October 2006 Newsletter

You can download the full version in PDF: nawbonm-news-2006-10.pdf (PDF; 66K)

The President’s Corner
The Secrets of My Success – October 18
How to Win the “Meet a Member Spotlight” on the web site
Public Policy Committee News
New Member Referral Program Offers Financial Incentive to NAWBO Members
Welcome New Members
Platinum Profile: Edna Lopez – Compa Industries, Inc.
Corporate Partner Events
Second NM NAWBO Chapter: Becoming More of a Reality than a Dream
NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings
Renewing NAWBO-NNM Members
Community Dev. Committee – Quarterly Silent Auctions & Mentoring
Change in Standing Reservations for Monthly Meetings
Sedona or Bust – by Mary Rutland
Training and Business Resources Committee Sets Date for First Seminar – October 24

The President’s Corner

Autumn is 100% here…the trees are dressed in yellow, gold and red, the State Fair has come and gone and we are looking the Balloon Fiesta right in its beautiful face. And, as we all know from now until the end of the year our lives get very busy… holidays, family visits, and special thank you activities for our clients and customers, shopping and more shopping. This is one of my favorite times for year; I love the colors, the excitement and even the hubbub; however like you, I worry about staying on top of things.

My contemplating how everything gets completed brought me full circle to why NAWBO members stay so involved ~ after all, you have crazy schedules too. So I asked, and here are some of the unabridged comments I received.

******************************
I enjoy going to our monthly meetings to see my ‘old’ friends and also to have the opportunity to meet the wonderful new members, many of whom have become involved in the ongoing success of NAWBO.

Sandy Schargel
Sandy Schargel Interiors ******************************
I stay in NAWBO for three reasons:

• The knowledge that I gain through programs and seminars and the sharing of knowledge by other members.
• The friendships I have made with people who share similar goals and values and who understand when I say that I can’t talk or get together because I’m in the middle of something in my business. We all know that business is hugely time consuming and we respect that. There is an understanding among us of what it takes to balance business, family and other parts of our lives.
• The pride of being part of an organization that supports the growth and expansion of women-owned business.

Kay Ballinger, Past President
Catalyst Financial Management ******************************
“Being around energetic, active, vivacious women in business tends to energize me. They can lift me up when I need it, and I hope I have also lifted other women when they were in need. I have made some wonderful contacts and friends over the 8 years I have been a member. My Mastermind group has not only helped me grow my business, but I have made wonderful friends. Although not a political activist myself, I want the information so I can make educated decisions on local issues. In short, these are my sisters.”

Gayle Williams
BNI Southwes ******************************
I stay because I have friends in NAWBO and can learn more about business and how it can be run more effectively. I am involved because that is the only way to meet and create relationships. I have made many friends and enjoy the chance to have effective exchanges with other women business owners.

Mary Rutland, President Elect
Human Resources by Mary Rutland *****************************
Why I stay in NAWBO: First word – support. If I have a question about accounting, human resources, “how do I do…” there is someone I can call who may not know the answer but certainly knows someone who does. Second word – friendship. I have made some terrific friends through this organization, women who stick by you in thick, thin and thinner, who have an awesome sense of humor, tremendous focus and great passion for what they do and what they believe in.

Why I stay involved: I refer to a bumper sticker I saw recently. “Get Involved. The world is run by those who show up.” NAWBO women show up regularly, make a difference and have a good time doing so. What more could the world ask? How has this made a difference in my business? NAWBO women taught me how to run a business. After 13 years, they are still teaching and I am still learning. What more is there?

Diane Cannon
Cannon SweetHots *****************************
There you have the answer to my question; many of us stay involved, in spite of being too busy, because we need the support, the understanding, the energy and the friendship.

Have a great autumn, enjoy the balloons and enjoy being part of an organization that understands.

Regards, Sandy Cody
President, NAWBO-NNM 2006-2007

The Secrets of My Success – October 18

We meet at the Embassy Suites – Ocotillo Room – 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

What do NAWBO-NNM members Edna Lopez, Ann Silva, and DJ Heckes have in common? They all have a successful business! Why are they in their chosen business? What challenges did they face in starting and growing their businesses? What are their challenges now and how will they face them? Find out how these women succeeded and continue to prosper. Their stories are real and will lift you and help you in your business. Whether you are a sole proprietor or have a staff — this is a program not to be missed!

• DJ Heckes is CEO Exhib-It! Tradeshow Marketing Experts. Since early 2000 she has grown her company from a single employee to six full-time employees and three contract employees, and is well on her way to becoming a million dollar company.
• Edna Lopez is the CEO and President of COMPA Industries, Inc., a 20-year old company that originated in California and moved to Albuquerque in 1993. Since taking the helm in 1996, she has spearheaded COMPA into a multi-million dollar company.
• Ann Silva, President of Ann Silva’s Bernina Sewing Center, claims she went into business 26 years ago for “all the wrong reasons”. The once-fledgling operation now employs five full-time staff and 20 part-time teachers, offers hundreds of classes each year, and in mid-September opened her second location in the Corrales Shopping Center.

Advance Reservations Required by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 13, 2006:

• You may make a reservation online or by email only.
• To RSVP online, click here. After submitting your reservation, you will have the option to continue and pay in advance with any credit card or an electronic check.
• You can also email Luci Dawson to reserve your place and pay at the door with cash, check, MasterCard or Visa only.
• To cancel a standing reservation: email Luci before the October 13 deadline.
• Meeting Cost: $27 members; $32 non-members
• RSVPs received after 5:00 pm on Friday, October 13, and “Walk-Ins”: $37 members – $42 non-members
• Cancellations after 5:00 pm on Friday, October 13, and “No Shows” will be invoiced.

Spotlight Tables:

• Ann Silva’s Bernina Sewing Center – Ann Silva
• Bright Ideas! Promotional Products Galore! – Lezlie Ann Kinney
• Cannon’s Sweet Hots – Diane Cannon
• Catalyst Financial Management – Kay Ballinger
• COMPA Industries, Inc. – Edna Lopez
• djLuke Enterprises – Donna Luke

How to Win the “Meet a Member Spotlight” on the web site

After a close review of the New Mexico regulations, the chapter has decided to discontinue the 50/50 raffle at the monthly meetings. In order to be entered into the drawing for the spotlight, you must place your business card into the raffle bowl at the monthly meeting. We will draw a winner at the end of the program, and you will be featured on our website homepage for the full month following the meeting.

Public Policy Committee News

The Public Policy Committee met this morning (September 27th.) Among the topics on our agenda were: the proposed Albuquerque sign ordinance, the state of New Mexico’s SaveSmart program and New Mexico Regulatory Justice legislation to be introduced in the next legislative session. Any member having an interest in these topics or input on how they have/would affect your business, please email Robin Otten Thanks.

New Member Referral Program Offers Financial Incentive to NAWBO Members

Referrals are best for your business and best for NAWBO. We would like to encourage our members to help us recruit new members. Anytime you meet a businesswoman owner, please mention the benefits of NAWBO membership.

Beginning in October, the New Member Referral Program will recognize and reward members who recruit new members. The rewards will be as follows:

1. Each quarter, NAWBO will offer free attendance at a monthly meeting to the member who brings in the most new members that quarter.

2. Annual rewards will be given to the three people who recruit the highest number of new members for the year. The rewards will be:

a. The person who refers the highest number of new members will receive a free one-year membership including both national and local dues.
b. The person who refers the second highest number of new members will receive a free one-year national membership.
c. The person who refers the third highest number of new members will receive a free year of local dues.

Any questions, please call Kathy Smith of the Membership Committee at 867-0047.

Welcome New Members

Eleanor K. Bratton
Attorney
Cuddy Law Firm
7770 Jefferson NE, Suite 410
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 888-1335
Email Eleanor
Supporting Business Member

I am an attorney who specializes in employment law; particularly helping business owners in managing all aspects of the employment relationship including related administrative proceedings and litigation in defense of employment.

Christina Bundy
Branch Manager
Mountain America Credit Union
8104 Wyoming Blvd NE, Suite C
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: (505) 856-7885
Fax: (505) 822-5539
Email Christina
Visit Christina’s web site
Supporting Business Member

Christine Morlock
Owner
ABQ Airsolft, LLC
2801 Broadbent Parkway NE, Suite D
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 688-9706
Email Christine
Visit Christine’s web site
Emerging Business Owner

ABQ Airsoft – New Mexico’s first indoor Airsoft Arena – corporate team building and public recreation at a fraction of the cost of paintball. Available for law enforcement/military training, private parties, group events and tournaments.

Cheryl Ryder
Owner
Performance Hair Craft
20 La Sombra Drive SE
Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: (505) 350-7205
Email Cheryl
Emerging Business Owner

Full service single-chair beauty salon featuring expertise in corrective color, chemical texture, cutting, styling, nail, skin, and facial care. Offering Goldwell & Redken services and products.

Lehsa Orcutt
Vice President
Body & Skin Clinic, Inc.
4004 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: (505) 872-2900
Email Lehsa
Established Business Owner

Body and Skin Clinic, with a relaxing, clinical approach to your treatment, keeps an eye toward anti-aging and rejuvenation. Corrective procedures and skin care products may be coupled with relaxing or deep tissue massage to complete your session.

Elke Wunderlich
Owner
TopView Leadership – The Executive Coach
4070 La Purisima Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Phone: (505) 522-4619
Email Elke
Emerging Business Owner

Executive Coaching

Platinum Profile: Edna Lopez – Compa Industries, Inc. by Mamie Chan

Edna L. Lopez is the CEO and President of COMPA Industries Inc., a 20 year old company that originated in California and merged with Albuquerque in 1993.

After the untimely death of her husband Rene L. Lopez in 1986, Ms. Lopez continued her husband’s vision of diversifying COMPA Industries, specifically in the areas of Management Services such as Staff Augmentation in the government sector. She successfully completed the SBA 8 (a) program, enhancing her client satisfaction. In 2005, she won the prestigious SBA National Woman Business Owner.

Ms. Lopez has achieved numerous recognitions, such as the “Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses in New Mexico” for the last 5 five years, NAWBO’s “Advocate of the Year” in 2006, NAWBO’s “Mentor of the Year” in 2004, YWCA’s “Women on the Move” honoree in 2005, Albuquerque Hispanic Chamber “Outstanding Small Business of the Year” in 2002, and Sandia National Lab’s “Supplier of the Year” in 2002. Other recognitions include a Minority Enterprise Development Award in 2000, “Outstanding Business and Entrepreneur of the Year” in 1997 by the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, and “Small Business of the Year” Nominee from the Rio Grande Minority Purchasing Counsel.

Ms. Lopez’s philosophy is serving her community with the skills and knowledge she has gained through personal and professional experiences. She supports other women and small business owners by mentorship, advice, and leadership. Ms. Lopez is active on numerous boards, including NAWBO (Board and Platinum member), EDCD, Women Impacting Public Policy (National Partner), Women Entrepreneur, Job Service Employer Connection (State Treasurer), Albuquerque Commerce and Industry (Treasurer) , Junior Achievement (Board Member), Hispanic Woman Council (past Board Member for 4 years), Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico (Board Member, 4 years), and Albuquerque Economic Development Ambassador. Furthermore, she is involved in many other organizations such as Women in Communication, New Mexico 8(a) & Minority Business Association, American Marketing Association, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., NAFE, and the American Business Women’s Association, Albuquerque – High Noon Chapter.

Ms. Lopez and COMPA Industries have always supported other educational, small business programs in sponsorships like “ Meet the Press”, Federal Dollars for Women Business Owners, Sparx Lorenzo Antonio Scholarship, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Industries, Fundacion Educativa Mexicana de Nuevo Mexico, BNI- conference, and Northern New Mexico Small Business Alliance, to name a few. Her company also supports different youth groups.

Edna continues to be involved in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. She is a foundering member and treasurer for the El Paso Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Foundation, an annual scholarship that has distributed over $40,000 to underprivileged students for the past nine years. She continues to be a member of the 8(a), Government contracting Association of El Paso and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Lopez has five sons, David, Daniel, Armando, Michael and Samuel; three sons live in Albuquerque and the other two live in California. She loves to spend her spare time with her nine grandchildren, four of which live in Albuquerque.

Email Edna
Visit Edna’s web site

Corporate Partner Eventsby Amy Zampella

New Mexico Business Weekly; is sponsoring the 2nd annual Business Resource Seminars — TAKING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL; — a half-day program packed with lessons & advice for small to mid size business management and those who want to network with them. The seminars will be held on Monday, October 23, 2006 from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm at the University of New Mexico SUB (Student Union Building) in Albuquerque.

SESSION A – (9:00AM – 10:00AM — Select from the following workshops) Brent Tiano, Grubb & Ellis – Finding Real Estate; Carol Robinson, Robinson Business Strategies – Business Fraud Prevention; Joe Merlino – Premiere Sales Development – Sales Strategies;

SESSION B – (10:15AM – 11:15AM — Select from the following workshops) Grant Thornton – Finding a CPA; Technology Ventures Corp. – Marketing Tips; NM Health Care Alliance, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, & Insure New Mexico – Health Care.

11:30 – 1:30 – Lunch & Panel Discussion led by David Wolf, SmallBiz America. Panel includes Roby Wallace (the E-Myth Principles and More!) — Matt Rix (Competitive Intelligence as applied to small business survival) — Mary Ellen Merrigan (Branding and loyalty and how they impact business)

Cost for the 2 workshops and lunch is $40 for print subscribers and $45 for all others & at the door. There will be a limited number of tickets available on the day of the event.

There will also be a limited number of display tables available for $250 each and includes 1 ticket to the event. For more details, please contact Kimberly Holmes at 505-348-8307 or email Kimberly. Only 15 tables available.

Event Sponsors: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, NM Health Insurance Alliance, and Insure New Mexico.

Register online for Taking Your Business to the Next Level.

Second NM NAWBO Chapter: Becoming More of a Reality than a Dream

The Chapter in Formation Committee (CIF) is moving at full speed in forming another NM NAWBO Chapter. The first and most important step is to identify 5 women owned businesses (WOB) in the Las Cruces/El Paso corridor to join the CIF Steering Committee. If you have know of any WOB’s please email Elke Wunderlich their names, telephone numbers and addresses.

Thank you for supporting this exciting opportunity to bring NAWBO to Southern NM.
The CIF Committee

NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings

NAWBO UPTOWN Satellite
Breakfast Meeting
the SECOND Wednesday of every month

When: >October 11, 2006
7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Where: Le Peep Restaurant
2125 Louisiana NE (South of Pier One)
SW corner of Indian School & Louisiana
881-7272

Guest Speaker: A 10 minute presentation by fellow NAWBO and Board Member Barbara Dawson, of Balancing Life and Work. The topic is “Balancing Life and Work vs Consumption of Life and Work”

NAWBO WESTSIDE Satellite
Breakfast Meeting
the FIRST Wednesday of every month

When: >November 1, 2006
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 Jean Gibson on “Developing a Business Plan for Growth and Profitability.”

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)

Please RSVP by emailing Julie Epling or call her at 881-1700.

Renewing NAWBO-NNM Members

Denise Baker
President/CFO
D.R.B Electric, Inc.
3601 Second Street SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105-0328
Phone: (505) 877-8500
Cell: (505) 228-8343
Fax: (505) 873-8229
Email Denise
Visit Denise’s web site
Established Business Owner

Electrical Contractor with an emphasis on commercial, industrial, and residential electrical, integrated technologies with 24 hour On-Call service.

Jane Blume
Owner/Principal
Desert Sky Communications
13401 Circulo Largo NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112-3765
Phone: (505) 980-1874
Fax: (505) 275-8171
Email Jane
Visit Jane’s web site
Established Business Owner

A broad range of services to help businesses and non-profits “get the right messages to the right audiences.”

Margaret Branch
Attorney At Law
Branch Law Firm
2025 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104-2525
Phone: (505) 243-3500
Fax: (505) 243-3534
Email Margaret
Visit Margaret’s web site
Established Business Owner

Medical Malpractice Attorney.

D’Ann Brown
Branch Manager
Brown, Alcantar & Brown, Inc.
3211 University Blvd SE, Suite #B-1
Albuquerque, NM 87106-5604
Phone: (505) 244-1415
Fax: (505) 244-1409
Email D’Ann
Visit D’Ann’s web site
Established Business Owner

Through our worldwide network of Alliances, we can bring complete logistical support, integrated domestic transportation, warehousing and management, complete Customs Broker services, as well as special programs tailored to meet individual needs.

Diane Cannon
President
Cannon’s Sweet Hots
PO Box 20879
Albuquerque, NM 87154-0879
Phone: (505) 294-7018
Toll Free: 877-630-7026
Fax: (505) 292-4581
Email Diane
Visit Diane’s web site
Established Business Owner

Cannon’s Sweet Hots – specialty chile products and gift baskets

Jennifer Dunstan
Owner
Jennifer Dunstan Communications
2308 Calle de Sancho NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104-3022
Phone: (505) 247-2868
Fax: (505) 247-2868
Email Jennifer
Visit Jennifer’s web site
Emerging Business Owner

Full-service public relations providing small to medium-size businesses with communications strategies to boost sales, build awareness, and achieve their priority objectives.

Nettie Richter
Agent
Prudential Preferred Financial Services
6501 Americas Pkwy NE
Suite 330
Albuquerque, NM 87110-5375
Phone: (505) 881-1111 ext. 7281
Fax: (505) 883-9092
Email Nettie
Established Business Owner

Personal financial planning, Planning for business owners life, insurance, mutual funds, & benefits for employees.

Kris Roy
Physical Therapist
Something’s Moving, Inc.
3827 San Isidro St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107-2823
Phone: (505) 255-2203
Fax: 505-298-7224
Email Kris
Visit Kris’s web site
Established Business Owner

Amy Zampella
Licensed Massage Therapist
Heartline Wellness Center, Inc.
1201 Eubank Blvd NE, Suite 2
Albuquerque, NM 87112-5386
Phone: (505) 255-2203
Cell: 505-280-8589
Fax: (505) 298-7224
Email Amy
Visit Amy’s web site
Established Business Owner

Individually tailored therapeutic massage for stress relief, injury rehab, and well-being. Pregnancy, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, and swedish massage. Nationally certified.

Community Dev. Committee – Quarterly Silent Auctions & Mentoring

The NAWBO fundraising policy has been broadened so that young women may attend more than one dinner meeting with NAWBO underwriting the expense. The Community Development Committee is networking with educational institutions to find students who can benefit from mentoring. If you have someone to recommend, please email Ann Allsbury or contact any other member of the committee.

Quarterly silent auctions will benefit the philanthropic fund, and the first auction will be on November 15. We need donations valued at $50 or more. Forms with more information are available on the website. This will be a good way to promote your business or an associate’s business. This is also a good time to purchase holiday gifts. Items that usually sell well include dinners, tickets to events, rounds of golf, sports memorabilia, hotel and vacation packages, airline tickets, jewelry and unusual clothing items, spa services, and original artwork.

Income from these auctions will underwrite dinners for young women we are mentoring and other community-related activities concerning women. However, please remember that until we have our 501©(3) status, these donations are not tax deductible as donations. See your accountant about charging them to marketing expenses. We hope to have our 501©(3) status early next year.

Change in Standing Reservations for Monthly Meetings

Chapter members and Corporate partners may enroll for standing reservations at the monthly meetings on-line or via email only. Online sign-up for standing RSVPs is accessed by clicking the Events tab, then the link in the teal sub nav panel that says Standing RSVP or by using this direct link.

If you wish to review the policy changes in it’s entirety, click here and scroll down to Standing Reservations.

Sedona or Bust – by Mary Rutland

It amazes me that over a month ago, Sandy Cody, your President, and I were in Sedona doing the ‘NAWBO talk’ with eleven other NAWBO leaders from the Southwest! How time flies!!! This was a great experience for me in many ways: meeting such fine women, talking ideas that worked for others, learning the changes coming our way from NAWBO National, and sharing our dreams, hopes and aspirations for our chapters. A special time for me and I thank you for the opportunity.

So what did I bring back? Most important was an impression, a feeling of connectedness with other leaders and an energy that can so easily be shared.

I am excited about the changes on the National level. This is a great opportunity for our local NAWBO members to get involved and have a voice in the future of the organization as a whole. There are many opportunities for you to consider regarding the Forums that are available to everyone. These Forums will be making the future recommendations to the National Board and all are encouraged to participate. That involves phone conferences—some are monthly, others quarterly. Even if you do not take on a task (I hope you will), you will stay informed and alert to the events and opportunities. Watch the emails regarding these opportunities.

And did we get ideas! Sandy mentioned several in her recent letter. Me being new to the process, I was really concentrating of the overall picture. However, one project—a huge one—was very impressive to me. That was the ‘Women Empowering Employment for Disenfranchised Women.’ It involved mentors, social services, coaches, financial planners, educational opportunities, cosmetic advisors, hair dressers, resume builders and interviewing coaches, clothing coaches, and on and on. Can you imagine how these women felt at the end of the day? Can’t you see how many of our members could contribute to that and make a big difference for so many women who desperately need our help? We are so lucky to be where we are in our careers and we should have a need to share our expertise with other women who are less fortunate.

Alternative revenue streams were discussed—such as a woman business owner giving NAWBO members the opportunity to use their products with a portion of the profits going to the organization to create a revenue stream for the organization. (Might help keep the costs down—right?)

Awards banquets seem to be very popular around the Southwest for NAWBO organizations and have become good money makers as well as great publicity and opportunities to network and develop relationships.

And I could go on….however, I want to share one last thing. I hear over and over from these ladies that many members feel that they don’t get the referrals they expected when they joined NAWBO. Well, we all agreed on the following: referrals will come from relationships. If you just come to the dinners and don’t make appointments with others afterward, no, the referrals may not come. You need relationships most of all. NAWBO is a beginning, not an end. To develop these relationships, get involved. Join committees and you will see a difference over time. And this is true all over the Southwest in all NAWBO communities.

Stay tuned. Stay involved. Stay focused. And stay connected though NAWBO!
Mary Rutland, President-Elect

“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

Training and Business Resources Committee Sets Date for First Seminar – October 24

The Training and Business Resources Committee is proud to announce that we will have our first seminar for the year on October 24 from 11:30 to 3:30. Please mark the date on your calendar. The topics will relate to marketing which was the most requested subject of last year’s survey. Lunch will not be mystery chicken but petite filet or a wonderful vegetarian meal. Please watch for the announcement of our speakers in the next week.

Carol Robinson, Director
Training and Business Resource Committee

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