September 2007 Newsletter

You can download the full version in PDF: nawbonm-news-2007-9.pdf (PDF;141K)

The President’s Corner – Mary Rutland
Program – Wednesday, Sept. 19th – Why Get Certified? by Erika Williams
Platinum Profile – Sandy Cody
New Members – Belinda Pierce, Cynthia Loehr and Debra Chase
Renewing Members
National Board of Director 2008 Nominations
NAWBO-NNM Public Policy Committee – Healthcare Position
Economic Development Update: Forum, Corporate Partner Reception and Top T.E.N.
Three NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings

The President’s Corner

Did you know:

NAWBO is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses. There are chapters of NAWBO in almost every metropolitan area. NAWBO is represented in 40 countries across the world through its affiliation with Les Femmes Chefs d’ Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs).

NAWBO Greater Pittsburgh is the first NAWBO chapter to have a City Council-designated annual NAWBO Day! NAWBO Day in Pittsburgh will celebrate the achievements of NAWBO, the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, and the larger community of women entrepreneurs in the Greater Pittsburgh area. (Anyone interested in tackling that here?)

Check out the NAWBO National website to see about the National NAWBO Conference to be held in Phoenix next year—June 12-14. The hotel is the Biltmore and the cost is very good—$169.00 a night. Get a roommate and it is half! It would be wonderful to have 20 or 30 of our members go. The experience of women supporting women is really exhilarating. I encourage everyone to seriously think about attending. We could rent vans and go as a group! Just imagine………

We are looking at a luncheon for our next meeting. I hope you can attend. Come around 11:15 to pay ($22.00 for members) and serve yourself (buffet). I will start the meeting at 11:45 sharp! We will have no Spot Lights. Check out the speaker. This will be great information for us as women business owners.

On a personal note, I have been asked by many how my presidency is going. I want you to know it is going very well. The Board is very hard working and responsive. Everyone cares about the organization and the women who belong to NAWBO. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your president. We will be trying new things as the year goes on. I hope you made an appointment to meet with a NAWBO business owner to get to know her better sometime in this month. My experiences have been wonderful.

Please give me ideas you may be interested in pursuing in the coming year and we will see if we can make it happen!

Thank you for your continued support.

Mary Rutland, President, 2006-2007

Program – Wednesday, September 19th – Why Get Certified? Presented by Erika Williams

We meet in La Ventana Room at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Lomas, just west of I-25.
La Ventana Room is located just off the hotel’s main lobby.

10:30 a.m. Mix ‘n Mingle
11:20 a.m. – 1 p.m. Buffet Lunch & Program

Why Get Certified? Presented by Erika Williams

More than 500 national private sector corporations recognize Women’s Business Council-Southwest (WBCS) Certification, and many corporations and government entities require certification before they can extend a contract to a woman business owner.

At our September 19th Lunch Meeting Erika Williams, Certification Manager at WBCS, will discuss the certification process and how certification can benefit women business owners.

There is a growing demand by corporate and government entities for their suppliers to become certified. WBCS provides WBENC certification, the most widely recognized and respected certification in the United States for women business enterprises (WBE).At the end of the program, you will have insight about why corporations and goverment entities seek certification and will know how to take your business to the next level.

A native of Dallas, TX, Williams has been working for WBCS since 2001. She oversees the Certification Committee and manages all aspects of the certification process within the Soutwest region, from the initial applciation through final approval.

Spotlight Table – Farmers Insurance

This Month’s Menu:
Salad: Mixed Garden Greens
Regular Entreé: Herb Roasted Boneless Chicken
Vegetarian Entreé: Roasted Vegetables Tossed with Spiral Pasta
Dessert: Chef’s Selected Assortment

Advance Reservations Required by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 14

• 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 before the deadline.
• Meeting Cost: $22 members – $27 non-members
• RSVPs received after 5:00 pm on Friday, September 14, and “Walk-Ins”: $27 members – $32 non-members
• Cancellations after 5:00 pm on Friday, September 14, and “No Shows” will be invoiced.

Platinum Profile – Sandy Cody

There’s a big celebration happening in Sandy Cody’s world this month. Her company, Resources for Excellence, is proud to announce ten years in business. The company celebrated by purchasing their own office building located on Lomas between Tramway and Juan Tabo.

Sandy and her husband/partner Rick Draker are thrilled to have finally moved the business out of their home. They report great productivity in the new office suite and work with businesses, non-profits and government agencies that are concerned about developing effective people and processes, attaining efficient performance and building growing profits. Their services include organizational analysis (systems, processes, and operations), corporate restructuring, quality improvement, and extensive human resource management. They have two employees.

The other exciting announcement for the company is a new division called the Institute for Applied Business Practices. They expect kickoff in the next few months. The Institute will focus on hands-on process and procedures for any phase of business. As Sandy mused “Traditionally business owners spend a great deal of time on theory in business classes; we see a need for training in actual implementation.” The classes will cover topics ranging from standard operating procedures, forms, and training to financial and even legal issues. The faculty will draw from business owners with specialties in strategic planning, project management, human resources, etc. Classes will be a minimum of four hours and may be held in series for certain topics. The model will benefit companies that need to send multiple employees, as Resources for Excellence can repeat classes during the same week or even the same day.

Sandy was recently appointed to the National Nomination Committee for the NAWBO Board of Directors. She will serve as the Southwest Representative on the five person committee for the 2008/2009 National Board. She will travel to Washington, DC in January 2008 for the final candidate interviews. Sandy is excited to be a part of this committee, especially since it is a new “open” process for NAWBO. The Chapter is so proud to see more of our members involved at a national level.

We wish Sandy the best of luck with Resources for Excellence’s new division – it can only take her to greater heights professionally and personally.

Contact Sandy at:
505-323-1415
fax 505-323-1418
e-mail Sandy
Visit Sandy’s web site

——-Amy Zampella

New Members

Belinda Pierce
Owner
Image Impressions
13809 Camellia Ct. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 291-9243
fax (505) 291-9133
e-mail Belinda
Visit Belinda’s web site
Image Impressions is an image and fashion consulting firm. Belinda helps both men and women transform their career wardrobe or personal style with an image makeover. She specializes in color analysis, body shape dressing, wardrobe planning, hair styling and makeup, along with professional fashion shopping.

Cynthia Loehr
Attorney
Lewis & Roca, LLP
201 Third Street, NW – Ste 1950
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-5422
fax (505) 764-5485
e-mail Cynthia
Visit Cynthia’s web site
Business law firm with transactions and litigation experience in broad range of areas. Leading business law firm in the SW with offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Reno and Albuquerque.

Debra Chase
Owner
Chase Insurance & Financial Services
7410 Montgomery NE – Ste 104
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 884-0391
fax (505) 830-1222
cell (505) 350-8710
e-mail Debra
Our agency provides sales, service and support for personal and business insurance to include auto, home, life, business, workers comp, health/dental. We are registered to sell and support investment products for IRA, 401K and personal financial goals.

Renewing Members

Ro Saavedra is moving on to other opportunities. So Donna Luke will be sending you an email if you are a renewing member. We will be looking for a picture, a one sentence description of your business and one sentence stating why you’re renewing your membership in NAWBO. We feel it’s important for newer members to get to know you. We heard back from Lynne this month.

Lynne Marcus
President
Marcus + Company
Marketing and Communications
6409 Sage Point Ct. NE
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-828-0222
e-mail Lynne
Visit Lynne’s web site
Marcus + Company develops effective marketing programs – including newsletters, collateral, events, awards and recognition programs, and public relations – to help clients get more visibility and recognition for their products and services.

Lynne’s Comments:
Marcus + Company helps companies build relationships and stay in touch with customers and prospects using email marketing. I am renewing my NAWBO membership because it is a great way to meet leading Albuquerque businesswomen.

Here are the other Renewing Members:

Diane Cannon
President
Cannon’s Sweet Hots
P.O. Box 20879
Albuquerque, NM 87154
(505) 294-7018
fax (505) 292-4581
e-mail Diane
Visit Diane’s web site
Cannon’s Sweet Hots speciality chile products and gift baskets.

Mamie Chan
Optometrist
Eye Care For You, PC
5341 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 821-8333
fax (505) 821-8334
e-mail Mamie
Full service primary eye care – eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses, treatment of eye diseases, vision therapy, orthokeratology, low vision, pediatrics, occupational vision, sports vision.

Patricia Chavez
President/Consultant
PLC Enterprises
705 Vista Abajo Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 275-7261
fax (505) 275-7241
e-mail Patricia
Over 20 years of diversified experience. Specializing in corporate relations, community relations, special event management/planning, legislative/government relations, youth and non-profit development, organizational & program management.

Sandy Cody
Owner & President
Resources for Excellence, Inc.
PO Box 52018
Albuquerque, NM 87181
505-323-1415
fax 505-323-1418
e-mail Sandy
Visit Sandy’s web site
Management consultation including Operations and Human Resources, Project Management, Leadership and Organizational Development.

Julee Loera
Vice President
Overhead Door Co of Albuquerque
3820 Academy Parkway North NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 344-3667
fax (505) 345-2190
e-mail Julee

Carole Petranovich
President
Computer Corner Inc.
4410 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-2333
fax (505) 881-1300
e-mail Carole
Visit Carole’s web site

Nettie Richter
Registered Representative
Prudential Preferred Financial Services
6501 Americas Pkwy NE Ste 330
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-1111 ext. 7281
fax (505) 883-9092
e-mail Nettie
Personal financial planning, Planning for business owners life, insurance, mutual funds, & benefits for employees.

Carol Robinson
Executive Officer/CPS, DFE, MBA, EA
Robinson Business Strategies, LLC
2900 Louisiana Blvd. NE – Ste K-1
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 291-1120
fax (505) 237-2570
e-mail Carol
Visit Carol’s web site
Keeping your business in business. Services include fraud prevention for small to medium sized companies, fraud investigations, litigation support, profitability and efficiency consulting, accounting system support, and tax preparation and planning.

Angie Thurman
Independent Distributor
Premier Designs Jewelry
7220 Minuteman Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 550-6115
fax (505) 821-1768
e-mail Angie
Visit Angie’s web site

Mae Yee
Member/Owner
Mae S. Yee, CPA, LLC
1417 Cardenas Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 232-4111
(505) 299-9443
e-mail Mae
Do you want to spend more time doing what you do best – promoting your business? Let me help you save time and money by keeping you updated on accounting and tax issues.

Amy Zampella
Licensed Massage Therapist
Heartline Wellness Center, Inc.
1201 Eubank Blvd NE – Suite 2
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 255-2203
fax (505) 298-7224
e-mail Amy
Visit Amy’s web site
Individually tailored therapeutic massage for stress relief, injury rehab, and well-being. Pregnancy, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, and swedish massage. Nationally certified.

Editor’s Correction:
Last month we showed an incorrect email for Kirsten Cobb and missed her zip code. We apologize.

Kirsten Cobb
President
Control Alt Delete, Inc.
PO Box 35937
Albuquerque, NM 87176
(505) 262-1897
e-mail Kirsten
Visit Kirsten’s web site

National Board of Director 2008 Nominations

The National Board Nominations Committee will soon be soliciting names for the 2008 slate of officers; this is an opportunity for us to play a significant role in participating in the future of NAWBO. Within the next couple weeks an a call for names will be made throughout the organization; if you are interested or know of someone you would like the committee to consider, please be watching for the announcement or let me know and I will send you the necessary forms in which to make a formal nomination.

We have so many wonderfully talented members in the SW Region; I know we can nominate at least one person if not several. Stay tuned for more information.

Sandy Cody, Past President
NNM-NAWBO

NAWBO-NNM Public Policy Committee – Healthcare Position

How often do we hear disgruntlement or even cries about the deplorable state of healthcare in New Mexico? The dissatisfaction comes from almost every sector of the economy: business, government, non-profits, providers, insurers, employers, employees, the uninsured. And the complaints touch on almost every aspect of the healthcare delivery system: quality, access, cost.

As a NAWBO member, I find fellow business owners more concerned about the rising cost of health care and health insurance than any other single issue. We have been coping with premium increases in double digits for the last several years, but we don’t believe that these increases have led to better health outcomes for our employees. We know that as health insurance costs rise, fewer employers offer this benefit to their employees—or pass on more of the cost to the employee—which, in turn, leads to even higher insurance premiums as more people fall into the ranks of the uninsured.

According to a study conducted at Boston University School of Public Health, 87% of all healthcare decisions must be made by a physician. With few exceptions, they are the ones who diagnose problems, order tests, write prescriptions, provide referrals and perform surgery. Yet the supply of doctors is artificially constrained and dangerously low. Medical school admissions have effectively capped the number of physicians. In New Mexico, the current doctor shortage is between 342 and 520, but the University of New Mexico Medical School has admitted about 75 students per class for the last 30 years. Exacerbating this physician shortage is the fact that attempts to limit the allowed scope of practice of potential competitors such as physicians’ assistants, pharmacists, midwives and chiropractors have largely been successful.

The effects of the non-competitive nature of the healthcare sector of our economy are obvious: while other businesses have been investing in information technology advancements, healthcare hasn’t felt the same urgency to utilize state of the art automation. In the United States, we spend 25-30% of every healthcare dollar on administration and profit while most other industrialized nations spend about 10%. The World Health Organization ranks the US at 37th in the world for healthcare quality, but we spend 53% more per capita than any other industrialized country. Comparative information on providers regarding quality and outcomes is not available to consumers of healthcare services. Incentives for drug companies, lawyers and doctors to decrease costs are almost non-existent.

For more than a decade, various groups have come together to try, yet again, to craft solutions to shortcomings in what is a highly complex system. The most recent in a series of state government attempts at solutions in New Mexico is the Health Coverage for New Mexico task force appointed by Governor Richardson. The group was charged with examining various “model” health care systems to determine which are worthy of further in-depth, cost analysis and comparative study. The task force chose three models to examine. They then selected a consultant to perform the study. The governor has decided that, rather than accepting any of the models studied by the consultant, he will propose a “hybrid” system to the next legislative session in January. The NAWBO Public Policy committee is currently reviewing a draft of this proposal and will have more to say about it soon.

What is NAWBO’s vision for healthcare in New Mexico? First we believe that, to be successful, any new healthcare system must re-introduce competition. Open up the medical field to qualified, trained non-physicians. Increase the supply of healthcare professionals by increasing the enrollment in healthcare professional degree programs as required to meet the need. Provide incentives for graduates to stay and practice in New Mexico. The rural nature of our state is one challenge we face in attracting healthcare professionals, but a second, maybe even more important hurdle is the lack of opportunity to practice medicine in an entrepreneurial environment. Stop assuming that employers should be responsible for purchasing healthcare insurance. Consumers, rather than their employers, are better able to decide what they need if they have access to reliable, comprehensive, understandable information about quality and price. Move toward universal coverage to end the cost shifting that results from a huge portion of our population being uninsured, but do not accomplish this through mandates on employers to fund healthcare for their employees. Finally, providers of healthcare must adopt interoperable information technology designed to prevent medical and prescription errors, measure outcomes, ensure that “best practices” are followed, allow individuals access to their personal medical records, disclose the quality and cost of services and drugs and inform of treatment options.

We need a new healthcare system in New Mexico if we are to move forward as a vibrant, prosperous state. NAWBO-NNM’s public policy committee stands ready to further that goal.

Robin Dozier Otten
Director, Public Policy

Economic Development Update: Forum, Corporate Partner Reception and Top T.E.N.

Free Membership for 2008! Corporate Partner Recruitment Contest ends on September 30! Minimum of two Copper Partners.

The Economic Forum was rolled out this year. The forum will provide presentations, discussions and information on:

• Procurement: Match women business owners with major corporate and government contracts.
• Capital: Match women-owned businesses with sources of capital to help them grow.

Our first event will be in October, we are now in the process of confirming details for a one hour lunch or breakfast: Guide to Doing Business with the Federal Government – 12 Step Program for Success, NM Small Business Administration

Our Corporate Partner Reception will be on October 17 prior to our dinner meeting.

NAWBO-NNM is a supporting organization for this event.
Top T.E.N. (Trends, Education and Networking) Events give you information on current trends in business as well as an opportunity for quality networking with women business owners and corporate purchasing representatives.

When: Thursday, September 20, 2007
Time: 4:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m. MST
Where: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown Hotel
2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

Click here to register online or copy and paste the link below onto your browser.

Please join the dynamic Economic Development committee. We recruit Corporate Partners (great opportunity to meet with large and small Businesses), formulate ideas and plans on programs to assist “Small Women Owned Business” (meet and work with SBA, GSA, Small Business Development Centers, SNL, Women’s Business Council, Southwest and many more organizations). We meet monthly at a place that is convenient to the committee. If you are interested, please contact Debbie Maestas-Traynor, Maestas Consulting, 980.5508.

– by Debbie Maestas-Traynor Economic Development

Three NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings

Why: Establish relationships, network, share business-building tips in an intimate casual NAWBO group, and experience the added benefit of being part of a powerful group of New Mexico business owners.

NAWBO-NNM WESTSIDE Satellite Breakfast Meeting

the FIRST Wednesday of every month
When: October 3, 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

Please e-mail Lisa Godin an RSVP or call her at 898-7235

NAWBO-NNM UPTOWN Satellite Breakfast Meeting

the SECOND Wednesday of every month
When:,October 10, 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

Program: A 10 minute presention

Please e-mail Lynda Turner an RSVP or call her at 855-5126

NAWBO-NNM SANTA FE Satellite Breakfast Meeting

The SECOND Thursday of every month

When: October 11, 2007 from 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: Zia Diner, 326 S Guadalupe (between Aztec and Montezuma), Santa Fe 505-988-7008
Guest Speaker: A 10-minute presentation

Please e-mail Debbie Steg an RSVP or call her at 505-920-7141

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.)

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

Nancy Ullery
Heartland New Mexico
440-9586
Email Nancy

back to top ↑