February 2007 Newsletter

You can download the full version in PDF: nawbonm-news-2007-2.pdf (PDF; 179K)

The President’s Corner – Sandy Cody
Program – Wednesday, February 21 – Be Your Own P.R. Specialist
Welcome New Members
Question of the Month
The New Chapter Formation Process Continues
NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings
Renewing NAWBO-NNM Members
Member Communications January Survey Results

The President’s Corner – Sandy Cody

February…the month of Valentine’s Day, a day when we tell our loved ones, friends and maybe our colleagues and clients how much we appreciate them and the role they play in our life. We appreciate these special individuals because of the love they show us or the support they offer us in times confusion and sadness. Moreover, we celebrate the remarkable people in our life because they share in our joy, our growth and our accomplishments.

Since, this is my one opportunity to reach so many of you, I want to use my February President’s Message to say thank you for being in my life, for being a part of my personal and professional development and for making the past 7 months as President of NNM-NAWBO such a rewarding experience. I have learned a great deal from the members of the Board and the Past Presidents and members of the different committees. To those of you that I encounter at meetings or other events thank you for being strong leaders and role models and encouraging me to follow your lead.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I invite each of to share with those that are important to you how much you appreciate their place in your life.

Sandy Cody
President, NAWBO-NNM 2006-2007

Program – Wednesday, February 21 – Be Your Own P.R. Specialist

Embassy Suites – Ocotillo Room
We meet at the Embassy Suites just west of I-25 on Lomas. The Ocotillo Room is at the north end of the building in the Conference Center.

5:30 p.m. Mix ‘n Mingle — 6:15 p.m. Dinner & Program

Woman business owners are often shy about promoting themselves and their companies. Building on her experience in print journalism and radio news writing, Diane Velasco, Executive Director of The Citizen Media Group, will give you the tools to pitch a story idea or your expertise with confidence. You will also learn how to direct a press release and will have the basics to handle “negative publicity.”

She has been a journalist in New Mexico since 1996, focusing primarily on business reporting. She has served as managing editor of the Rio Rancho Observer and as a reporter with the New Mexico Business Weekly. Most recently, she worked at the Albuquerque Journal for more than five years, covering real estate, economic development, and international trade. In 2005, she left corporate media in order to launch The Citizen Media Group, a nonprofit news and education organization that publishes news online and encourages civic engagement by breaking down the barriers between the press and the public. Part of that mission includes teaching workshops on media-related topics.

Diane is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Association of Women in Communication, and New Mexico’s Foundation for Open Government.

Spotlight Tables,
Performance Hair Craft — Sandy Schargel Interiors

A very special “Thank You” to Cheryl Ryder of Performance Hair Craft
for sponsoring the cash bar at our February meeting!

Advance reservations required by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16.

• For immediate reservations, click here. After submitting your reservation, you will have the option to continue and pay in advance online.
• You can also e-mail Luci Dawson to make your reservation, or to cancel a standing RSVP for this month only.
• Meeting Cost: $29 members; $35 non-members
• RSVPs received after 5:00 pm on February 16 and “Walk-Ins”: $34 members – $39 non-members
• Cancellations after 5:00 pm on February 16 and “No Shows” will be invoiced.
• You will be billed if you make an RSVP for a guest and your guest does not attend or pay, even if you indicate you do not intend to pay for your guest.

Welcome New Members

Susan Miertl
Owner
Susan Miertl CPA, LLC
PO Box 12422
Albuquerque, NM 87195
505-220-7051
e-mail Susan
Emerging Business Owner
Provide tax, bookkeeping and business consulting solutions for small businesses and individuals.

Sharon Miles
Owner
Senior Care Options
2200 Vista Grande NW #10
Albuquerque, NM 87120
505-5794
505-836-2254
e-mail Sharon
Visit Sharon’s web site
Established Business Owner
Family Solutions for today’s Senior Care challenges. Geriatric care management services provided by Sharon Miles, a master social worker who specializes in assisting older people and their families with decisions regarding long term care planning options, planning arrangements and coordination of care.

Dr. Torre Near
CEO
STATMed, LLC
3916 Carlisle NE Suite G
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-38-3990
fax 505-38-3993
e-mail Torre
Visit Torre’s web site
Emerging Business Owner
Family Practice and Urgent Care with X-ray and lab. All ages-all problems. Insurance not accepted and savings passed on to patients. Average visit $65. Seen on time! Board certified physician. Physicals, PAPs, urine drug screens, stitches and minor surgery.

Deborah J. Steg
President
Dynamic Metamorphosis
1421 Luisa St Ste K
Santa Fe, NM 87505-4073
505-920-7141
e-mail Deborah
Visit Deborah’s web site
Emerging Business Owner
Do you want more prosperity and peace in your personal and business life? Teaching individuals and businesses how to dissolve the hidden barriers to true prosperity. Consistently get the results you want and showing you how to make it easy every time.

Diana Sterling
CEO
White Oak Resources, Inc.
4214 Skyview Crest Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114-5531
(505) 247-2902
e-mail Diana
Visit Diana’s web site
Established Business Owner
White Oak Resources, Inc. and its family of companies provide life-affirming educational training and coaching programs to individuals, business owners, families and youth. We empower people to build lives of confidence in self, foster courage to act responsibly and be compassionate with others. We offer small business development programs, advanced coach training, parent education and other related personal and professional development programs.

Question of the Month

What is your #1 business Goal for 2007?

Cassandra Shaw (Sandia National Laboratories Senior Member of Technical Staff Business Development) wants to implement a marketing strategy that has never before been done. She is working toward a Marketer of the Year Award from American Marketing Association New Mexico.

Lynne Marcus ( Marcus + Company) who just moved here from Boston in June is working toward building her business in New Mexico which is e-mail marketing.

Diane Cannon (Cannon’s Sweet Hots) is working toward introducing a NEW product in September of 2007.

Susan Miertl (CPA focusing in the Los Lunas and Bosque Farm area) hopes to build her business by providing good service and wants to make a living wage by the end of 2007.

Deborah Parker (DWParker Fiber Arts) is working toward a steady smart growth.

Karen Urbielewicz (Urbielewicz, Murphee CPA’s, PC) plans to grow her company 50% this year.

Pamela Worledge, EA (Urbielewicz, Murphee CPA’s PC) hopes not to work so many hours this year.

Roberta Salas (Atkinson  Certified Public Accountants | Consultants) is settling into a new work environment in a new building this year.

Annette Campbell (Creative Financial Staffing – an affiliate of Atkinson & Company, CPA’s) is working toward good loyal employees.

Donna Luke (Pre-Paid Legal Services | Desktop Publishing – Designer) is transitioning to part-time at Sysco Food Service so she can spend more daytime hours marketing her Pre-Paid Legal Plans for the Small Business Owner.

Leslie Ann Kinney (Bright Ideas! Promotional Products Galore!) wants to solidify her sales staff and get her brother a job.

Barbara Dawson (Balancing Life and Work) wants to double her income without doubling her time spent.

Nancy Denker (Focus Ink) is going to open door #1 this year.

Nancy J Ullery, Reporter

The New Chapter Formation Process Continues

The process of forming the new Southwest Borderland Chapter in Las Cruces/El Paso continues. December proved to be very quiet. However, we have resumed action in the New Year by making contact with individuals who may be potential founding members. To this end, National has supplied us with marketing material to help attract potential new members.

Our first major step is to complete forms for submission to national for “chapter in formation” recognition. We are slowly moving in that direction. We need six people who are willing to actively engage in forming the chapter to be included in the packet for submission.

We are working hard to identify individual business owners who can truly commit to creating this chapter. Some who were initially interested have dropped by the wayside. We need your help. We need names of individuals who may be interested in being founding members of the Southwest Borderland Chapter in the Las Cruces/El Paso area. E-mail Mary to submit names of contacts or offer your help. She will funnel them to Elke Wunderlich in Las Cruces. Also, if there is anyone who is willing to make the trip to Las Cruces to attend a meeting and talk about NAWBO and what it means to them, please email Mary.

Thanks for supporting our efforts and being a part of this history-making event.

Mary Bresnahan

NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings

NAWBO WESTSIDE Satellite Breakfast Meeting

the FIRST Wednesday of every month
When: March 7, 2007 * 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Where: Weck’s Restaurant
6311 Riverside Plaza Lane
Coors and Montano Plaza Drive (352-6209)

Guest Speaker: A 10 minute presentation by Dr. Janice Moranz, Dermatologist & USANA Indep. Assoc.

To RSVP please email Lehsa Orcutt or call her at 872-2900.

NAWBO UPTOWN Satellite Breakfast Meeting

the SECOND Wednesday of every month
When: March 14, 2007 * 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Where: Le Peep Restaurant
2125 Louisiana NE (S. of Pier One)
SW corner Indian School & Louisiana (881-7272)

Guest Speaker: A 10 minute presentation by – Lynda Turner – Family Love Letter-How to make sure your family knows where everything is in case of death or disability.

To RSVP please email Julie Epling or call her at 881-1700.

For Both Events – Cost: Members – cost of breakfast (bring your appetite)
Non-members – cost of breakfast and a $5 admission fee

(Please note that non-members can attend up to 3 times. After three visits, they will be encouraged to join NAWBO.)

Renewing NAWBO-NNM Members

Kay Ballinger
Owner/Partner
Catalyst Financial Management
2155 Louisiana Blvd NE, Suite 10100
Albuquerque, NM 87110-5485
(505) 889-8889
fax (505) 212-0321
e-mail Kay
Established Business Owner
Investment Management and Financial Planning Services.

Dr. Karen A. Genter
Chiropractic Physician
High Desert Chiropractic & Wellness
10900 Menaul Blvd NE, Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87112-2455
(505) 292-2226
fax (505) 292-3181
e-mail Karen
Established Business Owner

Jan Harper
VP, Marketing
Employment Research Services
10555 Montgomery Blvd NE Bldg 3 Ste 180
Albuquerque, NM 87111-3857
(505) 275-5408
fax (505) 275-4767
e-mail Jan
Visit Jan’s web site
Established Business Owner
Nationwide Services: Pre-Employment screening and backgroud checks; criminal, MVR, education, employment references, and credit are some of our services. 100% woman owned since 1996.

Julie Kirkpatrick
Vice President
Auto Glass Services, Inc. (AGS Inc.)
6201 Copper Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108-1832
(505) 266-9091
fax (505) 256-1380
e-mail Julie
Established Business Owner
AGS Inc is in the business of repair and replacing glass in autos, trucks, semi-trucks and heavy equipment. Specializing in servicing fleets and heavy equipment using crash proven adhesives by Dow Automotive.

Deborah Weaver Parker
Owner
DWParker and Associates, LLC
7701 La Brea St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113-1294
(505) 363-4763
e-mail Deborah
Established Business Owner
Quality management consultant

Angela Romero
President
Angela Romero Insurance Agency, Inc.
10433 Montgomery Pkwy. Lp. NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 821-9330
fax (505) 821-9352
e-mail Angela
Established Business Owner

Reinstatement
Katree was a board member during Kay Ballinger’s watch.

Katree Edmonds
President/CEO
Retreat to Reality, LLC
8300 San Pedro NE
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 292-5189
fax (505) 890-3982
e-mail Katree
Visit Katree’s web site
Established Business Owner
Personal life coaching using Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Tools to help shy adults live more boldly.

Member Communications January Survey Results by Amy Zampella

In order to serve you better, the chapter’s Member Communications committee surveyed attendees at the January dinner meeting to get some feedback on email correspondence and our website. A total of 45 surveys were received: 42 members, two Corporate Partners, and one non-member. Based on the total number of current members, this survey is a sampling of 29%.

Chapter Communications (Email)

While the majority of those surveyed (73%) are satisfied with the quantity of email received, only half feel that the quality of email received is acceptable. Respondents stated they would prefer official chapter notices and items that are business related. Many responded that they wanted to continue receiving notifications of meetings, special events, training/education, and other official NAWBO business. Although half the respondents did not comment when asked that if there were subjects they did NOT want to be notified about. 31% said that they do NOT wish to receive email regarding pets/animals for adoption, and 9% could do without personal advertising/business promotion.

Chapter Website

87% of respondents have visited our website, while 13% have not (these were all members). Most of those who answered this question say they visit the website rarely or monthly, while a few visit weekly or biweekly. The most important reasons for visiting our website are:

• to read about upcoming events
• to register for the monthly meeting
• to use the member directory.

Many people also check the calendar and read the newsletter. A few responded that they visit the website to use the Agora or to read board minutes, policies, or financial reports.

Half the respondents did not comment on the question “what do you like most about the website.” A total of 20% wrote in that it is easy to use/navigate. Members seem very happy that we now have an updated directory available on-line. 89% did not respond to the question “What do you like least about the website?”, which hopefully translates into a positive feeling.

When asked directly if the website is easy to use, a total of 49% responded yes, while 13% responded that it was not easy to use, and 38% did not respond at all to the question. Of those who responded that the website was NOT easy to use, they would like to see easier searches, better links to different pages, and more Agora categories.

Members also stated that they would like to see the following additional information on the website: more corporate partner advertising (who utilize their services and who should use them), an “ask the expert” column, and more on public policy issues.

There were some comments that the Agora is not currently a useful tool for members because of a lack of participation. Some members also feel that it is not user friendly, and that email is an easier communication tool.

Summary

In general, those surveyed seemed to be happy with the current level of communication. Some respondents feel that the website is not easy to use and could use some improvement, especially in the Agora. The Member Communications committee will review all of the comments and present recommendations in the next newsletter. We really appreciate all who took the time to complete the survey.

We know that those who weren’t able to attend the January meeting have valuable opinions as well, and we invite you to let us know what they are. Click here to download the communication survey (Word Doc; 200 KB ), then email your comments to Amy Zampella.

Chapter Corporate Partners

Please support our Chapter Corporate Partners that support us so well.

Platinum Members

Please support our Platinum Members, whose extra financial commitment allows us to continue developing our chapter leaders.

If you would like to submit an article for the next NAWBO News, please get in touch with us!

Editor

Donna Luke
djLuke enterprises – desktop publishing and Pre-Paid Legal Services, Independent Associate
821-5659
Email Donna

Reporters

Amy Zampella
Heartline Wellness Center, Inc.
255-2203
Email Amy

Mamie C. Chan, OD
Eye Care For You, PC
821-8333
Email Mamie

Nancy Ullery
Heartland New Mexico
440-9586
Email Nancy