ABWA Sterling Chapter

 The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen 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.

April 8, 2010, 6 p.m., Home of Ruth Cook

Speaker:  Marilyn R Schmutzler, Cole County Public Administrator

 Website:  www.sterlingabwa.com

Newsletter Committee:  Bev F. and Joyce R.

 President Julie’s Page

Welcome to our speaker, guests and members for our April meeting.  Spring has arrived and just seeing the sunshine puts all in the mood to be outdoors.  It is also a time to consider in your work place and home to de-clutter.  Hopefully you all have had an opportunity to read the De-Cluttering Your Space and Life article that was in the March issue of our Women in Business magazine?  

I will be distributing at our meeting a copy of the first District III Newsletter.  In addition to four issues annually of Women in Business magazine, ABWA members will now be receiving two issues annually of district specific newsletters.   

We have a lot happening in our chapter these next months.  The Women of the Year Committee (Carriette, Pam and Denise) will submit names to the membership at our April meeting and the Nominating Committee (Bev, Gala and Terry) will present a proposed slate of officers at our May meeting for 2010/2011.  In addition, the closing date for submission of scholarships is April 23 so our Scholarship Committee will be busy in reviewing applications so that they can present worthy nominees to the membership to select at our May meeting.  I am thankful for the friendship and support we share together as members of Sterling Chapter.

 Sincerely, Julie W., President

                        March 4, 2010 General Membership Meeting Minutes

President Julie W. welcomed 14 members and one guest to the Sterling Chapter General Membership Meeting at McAlister’s Restaurant.  Secretary Beth R. led both the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Self-introductions were made whereby members shared a St. Patrick’s Day or Easter memory. 

Our featured speaker was Jill Dobbs, Vice President, Central Trust and Investment Company.   She spoke on Estate Planning.  She shared information on Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Financial issues, and Living Wills.   She said it is always in the best interest of a person to evaluate their situation, plan for the future and get professional viewpoints. Important things to consider are:  guardianship for minor children, health care and financial directives, a Durable Power of Attorney, corporate trustee or family member trustee information, property deed re-titlements, choosing beneficiaries, etc.  Attorneys draft trusts, wills or other necessary documents.  Dobbs said that some attorneys specialize in estate planning. She distributed estate-planning pamphlets.

Following the presentation, President Julie W. conducted the business meeting. There was no special correspondence to read.

A motion made by Bev F. and seconded by Barbara C. to accept the February 2010 General Membership Meeting Minutes was approved.  Joyce R.’s motion to accept the treasurer’s report was seconded by Theresa B. and subsequently approved by the General Membership.

Helen B. reported on the Council of Clubs meeting.  Captain Kendall Mathews, Salvation Army was the guest speaker.  According to Mathews, Jefferson City’s Salvation Army Thrift Shop is ranked # 1 among of their thrift stores in Missouri.

Cindy W. stated that Sterling Chapter has awarded $37,000 in Education Scholarships to young area women since becoming a chapter. Julie W. has updated the current scholarship application form.  She will send the scholarship information to schools immediately. April 23rd is the postmark deadline to submit applications to the Sterling Chapter Committee.  The Committee requested additional assistance to review all applications that will be received. Several ladies volunteered their assistance.

Pamela K. continues to accept items for the ABWA scrapbook.   

Our craft sale, chili luncheon and bake sale were deemed successful.  An increase in quantity of chili will be needed next time as we served 220 persons chili, and subsequently ran out. In addition to the chili luncheon, Cindy W. sold RADA at our event. Again, THANKS to everyone for supporting each phase of our ABWA fundraiser.   Julie will write a note of thanks to Joyce and Jeremy at the Eagles Lodge.

Pamela K. was this month’s “Mystery Woman”. Please give more “mystery” newsletter items to Bev F. Also, Dianna C. of the LaVida Chapter is accepting orders for geraniums. 

  • April 8, 2010, Spring Tea will be at the home of Ruth Cook. Cole County Administrator Marilyn Schmutzler is our featured speaker.
  • May 6, 2010, Business Associates night will be at Madison’s Café.  Captain Carson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol is our guest speaker and entertainment will be provided by The Showboaters. 

Being no further business, Secretary Beth R. led the Benediction.