President’s Message
Dear BPW Members:
It’s now been three months since my Presidency began in May 2011 and I want to share with you my experience so far.
My first thought is to say Thank You to all the members who have allowed me the opportunity to lead such a fantastic organization with incredible women and professional leaders within our community. I am astounded each month as I look around the meeting room and see such powerful and inspirational women. I am so proud to be a part of BPW/Tallahassee.
My second thought is how fortunate I am to work beside an extraordinary team of women who dedicate their time to the BPW Executive Committee. I have been on other Boards and participated in many business projects that require small groups to work together to accomplish a common goal. Never have I experienced a group that is so united and efficient in all that comes their way. A special thank you to Laura Reeves; President Elect, Gail Dixon; Vice President, Rebecca Deen; Treasurer, Kathleen Hampton; Secretary and Deanna Mims; Immediate Past President.
My final thought to share is how much I have personally and professionally gained by volunteering for an Officer position. It was never my intent four years ago to hold such a position. Although I had great admiration for both Past Presidents Yolanda Miranda-Hill and Christy Crump, I felt insecure in my knowledge of the organization and was fearful of the time commitment it appeared to take out of their already busy lives. After serving on a few Committees and then listening to those around me who encouraged me to step forward, I took a leap of faith and accepted the nomination of President-Elect 2010–2011, which led me to my current position as President.
I can’t say thank you enough for the push and confidence you all gave to me and the rewards of knowledge and inspiration have far outweighed the insecurities I once felt. I would encourage each of you to seize the opportunity and participate in any one of our many Committees for as little or as much time as you can spare and reap the benefits of your membership.
Speaking of membership benefits, the appointed Board of Directors held its annual Retreat in June at the lovely home of Laura Reeves. Aside from the ice breaker games and enormous amount of delicious food catered by BPW member Laura Williams, we actually accomplished quite a bit during the “jam packed” agenda. Although our local organization (LO) is young in formation, we have grown each year in membership and in the ability to contribute to our community. The Board will soon publish a new membership packet listing all the wonderful BPW member benefits and a directory of our members and their businesses.
In addition to offering more to our members, BPW is becoming a well known sponsor of key events in the Tallahassee area. Three of our upcoming signature events are Back to Business on August 27, 2011, Divas & Desserts on December 8, 2011, and Support the Girls breast cancer fundraising campaign in early 2012. During this past February’s event, BPW raised the most money within the BPW State of Florida overall. In addition to raising awareness, one of our own Tallahassee residents was a recipient of a check to help her with unexpected expenses due to the overwhelming financial strain a diagnosis such as breast cancer impacts a life. All of these events just signify how much BPW/Tallahassee is a vital part of the community and an essential part of our lives as Business Professional Women.
Look for more exciting news and publications to come and we always encourage your input and feedback to help us IMPROVE our organization, INVEST in our community, and INVITE others to experience the benefits of BPW/Tallahassee.
With sincere gratitude,
Marcy Collins
Business Professional Women Tallahassee
President_2011-2012
Message from the BPW Florida President