President’s Message: We give thanks
In the month of November, Americans have the great tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving. In November of 2008, there should be no exception.
Admittedly, this month has certain realities that can make us wince. We have donned our coats and have no hope of traveling without one for a few months. We face the last of Campaign 2008 advertisements in virtually every type of media, and we hesitate to think of the dollars that have been lost in our investment portfolios. I need not go on, and certainly you could add another couple thoughts that bring a furrow to your brow. Headlines have loomed heavier in Fall 2008 than for many years.
Nevertheless, it is November and we unconditionally give thanks. In spite of all that we may have lost, we pause to give thanks for all that we have. If you drove through the countryside of Minnesota over the past couple months, you noticed the farmlands delivered record crops. Gas prices have come down! We assign a special value to things that can be taken for granted: good health, the love of family and friends, enriching work, comfortable homes, and life in a good country. Surely we can have our health issues, financial concerns, and family matters, but we can always find someone who has a greater challenge than we have and we can identify blessings all around us.
I wish all of you many reasons to give thanks this Thanksgiving. May all that we have be all that we need.
Thankful for you, our members.
The FEW Board would like to thank you all for being members of the Forum of Executive Women. Every woman brings perspectives, experience, and connections that shape this great organization.
We appreciate your membership, and encourage you to renew your membership in FEW for 2009. An exciting year of programming and other benefits await you. Through email and traditional mail, you will receive a letter and invoice to help you process your renewal. Membership renewals for 2009 are being accepted through December 31, 2008.
Thankful for FEW volunteers
As the 2008 President of FEW, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the volunteers who have diligently carried out the mission of FEW this past year. First of all, to the Board of Directors, who have generously given of their time to lead. Also, a note of thanks to their employers and colleagues who have supported their volunteerism.
FEW 2008 Board of Directors
VP of Programs and Incoming President 2009: Carol Howe-Veenstra, College of St. Benedict
AVP of Programs: Jill Magelssen, Express Employment Professionals
Past President 2008: Kris Smith, Creative Memories
Treasurer: Lori Johnson, Schlenner Wenner
Historian/Secretary of the Board: April Mastey, Stifel Nicolaus
VP of Bylaws: Kendra Hagen, Gray Plant Mooty
VP of Communications: Doris Illies, Productive Alternatives
AVP of Communications: April Jacques, INH Commercial Real Estate
VP of Meeting Coordination: Laura Supan, USBank
AVP of Meeting Coordination: Debbie Spaniol, We’ll Get It Done
VP of Membership: Julie Nelson, Wells Fargo
VP of Scholarship: Pam McIntosh, Rasmussen College
AVP of Scholarship: Katie Kustritz, College of St. Scholastica
VP of Special Projects: Susan Saetre, StillPointe Natural Health Center
Secondly, to the 2008 FEW Program Committee, who have met monthly and carefully developed and delivered our powerful programs in 2008.
FEW Program Committee 2008
Carol Howe-Veenstra, Chair
Jill Magelssen, Vice Chair
Sandy Cordie
Joy Doke
LaVonne Rykhus
Linda Hutchinson
Laura Supan
Finally, to all other volunteers (too numerous to name) who have helped with the Nominations Committee and other projects throughout this past year. Many hands make light work.
Thankful for those who will serve on the FEW 2009 Board.
Over the past several weeks, many of you have answered the call and thoughtfully considered serving on the FEW Board in 2009. We appreciate the pool of talent that we draw from, and will proudly announce the nominees for the 2009 Board at the next FEW Meeting.
Next Meeting:
FEW’s next meeting is to be held at the Radisson Suites Hotel from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wed., November 12, 2008. In addition to conducting the business of the FEW Annual Meeting, all members will enjoy a “speed networking” experience facilitated by Jill LaBorde of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.
Any FEW member who is unable to attend the Annual Meeting but would like to cast an absentee ballot can obtain one by sending an email to Kendra Hagen at Kendra.hagen@gpmlaw.com by Friday, Nov. 7, Kendra may also be reached by phone at (320) 252-4414.