Last Month's Meeting
Changing of the Guard
The Colorado Springs Chapter celebrated their 20th Anniversary
at their Chapter meeting on September 10, 2003. EWI met last month
at the Wyndham Hotel for the Changing of the Guard, as our new fiscal
year kicks in at the end of September for the first time.
A review of 20 years of EWI meetings and photos was available and
the warmth and closeness in the room was tangible to all.
Fourteen of the Past, Present, and Future Presidents were present
at the festive meeting which included the installation of the 2003-04
officers.
A few comments from past presidents:
1983-84 - Wanda Reaves
When forming a Colorado Springs Executive Women International chapter
was first suggested to me back in 1982, when I was Executive Vice
President of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, my first
inclination was to refuse to be involved. I just didn't think
that I had the time! Wow, am I glad that I didn't refuse!
EWI has meant so much to me. Observing the professional growth
of so many dynamic Colorado Springs women, developing so many strong
friendships and knowing that EWI has really become a support group.
1987 - Helen Buelke
Serving as President of the Colorado Springs Chapter was indeed
an honor and challenge--after all, following several dynamic ladies
who set the bar higher each year, it was a little intimidating to
say the least. Especially rewarding was the talent sitting
on the board. Their energy, counsel, and commitment were appreciated
and helped us to bid successfully for the 1988 Regional Conference.
The Colorado Springs Chapter in the late 80's was probably best
known nationally for its progressive, executive thinking as compared
to the national norm (a western nomenclature for this thinking might
be "rabble-rousing"). Wanda Reaves (1983-84) and
Brenda Smith (1985) were always pushing "Corporate" to
"think outside the box," long before it was popular.
Special note should be made of my valued Advisor/Past President
Peggy Griffith (1987). Peggy was a pragmatist
and conservative as compared to the local leadership of that period;
we truly needed her insight and counsel to balance our approach
to the future of the Colorado Springs Chapter. She loved her
family fiercely and was their selfless caretaker. I remember
Peggy lovingly and know she and Abby Bohley (1990) are watching
from above as EWI changes and grows with each passing year.
1989 - Karen (Kari) Hibbert
It was an honor to serve as President in 1989. Our chapter hosted
the regional conference that year, an event organized by Ann Patterson
and her committee, and one that reflected well on our chapter's
leadership in EWI.
1991 - Penny Sayre
I absolutely loved serving on the EWI board and felt that it was
the best networking organization possible--that it provided the
opportunities to make top notch professional and personal contacts
and was a comfortable forum for personal growth as a leader.
EWI, for me, was a place to find others who had very similar goals,
schedules, problems and concerns. I was happy to do my best
to help further the effectiveness of EWI for other members as well.
Also, another important reason for serving was that Peggy Griffith,
a person I respected and liked so much, was the chair of the nominating
committee, and I was so thrilled that she thought I could do the
job. Also, I received much encouragement from Brenda Smith
to serve as President also.
As for the benefits to me, those were numerous: First of
all, I got to know Abbey Bohley, the 1990 President, very well.
She was a great mentor and example to me, and I appreciated all
her help. I also got to know and learn from all the other
1990 and 1991 board members, and that was invaluable to me!
Being a bit of a control freak myself, serving as EWI President
was a great lesson in learning to delegate and trust others to accomplish
what they were responsible for. My trust was never misguided
either.
Highlights of the year were that I believe 1991 was the year we
first achieved 100 members and we were specially recognized at the
national convention for this. Our newsletter was updated and
we received special recognition for it also. My goal for the
year was to get all members involved in a committee, because I felt
that smaller groups were easier for people to bond and make real
connections with other EWI members. I think we did a pretty
good job of making committee membership meaningful and in helping
people get connected.
1992 - Nancy Taylor
Greetings and Congratulations to the Colorado Springs EWI Chapter!
When my firm, Taylor Travel at Briargate, Inc., joined as a charter
member, I had no idea what to expect. After nine years of
personal and professional growth in the organization, I was excited
to accept the position of president, hoping to make creative and
significant contributions. At the 1992 EWI President's Caucus
held in Salt Lake City, I listed as my goal for the chapter..."to
involve as many as possible in projects and committees, while exploring
new ways to encourage all to reap the benefits of membership..."
My personal challenge was to learn the names of all 90 plus firms
and their representatives, networking with as many as possible.
Part of my company's continued success today is the result of contacts
made through EWI twenty years ago. Currently semi retired,
blissfully residing by a stream in tiny Buena Vista, CO, I enjoy
reading the EWI newsletter online each month. It continues
to be an amazing group, presenting each member with unlimited opportunities-
I still urge everyone to make the most of their involvement!
1995 - Kathy Kelly
I remember, in my year, we started a committee consisting of the
financial experts in our chapter who analyzed and got our chapter's
money invested more wisely. We continued Cindy Lindhorn's
policy of meeting in places other than hotels, and our theme was
"Know your Community". Queen Brown was our January
speaker and conducted a hands on meeting regarding diversity.
The meeting was as the Pioneer's Museum. Brenda Smith (1985)
described our chapter as a great safety net - you are allowed to
make mistakes and learn and your fellow members will always be supportive.
That's what it is all about.
1996 - Chris Hildebrant
Although I have not participated actively in EWI for many years
now, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of such
a great organization. My involvement came at a pivotal time in my
life, when I had a major change in my professional and personal
life. EWI not only afforded me the mentoring and support to grow
in my work, but I made many, many friends that remain such to this
day.
As president I learned about group dynamics, the concerns of both
small and large businesses, about our community, and so many other
things that have helped me grow as a person. I had a blast at two
EWI conventions...one of which was in Hawaii, where I learned to
play the nose flute...ask Jeanie about that.
The second convention I attended was one week before I got married.
My fellow attendees threw an impromptu bachelorette party in our
room. I best not go into the details.
Congratulations to every one on the 20th. I am privileged
to have been one of the past presidents.
1997 - Sharon Berthrong
I was drafted to be President when the former vice president/president-elect
left post (company transfer)! If I had had time to think about
it, I probably would have said "no". I am very glad
that I accepted the honor of becoming President. It was a
fascinating, rewarding experience. No one needed supervision,
and everyone enjoyed herself. Working as a team with adult
women was more fun than it was work.
1999 - Elizabeth Youngquist
I really enjoyed my presidency as our chapter had the second largest
membership after Houston! You know, we are the rebels!
I was crowned Queen Elizabeth of EWI - and of course I was thrilled!
That year I received the Athena award from the Chamber of Commerce
and I know it had a lot to do with my involvement with such organizations
as EWI! I learned so much that year about our organization
and the wonderful members - and it made me improve on my speaking
skills, always trying to add a little laughter and humor.
Our meetings had a fun pattern that year - one month light, lively
and entertaining - the next month more serious and educational.
2000 - Linda Bloom
Becoming the President of EWI in the new millennium was a wonderful
experience. It was the opportunity to guide a dynamic organization
that promotes and recognizes the leadership of women into new horizons.
It was a year that EWI was entering a new phase of growth and development.
Colorado Springs chapter was not only the largest and the best;
but also, unusual in the number of entrepreneurial leaders.
Our spirit, then and now, exemplifies cooperation and a willingness
to work together to enhance our terrific community.
2001 - Jane Marshall
Thanks to Liz Youngquist's 1999 inspiration, the past presidents
chaired the May 2001 EWI Western Regional Conference held in Colorado
Springs with more than 200 EWI reps from across the country attending
this function. The Nashville EWI Convention was held in spite
of the September 11th tragedy, although the Colorado Springs delegates
were unable to attend due to all flights being cancelled.
EWI is an amazing group of women that you have the opportunity to
network with, and to have as friends. Make the most of your
membership. Be an active participant, serve on the board or
a committee, and get to know your fellow EWI members.
2003 - Sally Seidlitz
I really never thought I'd become President since someone else
was scheduled to fill the position. The most interesting thing
about my term was that I only had 9 months. I've had
a great time and have enjoyed all the folks on the board as well
as getting to know the general membership better.
2003-04 - Marti Hartman, President Elect
I grew up on the south edge of the Garden of the Gods. A
teacher lived directly across the street from us and would gather
together all the neighborhood kids several times during the summer
to go on "Journeys". We quickly learned not to ask,
"Where are we going", as Mr. Nesbit made it quite clear
that the Journey was the Destination. We discovered
secrets we believed had never been viewed by humans before us.
What beautiful Journeys they were.
My experience with our Colorado Springs EWI women has only made
it clearer to me that we must take the opportunity to enjoy the
Journey every day. My decision to serve as president is simply
to better experience the Journey that is EWI.
2004-05 - Linda Williamson, Vice President/President-Elect
I look forward to serving EWI as Vice President/President Elect
because I desire to be active, develop my skills and give back to
an organization that has brought me many new friends and mentors.
I have gained resources and tools, which have enhanced my leadership
and professional skills.
|