarship
Miscellaneous
TOTAL REVENUE
Bev with "Dixie" giving away door prizes and a grand
prize at the Westie Social.
Bev and Bill Bain hosted another Westie Social on October 14. A total of 29 Westie's with their
owners attended. Nine new Westie's came and 4 of
them were 12 week old puppies. Westie puppies are
available by calling Bev, 862-5375.
Jean & Jim Hill holding their 12 week old Westie puppies,
"Amy" & "Abbie"
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS
By Bev Bain, Membership Chair
At our October meeting 3 applications were
turned in to Membership to join our chapter. We
want to welcome Joyce Nelson sponsored by
Forrest Oliver, Julie Kuhn and Anita Burton both
sponsored by Shareen Ketchem. We will be hearing
more about our new members when they are affiliated.
November 2006
●
EXPENSES
Program Committee
Executive Board
Storage Unit
Bank Charges
Community Support
Dues
P. O. Box Rental
Supplies & Postage
Tax Return Preparation
Woman of the Year
Hospitality Committee
Dinners
Answering Service
Flowers to Members
Membership Committee
New Member Orientation
Name Tags
Printing, Postage, Misc.
Education Committee
Scholarships
Printing/Postage/Tea
Member Education/Programs
Business Associate Event
Spring Enrollment Event
Fall Enrollment Event
Public Relations Committee
Ways and Means Committee
Door Prizes & 50/50
Poker Run Expenses
Silent Auction
TOTAL EXPENSES
NET BALANCE
Year to Date
$
$
1,334.00
452.00
$
$
3,466.00
2,312.00
$
$
$
$
$
95.50
-
$
398.00
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
93.81
25.00
2,000.31
$
$
$
129.69
40.00
180.00
6,525.69
$
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
983.56
34.00
111.32
-
1,076.88
69.30
$
$
$
2,826.48
55.68
122.30
$
$
$
-
$
$
69.43
27.51
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
$
$
1,146.18
854.13
$
$
$
150.46
-
$
$
23.52
4,404.26
2,121.43
Checkbook Balance as of 6/30/06
Plus Revenues
Less Expenses
Checkbook Balance as of 9/30/06
$
$
$
$
35,521.21
6,525.69
4,404.26
37,642.64
Fund Balance as of 6/30/06
Plus Net Balance
Fund Balance as of 9/30/06
Total Ginny Winn Fund
Less Cash on Hand
Total Bank Balance
Balance at Wachovia Bank 9/30/06
Balance at Regions Bank 9/30/06
Total of Bank Accounts
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
35,581.21
2,121.43
37,702.64
699.69
60.00
37,642.64
23,874.53
13,768.11
37,642.64
Respectfully submitted,
Kathi Heapy, Treasurer
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 7
GETTING TO KNOW
CAROLYN BAKER
Member Interview
By Evelyn Livermore
Where are you from?
I grew up in Delray Beach, Florida but then moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where I lived for 12 years prior to moving to
Fort Walton Beach.
Please, tell me a little about your family.
I have four sisters and three brothers. My mother and one sister live in Illinois, while my father and the rest of my brothers
and sisters live in Florida. My father’s family is from Birmingham, Alabama. His medical practice relocated him to South
Florida. My mother’s family is from Saint Louis, Missouri.
What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
Being an intricate part of the start of the music program for Jagermeister and learning the value of true friendship.
What are some highlights of your life?
Learning about my family history from my Grandmother.
What are your hobbies or things you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Some of my hobbies are reading, watching movies, boating, swimming and being around horses.
Tell me about the positions that you held before becoming a project assistant?
I worked as a customer service representative for Southwest Airlines and a travel agent for Adventure Travel.
Tell me about your current position.
I work for Harrison Contracting Company, Inc., a painting, carpentry and drywall contractor. My title is Project Assistant,
which holds many diverse challenges and responsibilities, as my company continues to grow.
When did you join ABWA? Who introduced you to it?
I joined approximately one year ago when my company was one of the sponsors of the ABWA Poker Run.
Shareen Ketchum introduced me to the chapter.
How has ABWA affected your life?
I have had a lot of fun meeting all of the smart, beautiful and talented ladies in this chapter who have set the standard to
which I can only hope to aspire.
Are you a member of any other business clubs or groups?
I am also a member of The Chamber of Commerce through my work.
What would you consider as your greatest challenge?
Setting my sights on accomplishing continued personal growth.
What drives, inspires, and motivates you?
To remember that Life is a Gift, not a given.
Finish this statement: “Each week I look forward to…” finding the glass half full.
Likes: Being close to the ocean, sunsets and good company.
Who would you consider as your role model?
My Grandmother, who was the epitome of the Southern lady. She always believed in me!
Best Asset:
My best asset is my ability to get along with diverse personalities.
Favorite Color:
Green
What is the phrase or saying that you live by day to day?
To live each day as if it were your last.
November 2006
●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 8
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
505 Mary Esther Cutoff
Fort Walton Beach
Tel 243-1233
Fax 243-5786
Kathi Heapy, Office Manager
This is an ideal way to support other women in
business by using the services they provide
Prices: 12 mo $60; 6 mo $35
1 page ad for 1 mo $25
Full Selection for your flooring needs:
Carpet, Ceramic Tile, Vinyl, Laminate Flooring, Wood
Flooring, Setting Materials
Email your card to:
[email protected]
Anyone know what
happened to the
starfish that was
floating among us
in June? Email
Joni:
[email protected]
November 2006
●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 9
What Will Happen to Your Business if
Something Happens to You?
By Marnie Tate, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
There are more than 19 million family owned businesses in the U.S. today. , If you own one of them, you probably have
dreams of passing your business on to one or more of your children, or even selling it for a handsome price when you retire.
But such dreams may never become reality if you don’t have a current business continuation plan in place.
In fact, only a third of family enterprises successfully make the transition to the next generation. This is, in part, fueled by
the fact that few companies have strategies in place to address the immediate business needs caused by the loss of the
owner. Without proper preparation, a family owned business will likely face an immediate crisis and a dramatic decrease in
its value if and when an owner suddenly dies or becomes disabled.
To ensure the livelihood of the company, business owners need to create a strategic plan of how critical family and corporate issues will be addressed. Consideration must be given to create a strategy that is as concrete and specific as possible. The end result is a detailed document called an Exit Plan. Why take the time to create an exit strategy? Interestingly,
most business owners spend many hours just planning their day-to-day operations. They invest vast amounts of energy developing marketing plans, handling crises with customers and employees, and dedicating resources to strategic planning.
Yet they often overlook the most important type of planning they can do for themselves, Exit Planning. Business owners
must make Exit Planning a priority and start as early as possible to maximize the value they and their family will realize
from the business.
Exit Planning should be comprehensive and detailed, but it need not be complicated. Following are seven steps to help
make the process as seamless as possible.
From How To Run Your Business So You Can Leave It In Style by John H. Brown, Business Enterprise Institute Inc., 2002)
1. Define Your Objectives and Form an Advisory Team.
• When would you like to retire or have the option to reduce the amount of time you spend in the business?
• How much income will you need in today’s dollars to have a certain level of financial security?
• To whom do you wish to leave the business (family member, key employee, or sell to an outside party)?
• Avoid piecemeal planning by forming an advisory team consisting of your insurance advisor, CPA, attorney and others as
necessary.
2. Determine The Value of Your Business.
Utilize your Advisory Team to facilitate the valuation process. They will help determine the type of valuation needed and recommend the type of professional who can perform the valuation.
3. Determine Crucial Value Drivers to Maintain Long Term Growth.
These include:
• Attraction and retention of key employees
• Effective financial controls
• Operating Systems that improve cash flow
• Broadening or diversifying the customer base
• Good facility appearance
• Competitive employee benefits
4. Evaluate How to Maximize Your Cash and Minimize Your Tax Liability. This is especially important should you decide to
sell to a third party.
5. Use Your Advisory Team to Maximize Financial Security.
The majority of business owners prefer to transfer their business to the next generation, co-owners, or key employees. In
this step, your Advisory Team will help you determine the method that minimizes taxes and also allows you financial security.
6. Develop a Business Continuity Plan in Case of Death or Disability.
Make it applicable for you and other key personnel.
7. Review The Estate Plan Should Something Unexpected Happen To You. This is to ensure your family is protected.
Once the written plan has been created it should be stored in a secure location
such as a safety deposit box, fireproof safe etc. Members of the Advisory Team should also have a copy. The importance of a
buy/sell or shareholder agreement is never fully realized until the owner becomes disabled or dies unexpectedly. The agreement should specify the valuation method, the funding method (usually life and disability buyout insurance), and who will
take over the business. The members of the Advisory Team should have access to the plan so they can help the family implement it.
Finally keep in mind the Exit Plan is not a static document. It needs to be updated and changed periodically. Annual
reviews with the Advisory Team will help determine if objectives have changed or if significant developments have occurred
in the business. These updates will help ensure the longevity of the business as well as your peace of mind.
Marnie Tate is a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network the marketing name for the sales and distribution arm
of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, its affiliates and subsidiaries. Financial Representative is
an agent of NM based in Fort Walton Beach, FL. To contact Marnie, please call (850) 864-1900, e-mail her at [email protected] or visit her
Web site at nmfn.com/marnietate.
November 2006 ●
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER
●
ABWA
●
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
●
PAGE 10