Chapter News: May 2010

Inland Northwest NAWBO Newsletter

Volume 7, Issue 7
May 6, 2010

Chapter News:

  • unCorked! Huge Success
  • May NAWBO to be in Coeur d'Alene
  • Next President's Coffee - May 25
  • NAWBO-NW Elects New Executive Board for 2010-2011
  • NAWBO Northwest New and Renewing Members
  • NAWBO Welcomes New Corporate Partners
  • Good News Won't Wait - a Message from Alison Zecha
  • NAWBO-NW's Outstanding Woman Business Entrepreneur $1000 Scholarship Recipient Announced
  • NAWBO Endorses "Power Women's Summit"
  • National NAWBO Women's Business Conference 2010

Member News:

  • CHallanger Coaching: New Mastermind Groups for Women Business Owners
  • Dishman Dodge Expands
  • Julie Prafke Enjoys Retirement
  • Alison Zecha Takes Expertise to Hawaii
  • Fashion Carpets Participates in "Make a Splash" Program
  • Spotlight on Gretchen Hyatt
  • An Innovative Idea in Fundraising (...it's not food!)
  • Yoga at Synergy Healthcare
  • Negotiation Tips Available
  • NAWBO Members Invited To SCORE Open House
  • A Conceptual Shift: High Deductible Health Plans & Health Savings Accounts

Corporate Partner News:

  • Congratulations RiverBank!
  • NAWBO Ad in Northwest Woman Magazine
  • Corporate Partner Logos
  • Thank You to NAWBO Corporate Partners

 

Chapter News


unCorked! Huge Success

unCorked! ROCKED! "According to all testimonials received, unCorked! absolutely ROCKED! With the help of a fabulous committee, generous sponsors and our incredible NAWBO officers, we had an elegant and memorable event. I love seeing NAWBO members work together to produce something great. I am sure unCorked! will continue to grow and get even better every year!" says Darrelle Volwiler, Ph.D., unCorked! Co-Chair.

Anyone who missed unCorked!, the NAWBO Northwest fundraiser held at Caterina Winery on April 8, should immediately make plans to attend next year's function. unCorked! raised more than $2500 for the Chapter's operating budget. Total attendance was 121 people including 76 guests. Many of the women guests expressed real interest in NAWBO, and a lot of membership packets were given out. So along with much needed funds, we may harvest more new members.

Alison Zecha, Alison Zecha, Inc., CoachAZ, NAWBO-NW President says, "unCorked was everything it was expected to be and more! Great company, delicious Caterina wine, yummy appetizers from Puttin' on the Ritz, chocolates from Chocolate Myracles, and Jenna Raymond on keyboards , all made for a fantastic evening. By all accounts people really enjoyed themselves. It was an extremely successful event and fundraiser for the Inland NW chapter of NAWBO."

Our sincere thanks to our sponsors: Spectrum Home Services of Washington, Tiller Care Strategies, Volwiler Counseling, Diane Gibson, DMG Consultancy, LTD, ECODEPOT, A Grand Welcome, and Kindred Creative Services.

A huge thank you goes to the unCorked! steering committee for their hours of hard work. Committee co-chairs were Darrelle Volwiler, Darrelle Volwiler, PHD and Becky Tiller, Tiller Care Strategies. Committee members included Suzanne Foust, Kindred Creative Services; Lori Greg-Fernandez, Fernandez Associates Insurance; Mary Hanna, Independent Services Corp; and Billie Moreland, Billie Moreland & Associates.

 

May NAWBO to be in Coeur d'Alene

LOCATION CHANGE: May Meeting Will Be Held in Coeur d'Alene - at the Greenbriar Inn, 315 Wallace Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83854.

Date & Time
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Networking @ 5:30pm, Dinner @ 6:00pm

Program: Don't Blink or You'll Be Obsolete
Featured Speaker: Priscilla Bell, president of North Idaho College

Fueled by instantaneous communications, daily creation of new knowledge, and increasing globalization, rapid and dramatic change is becoming the norm in the world today. Educators, business owners, and society as a whole must recognize this new reality and be prepared to respond to it. Now, perhaps more than ever, community colleges are important partners as you develop a well trained and educated workforce prepared to succeed in the world of change.

Priscilla Bell, Ph.D., currently serves as president of North Idaho College. Prior to joining NIC, Bell was president of Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash., from 2000 to 2006 and served as the president of Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, N.Y., from 1995 to 2000. Bell also served in various roles at Tacoma Community College for more than 17 years.

Location: Greenbriar Inn, 315 Wallace Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83854

Driving & Parking Directions:
Take I90 to exit 13 (Fourth Street exit)
Go South (towards town) 1.4 miles to Wallace Avenue
Turn left on Wallace, or park close by
The Greenbriar Inn is in the middle of the block, a three story brick building at 315 Wallace

Raffle:
Theme: Spring has Sprung!
Bring something for the raffle & support our mentoring fund

Reservations & Payment Options:
Early reservation, due by Noon, Tuesday, May 11: $35.00
Reservations after noon on Tuesday, or walk-ins: $40.00

* Register and pay on-line with a credit card, click here
* Register now and pay at the door, click here. Cash or check only.
* Questions? Call Karin Kasinger (509) 481-3357

 

Next President's Coffee - May 25

Plan to join President, Alison Zecha (CoachAZ) for a relaxed, intimate gathering for all who are curious about how the chapter works. Learn more about the business of NAWBO- Inland Northwest, and how it relates to the national organization. Both new and renewing members are invited.

"Our aim is to give other members a chance to know you better, answer questions, share perspectives, and laugh," says Alison.

For new members, this is a low-key way to learn practical, chapter-savvy stuff like how to get into the Web site, who gets table-top space at dinners, and what to expect if you RSVP for dinner but can't come. Learn more about what you can expect from your membership, and what you can contribute in return.

For renewing members, the President's Coffee is an enjoyable refresher with information about new opportunities to connect and contribute.

Date: 5/25/2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location:
Old North Hill Library
705 W. Heroy Ave
Spokane, WA 99205

 

NAWBO-NW Elects New Executive Board for 2010-2011

The new Executive Board and Chapter Directors for the 2010-2011 have been elected. These women will be installed and take office in July 2010.

  • President: Carrie Magruder, The BrickHouse Massage and Coffee Bar
  • President Elect: Lori Gregg-Fernandez, Fernandez Associates Insurance
  • Immediate Past President: Alison Zecha, Alison Zecha, Inc. CoachAZ
  • Treasurer: Debbie Krum, Steve Krum Construction
  • Secretary: Merrily Bjerkestrand, Northwest School of Protocol
  • Director of Programs: Ann Jurcevich, Jurcevich Construction, Inc.
  • Director of Economic and Corporate Development: Diane Gibson, DMG Consultancy, Ltd.
  • Director of Membership: Suzanne Foust, Kindred Creative Services
  • Director of Communications: Heather Pieczonka, Funsational, Inc.
  • Hospitality: Jeanette Fairless, Spectrum Home Services

 

NAWBO Northwest New and Renewing Members

Please give a huge welcome to March and April's new members:

Julie Higdon, Scentsy Wickless Candles
Diane Kayser, Pinnacle Professional Partners
Bonita Bell-Anderson, Bell-Andersen Financial Services, LLC
Connie Goodman, Goodman CPA, P.S.
Joy Terry, Spokane Bakery Supply
Virginia Kral, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson
June Swatzell, Our Town Zip
Rebecca Schiering, The Reclothery, Inc
Sabrina Jones, Movher
Jocelyn Cox, Couer d'Alene Olive Oil Company
Billie Guara, Rainmaker Marketing


Say a big thank you to returning members:

Karin Kasinger, A Grand Welcome, Inc
Mary Hanna, Independent Services Corp.

 

NAWBO Welcomes New Corporate Partners

Inland Northwest NAWBO extends a big welcome and much gratitude to our new Corporate Partners:

Northwest Woman Magazine
US Bank
Wells Fargo
Northwest Neurological PLLC

 

Good News Won't Wait - a Message from Alison Zecha

Many of us use the calendar year to take stock of business and freshen up our plans. For your chapter board, our year comes to a close in July with the installation of new officers. We could wait until then to summarize this year of chapter life. But it's hard to hold out when there are so many good things to talk about. Here are just a few items.

A pro-active three-year plan is creating momentum and ensuring continuity. Everyone from individual members to future boards will benefit.

A milestone for our chapter: we are officially15 years old this year. Toast our longevity at the July meeting with a complimentary glass of wine.

A speak-up, special meeting will be held on May 25 to shape criteria for a new meeting location. We are also working on a Web hook-up for on-line attendance. Watch for an e-mail with details.

A pressure-free "Opportunity Fair" at our June meeting will serve up a smorgasbord of ways you can contribute to chapter life. And we're not just talking committees or the board!

Plus a baker's dozen of new initiatives that is energizing members and captivating guests. Congratulate yourself for every one you recognize.

  1. Welcoming guests with personalized nametags and introductions
  2. Hand-written notes to welcome new members, celebrate renewals, and mark milestones along the way
  3. Recognizing renewing members
  4. Toasts at meetings to celebrate member accomplishments
  5. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Launchpad
  6. Banquet Expo with even more tables available for 2010
  7. Dynamic, member-friendly web site
  8. President's Coffee
  9. New-Member Sidekicks
  10. Dues-at-a-Glance
  11. Media coverage extraordinaire
  12. Perqs Connection
  13. Branding unCorked!
  14. NW Woman Ad series
    ..and more to come

We'll be highlighting more about the three year plan at our July monthly meeting and also on our Web site. We'd love to have you join us in getting involved in making your NAWBO chapter a great community for all of us.

I am grateful to be a part this chapter. -- Alison Zecha

 

NAWBO-NW's Outstanding Woman Business Entrepreneur $1000 Scholarship Recipient to be Announced

The National Association of Women Business Owners of the Inland Northwest (NAWBO-NW) will announce the winner of the Outstanding Woman Business Entrepreneur Scholarship in June.

NAWBO-NW will award a $1000.00 scholarship to an Outstanding Woman Business Entrepreneur enrolled in the Integrated Business & Entrepreneurship (IBE) Program at Spokane Community College. In the Spring semester, after 3/4 of their studies, students were asked to apply for the scholarship explaining their business, or their business plan. NAWBO-NW will select and announce the winner in June, who, upon graduation, will receive scholarship monies to launch or further her business.

Spokane Community College students were incredibly excited about the opportunity and very grateful for the chance to apply. NAWBO-NW confirmed the applications of female students in the program have been received, and the recipient will be announced in at the Spokane Community College graduation ceremony in June 2010.

 

NAWBO Endorses "Power Women's Summit"

This year's Power Women's Summit -- Embracing the Journey -- features empowering workshops, a panel of successful women who have experienced career change, and keynote speaker, mountaineer Kay LeClaire on Everest: Journey of Commitment.

The Power Women's Summit is brought to you by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and is endorsed by National Association Women Business Owners of the Inland Northwest. Come learn about life and career enhancing opportunities. Last year's Power Woman of the Year award went to NAWBO member Cindra Shields, Graphic Business Systems.

Date: 6/9/2010
Time: 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Registration: $69.95 - includes continental breakfast and lunch
Location:
Mirabeau Park Hotel Convention Center
1100 N.Sullivan Road
Spokane Valley, WA

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2010 Power Woman of the Year Award. A "Power Woman" is creative. She has the ability to find that extra energy to get jobs done and meet demanding deadlines. She has mastered the art of multi-tasking. She is busy but finds time to lend a helping hand to customers and associates. She is an inspiration to her peers and is respected by her industry. She is not only a success in business but manages to give back to her community while balancing the needs of work and family. The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is asking your help to find their 2010 Power Woman.

The award will be presented at the 3rd Annual Power Women's Summit on June 9, 2010 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. Nomination forms are available at SpokaneValleyChamber.org or at Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Business Center at 9507 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 and should be returned no later than May 31, 2010.

 

National NAWBO Women's Business Conference 2010

A dozen like-minded businesswomen gather to share information, create an atmosphere of professional community, and further strengthen their entrepreneurial interests. This group grew to become known as NAWBO - and became the strong and unified voice representing the interests of more than 10 million women-owned businesses across the country today.

To mark this significant anniversary in 2010, we are returning to our nation's capital for the NAWBO Women's Business Conference, June 9-11, 2010 in Washington D.C. this year presented in partnership with the Association of Women Business Centers (AWBC). Join us as women business owners from across the U.S. and the world power their dreams through THE POWER OF ONE.

Date: 6/9/2010 - 6/15/2010
Location: Washington D.C.

More information: http://nawbo.org/section_231.cfm

 

Member News


CHallanger Coaching: New Mastermind Groups for Women Business Owners

Imagine having the brainpower of 7 fabulous women with a laser focus on building your business! New mastermind groups are forming through CHallanger Coaching. Dynamic and affordable at $40/month, this confidential, small group setting provides an engaging monthly forum for clarity, action, accountability, support, and, of course, laughter!

The 1st meeting is Thursday, May 20 from 4:00 to 5:30 at a near downtown location.

Contact Cynthia at 838-7570 or cynthia@challangercoaching.com for more details as well as testimonials from previous participants including 5 NAWBO Past Presidents.

 

Dishman Dodge Expands

Marti Hollenback exclaims, "I am so excited to announce that Dishman Dodge is now Dishman Dodge Chrysler! We will remain at our current site (7614 E Sprague Avenue in Spokane Valley) and have added the Chrysler franchise."

 

Julie Prafke Enjoys Retirement

Julie and Aullie Prafke have been on a month-long photo/hiking vacation throughout the southwest. As of 4/30 they have logged 5056 miles on their 5th wheel and 50+ miles on their feet. Great fun and lots of pictures. Back early May. Hope to see you all soon. -- Julie

 

Alison Zecha Takes Expertise to Hawaii

Alison Zecha, Inc. CoachAZ is in Hawaii facilitating strategic planning at Hawaiian Electric, coaching insurance and automobile distribution executives, and presenting leadership programs as a retention strategy for nurses. It's great being back in her hometown, spending time with her mother and playing at the beach with her three year old, but she's sorry to miss the May monthly meeting and all of you.

 

Fashion Carpets Participates in "Make a Splash" Program

Fashion Carpets is proud to support Spokane Valley Partner's Make a Splash program. Owners Dennis and Shelley Runolfson have committed to donate a portion of Fashion Carpets May proceeds to purchase swim passes. "Just show this notice and we will make it happen." Currently, we have several promotions including a sale on all Stainmaster carpet, the Shaw Spring is Green sale, and always lots and lots of remnants and rolls in stock. Fashion Carpets is located at 8619 E. Sprague Ave., phone: 928-9550.

 

Spotlight on Gretchen Hyatt

Gretchen Hyatt has thoroughly enjoyed life and raising her 2 kids in the Inland NW since 1981. Family gatherings, motorcycle trips, hiking and volunteering are a few of her favorite things.

Gretchen earned a degree in Social Work at Northwest Nazarene University. She has served the Inland NW since 1986 as a Social Worker in various medical settings such as Hospitals, SNF and Home Health. Since 2000 she has had the privilege of supporting Spokane residents with Private Care Management as well as Adult Family Homes and Boarding Homes with Assessments, Placement Assistance, Consultation and Education. Discover more about the Care Management and Consultation services Gretchen offers on her Web site.

In 2009 Gretchen had the opportunity to join NAWBO thanks to the invitation of her 'big sister', Lori Gregg-Fernandez. She enjoys becoming acquainted with all her new NAWBO sisters every month. HyattCareManagement.com

 

An Innovative Idea in Fundraising (.it's not food!)

Diane Gibson, DMG Consultancy, Ltd. is helping a client launch their new fundraising initiative and has signed-on as a Sales Team Lead. NOTE: This is not chocolate, cookies, or candy bars. It is not perishable, edible, or fattening! It is an innovative fundraising concept promoting a healthy community - RightResponse® First Aid Kits.

This is not your mother's first aid kit! It is convenient, lightweight and cool packaging. The best part about this is organizations have three ways to earn and three levels of profit; 50%, 30% and 10%. Since launching the program April 1, there have been over 100 schools (private and public) that have signed up!

If your organization is looking for an innovative fundraising concept, contact Diane Gibson at diane@dmgconsultancy.com or by phone (ofc) 509-747-0449 or cell at 509-710-4398.

 

Yoga at Synergy Healthcare

When you think of Yoga -- think Synergy Yoga! Synergy Yoga offers small class sizes, perfect for those new to yoga, or those wanting more one-on-one attention. Maximum class size is 8 students. If interested in our next class series, call (509) 413-1630 or (509)-444-8383.

 

Negotiation Tips Available

Lunell Haught, Haught Stratigies, has this tip. Interested in getting a better deal when you negotiate with customers, employees, suppliers? Jeanette Nyden's workshop about that will be the Annual Meeting workshop in October, but if you want to get started on learning about this now, sign up for her newsletter at www.jnyden.com.

 

NAWBO Members Invited to SCORE Open House

You are invited to attend a Small Business Week Open House/Reception for SCORE at the new Valley Chamber Business Center at Liberty Lake, on Thursday, May 27, 2010, from 4-6pm. Learn more about what SCORE is doing for small business, and how you can participate.

You can create a legacy of community service by sharing your time and the experience and wisdom you have gained in business. SCORE offers a broad range of options to let people contribute at different times and at different levels of commitment.

These options can include one-time or occasional responsibilities to help you find out what you enjoy doing. Many volunteers find tutoring, teaching and mentoring satisfying, while others find value in fundraising, professional and management leadership, and general support.

In this economy, the need is great. We need more counselors, mentors and workshop presenters to meet the demand. Please come and join us, and learn more about SCORE. Our leadership is female (Billie Moreland, District Director & Sandra McNett, Chapter Chair).

Where: Valley Chamber Business Center, Liberty Square Bldg, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
When: May 27, 2010, 4 - 6pm
What: A short program, and reception
Since hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be catered, an RSVP would be appreciated

 

A Conceptual Shift: High Deductible Health Plans & Health Savings Accounts

Written by Lori Gregg-Fernandez, May 2010

Whether you are paying premiums for just yourself or as an employer for your group plan, High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts are definitely worth a look. High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are part of a larger trend often referred to as "consumer driven health care." Health care costs are increasing at a rate of about 17% annually. The HDHP/HSA combination offers one way to help you, the consumer, take control. Read more... (on www.nawbonw.org)

 

Corporate Partner News


Congratulations RiverBank!

RiverBank, the newest community business bank in Spokane, is celebrating its 4th Anniversary.

The bank opened in May of 2006, has grown to 150 million in assets, and currently employees 32 professional bankers. RiverBank specializes in providing custom banking services to business and professional clients.

As a responsible corporate citizen, RiverBank stays committed to NAWBO Northwest and the University District Development Board. Our NAWBO sister, Jan Krogh, heads their unique Concierge Services Department.

NAWBO Northwest deeply appreciates their continuing Corporate Partnership. Visit their Web site to learn more at riverbankonline.com.

 

NAWBO Ad in Northwest Woman Magazine

Thanks to Charity Boasting Doyle, owner of Northwest Woman Magazine and a new NAWBO Corporate Partner, our chapter will benefit from a year's worth of full-page ads. You will find the first one inside the front cover of the May/June issue.

Here is what we hope to accomplish:

  • Create awareness about our chapter
  • Help prospects know what they can look forward to (find a colleague, share your zest, make a friend, find a mentor, top off your tank)
  • Feature a representative mix of businesses among our members

Huge thanks to member Diane Maehl (Diane Maehl Photography) who will be our image maker behind the camera this year and agreed (with a bit of arm twisting) to be the subject of our first ad as well.

 

Corporate Partner Logos

We want NAWBO membership and the Spokane community to know our Corporate Partners! Check out the link to NAWBO Corporate Partners: http://www.nawbonw.org/Page/Local-Partners.aspx. If you do not see your logo on our website page, please send it to: diane@dmgconsultancy.com so we can get it posted on the NAWBO website. One of the ways we are increasing visibility and brand recognition for our Corporate Partners is to post their logo on our NAWBO Website. The best file formats are: .jpg, .gif, .pdf.

 

Thank You to NAWBO Corporate Partners

Thanks to our Inland Northwest NAWBO Corporate Partners:


Thanks to our National NAWBO Corporate Patrons:


Thanks to NAWBO Corporate Sponsors:


Thanks to NAWBO Visionary Partner:


Thanks to NAWBO Affinity Partners:


Thanks to NAWBO Affiliate Partners:

 

Thanks to NAWBO Media Partners:


 
Thanks to NAWBO International Alliance:

 

Editor: Billie Moreland, PhD
Billie Moreland & Associates
SCORE -- Counselors to America's Small Business
District Director, SCORE District 1094
www.billiemoreland.com