Ventura County Professional Women’s Network
April - May 2006
Promoting the professional and personal growth of Ventura County women through education, mutual support, and sharing of resources
VCPWN
These dates are
closer than they
appear!
Meetings
Calendar
Location:
Wedgewood Banquet Center
5880 Olivas Park Dr. Ventura
Thursday, April 13
Dr. Debra Mandel
Creating Healthy Boundaries
Thursday, May 11
Leslie Marshall
The News Behind the News
Thursday, June 8
Program TBA
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner, with networking
continuing at 6:30
Program 7:15
Adjourn 8:45
VCPWN Board of Directors
Meetings
All members are welcome to
attend:
Monday, April 24
Monday, May 22
Monday, June 26
Location:
Courtyard by Marriott
600 East Esplanade Dr., Oxnard
6:00 p.m.
Dinner and meeting
What could they create as a group
that would continue to serve
VCPWN, they asked themselves?
Ahoy, the Navigators!
Currently, there are close to
One skilled in plotting a
thirty
names in this group
course/an explorer
who
are
listed in your DirecAs the years went by
tory,
along
with their misfor VCPWN, it became
sion
state
ment:
To keep
apparent that there were
VCPWN’s
orig
i
nal
vision alive;
many members who continto
be
a
re
source
for
all
mem
bers; to asued to support the organization. A
sist
in
the
de
vel
op
ment
of
board
memcoalescing of these members occurred
bers,
and
to
have
fun.
a few years back, and the interest, exAny one of these members is very
citement and support were amazing.
ap
proach
able and willing to discuss
What brought these women together
any
is
sue
that is of concern to
was their dedication to an organizaVCPWN
or
its members. These
tion they dearly loved. The initial diswomen
are
the
‘givers’ and will lend
cussions centered around ways they
a
hand
when
called
to do so. We
could continue to support VCPWN
want
you,
the
in
di
vid
ual, and the orwhen they, collectively, had already
ga
ni
za
tion,
VCPWN,
to
succeed in
given in every conceivable way,
ev
ery
way
possible.
through membership support, servNote: Any 15-year continuous
ing on the board, volunteering for evmem
ber is welcome to join the Naviery committee, helping, encouraging,
ga
tors.
advising, suggesting, etc.
Gwenlyn Norton, Artist
VCPWN
Navigators
As of June 1, 2005, the VCPWN Navigators were comprised of these fabulous
women:
Linda Cameron
Sheri Ann Cate
Merle DiVita
Kay Faulconer-Boger
Susan H. Gary
Gail Elizabeth Graham
Nancy V. Gregg
Linda Locke
Nancy Maxwell
Gwenlyn Lee Norton
Priscilla Partridge de Garcia
Wahneta Poteet
Ann Marie Stuart
Bonnie M. Warrington
Tessa Albert Weeks
Charlotte Werner-Gesling
Mary Ann Zinn
Norma Zuber
If you need advice, the Navigators are there to answer your questions and
guide you on your course. Don’t be afraid to approach them. We will be introducing many of them at upcoming meetings. Navigator Bonnie Warrington is
currently recovering from a serious fall, so please hold her in your thoughts. Get
well soon, Bonnie!
Page 2
.
VCPWN Focal Points
Maura Raffensperger has been my
support throughout my presidency.
She has helped to guide me and to
make me feel confident in my decisions. Without Maura my time as president would not have been such a
The end of my 1 ½ year term is
wonderful experience. Thank you,
drawing near. I can look back at my
Maura, for everything that you have
experiences with quite a bit of fonddone for me!
ness. I am extremely proud of my
Laureen Lazzaro has done an aweboard and all that they have accomsome
job as Director of Membership.
plished for the group. We have been a
She
has
not only greatly helped to
very cohesive and hard-working
bring
in
new members, she has
board, but have also had good times
worked
hard
to try to achieve the best
together.
mem
ber
re
ten
tion possible. Thank you,
Shirley Lorraine has proven to be an
Laureen,
for
your
dedication and hard
excellent Vice President. She has alwork.
ways been there when I have needed
Pam Vos recently joined us as Diher and has created great programs for
rec
tor of Mentoring. She joined with
our monthly meetings. Thank you
gusto!
Pam has a marvelous mentoring
Shirley for all that you have accompro
gram
planned which I hope that
plished for VCPWN during the past
you
all
take
advantage of. Thank you,
year.
Pam,
for
your
willingness to jump
I also want to thank Sue Gary and
right
in
and
help
out where needed.
Gina Gables for the awesome job that
Mary
Gabriels
has been our wonthey have both done on the silent aucder
ful
Di
rec
tor
of
Hospitality. She has
tions. The auctions have been fun and
al
ways
greeted
ev
ery
one with such a
extremely profitable for VCPWN.
smil
ing
face.
Thank
you,
Mary, for beWithout your hard work, the auctions
ing
some
one
I
could
count
on, and
never could have happened. Thank
some
one
who
is
spe
cial
to
me
for
you also to everyone who donated
many
reasons.
items and who purchased auction
Kathy Terry has done a great job as
items. I really appreciate your support
Di
rec
tor of Networking. She has
of our organization.
helped
to hook up our new members
Sue Gary has also had the tedious
with
ex
ist
ing members and has also
job of taking minutes at all of the
been
there,
helping out wherever
board meetings. She was accurate, foneeded.
Thank
you, Kathy, for a job
cused, and clear. Sue, you are amazwell
done.
ing! Thank you, Sue, for everything
And last, but not least of our board
that you do for VCPWN. It wouldn’t
mem
bers, Don Williams, our Member
be the same without you.
at
Large.
Don has contributed to our
Sheila Lowe has done an awesome
board
wher
ever needed. He attended
job making Focal Points more affordthe
board
meet
ings with a smile and
able for us. Focal Points has remained
en
thu
si
asm
for
the board, and for
interesting and useful, while transVCPWN.
Thank
you, Don, for being
forming to an online format. Thank
there,
and
being
you!
you, Sheila, for all of your hard work
Finally, thank you, Lana Antione,
and dedication.
for
your service as Director of Finance
Carrie Sharpshair has been an asset
dur
ing part of my term as President I
to this organization and to me more
know
that you worked hard. I apprecithan words can possibly say. If it
ate
all
of your efforts, and I enjoyed
needed to get done, Carrie did it.
work
ing
with you. Thank you, Leilani
Carrie worked thanklessly on the Web
Machado-Costello
for attending the
site and many other tasks. When the
board
meet
ings
and
for your ongoing
Director of Finance position opened
sup
port.
Your
pres
ence
at the board
up, she took that on too. Carrie, I don’t
meet
ings
meant
a
lot
to
me.
And last,
know how to thank you for how much
but
not
least,
thank
you
Marlene
you have made my life easier.
From the
President
April/July 2006
Hunau-Her
man for
jumping in
with both
feet and
helping to
plan our
“Girls Just
Want to
Have Fun”
fundraiser. Your attitude is awesome, your honesty is refreshing,
and your contribution is much
appreciated.
I am sure that I must have
missed people, so I want to thank
everyone for making my presidency such a wonderful experience. I look forward to getting to
know you all better in the years to
come!
Best regards, Alison Balter
www.infotech-partnerscom
Between the
Lines
What does VCPWN do for
you? Why do you attend meetings? Or, why don’t you attend
more often? Send your views for
publication (anonymous, if you
like!) and let us know what you
like and what you’d like to see
more of.
With this issue I complete one
year as editor of Focal Points. I’d
like to give a special Thank You
to Carol Leish, who has been a
great contributor with her meeting reviews. Thanks, Carol!
Looking forward to the year
ahead.
Sheila Lowe
Focal Points is
A quarterly publication of
Ventura County Professional
Women’s Network
Editor
Sheila Lowe
658-0109
[email protected]
Advertising Coordinator
Susan McRae
[email protected]
April/July 2006
Page 3
.
VCPWN Focal Points
First, acknowledge that it is a process. We don’t achieve success overnight in our professions and we’re not
going to achieve success overnight in
our “wellness” endeavors. I do, howIt’s everywhere you turn, in every
ever, suggest taking baby steps.
magazine you pick up, and in your
When I teach “The Wellness Club” at
mail box almost daily: Wellness. The
the gym we focus on implementing
term wellness is used to describe just
one new healthy change each week so
about everything these days and covas to not overwhelm anyone. Don’t try
ers a wide variety of topics. Physical
to do it all at once.
being, mental being, spiritual being, reBeginning today, think of the areas
lationships, you name it. It is “well”
that include wellness and pick one that
worth our time to consider this topic
you feel is a priority for you at the motoday and in upcoming newsletters.
ment. If you are under a lot of stress
First, let me ask you “Are you
perhaps getting some exercise that also
well?” The dictionary defines wellness
includes stretching & breathing for reas “The condition of good physical and
laxation. Perhaps you don’t feel well so
mental health, especially when maintained
you may want to improve a sloppy
by proper diet, exercise, and habits” I rediet with something more nutritious
cently read another definition of
that includes fibrous vegetables and
wellness as “…the dynamic process of
lean protein.
taking charge of your health and program- workaholism.
Take some active steps to get eduming yourself to attain optimal health and
In addition, we face conflicting decated and motivated towards wellness
well-being.”
mands and time pressures as we try to as a lifestyle. It is well worth the time
Whenever the topic of exercise or
juggle overlapping demands of earnand money invested! Remember, either
nutrition comes up in a conversation, I ing a living, participating in family life, make time for exercise or make time for illoftentimes get responses that indicate
going to meetings, not to mention all
ness!
feelings of guilt, frustration, avoidance, the other dozens of things that creep
Be Well!
or hopelessness. However, everyone
into our overly crowded lives.
Pam Vos - Owner, Forever Fit!
seems to want to feel better or look
So what do we do? I like the phrase www.foreverfitforwomen.com
better! Many women I speak to have
in the wellness definition “…the process
tried one diet or another, one program of taking charge.”
UPCOMING
or another and while they may have
some short term success, often cannot
maintain it and give up.
Many women, especially professional women, suffer from a variety of
lifestyle imbalances that make it difficult to start and maintain a wellness
program. These can include caffeine,
nicotine and alcohol addiction, obesity,
lack of exercise and compulsive
EVENTS
April
Dr. Debra Mandel is a licensed psychologist, author, and
columnist, with over twenty
years experience helping people
overcome adversity in their lives
and learn to thrive
Dr. Mandel will show us how
healthy boundaries can help
maintain healthy self-esteem and
prevent burn-out and stress so that
we end up with more to give back
to the rest of the world. And once
we do that, our own world becomes a much brighter and lighter
place.
Call to make reservations: 656-6011
May
Leslie Marshall has been a radio
talk host for over 17 years and a
pundit on national television for
the past 3 years. The youngest person ever to be nationally syndicated on radio when she replaced
Tom Snyder on the ABC Satellite Radio Network in 1992, s
she was also the first woman
to host an issues-oriented
program nationwide
Her topic: Who decides
what’s “news”, what really
happens on TV/radio, power
of media on your mind.
Page 4
.
VCPWN Focal Points
April/July 2006
VCPWN Spring Brunch -have you signed up yet?
When? Saturday May 6 - 11:00-1:00
Where? The Sidecar Restaurant at 3029
E. Main Street, Ventura
Why? It’s our annual fundraiser and an
opportunity to just relax and enjoy
ourselves!
Buffet brunch - mimosas - music, rafflex - vendors surprises...
It’s the weekend before Mother’s Day, so bring your friends, bring
your mom, and if you don’t have a mom, you can adopt one from Cypress Place (see Kathy Terry or Lisa Ross)!
Tickets are only $35 each. If you register by April 15 (hurry!) You’ll
receive 5 FREE raffle tickets! Register on the web site at
www.vcpwn.org -- click on Come to a Meeting, then click on the link
above the Brunch notice. For additional informatoin contact Marlene
Hunau Herman at [email protected]
New Website FAQs
password to you by clicking on the link entitled “click
here” after the words “Need or forgot your password.”
Our new website is up and running and
there have been a few glitches along the way,
but most everything has been worked
through. We are continually editing the pages
in order to provide you with instructions that
are clear as a bell. Should you have any problems at all, it is important to call and let me
(Carrie Sharpshair) know. Here are a few common questions/issues:
I can’t log on – what do I do?
In order to log on you will need a user
name and a password. Your user name is your
email address. If you’ve changed your primary email address, you won’t be able to log
in. Please call 866-275-4134 to update your
email address. Or you can send an email to us
at [email protected], and your email address
will be updated. Your password is originally generated
by the system and consists of a series of letters and numbers. This original password was sent to the email address on file. However, you can have the system send the
You will be prompted to enter your email address, and
then the system will send your password to you. After
entering your email address and password, you are connected!
Continued on page 10
April/July 2006
Candidate Statements
for 2006-2005 VCPWN
Board
Page 5
.
VCPWN Focal Points
Broadway. I have a B.A. in French (minor in Marketing)
from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a year spent
at the University of Bordeaux, France. What I am most looking forward to in my role as President Elect is finding and
bringing you more fabulous speakers. This membership is a
high-energy group of professionals eager to learn and apply new knowledge, and I plan to give you the proper stimulation to make that happen! Also exciting is the idea of
helping to shape VCPWN’s future, based largely on the desires of our talented membership. I look forward to serving
you.
Shirley Lorraine, Weekenders USA (President)
As VCPWN moves headlong into
new territory, it is my pleasure to be Ingrid Cabral-Ward, currently Lady of Leisure
nominated to serve as your leader for (Director of Membership)
the coming year. Our continuing
I am excited about the opportunity
and new members are special people
to serve on the Board of VCPWN.
indeed, all of whom make this orgaThis is truly a wonderful organizanization what it is. With the help of
tion and I’m committed to introducthis entire board, it is my plan to ining this organization to other
troduce new and creative thoughts as
professional women. The benefits
well as rekindle some sparks that
that come through networking are
have been waiting to be re-ignited.
countless and I will work to get
Many great strides forward have been taken over the past
more women involved in this orgayear and our momentum will continue to serve you, the
nization. Women helping women is
membership, as best we can. Your input is critical to our
what we are all about.
success so that we can be assured that the VCPWN is providing all that you need to stay involved. With your backDon Williams, Don Williams Insures (Director of Public
ing we have moved into the information technology age.
We have explored new ways to maintain our independence Relations)
As an Insurance Advisor specializand individuality from other networking groups. We coning in Home and Auto Insurance,
tinue to entice new members with our energy. Thank you
and in addition to being an Ambasso much for the support, encouragement and positive attisador with the Ventura Chamber of
tude everyone continues to exude. Watch out – this year
Commerce, I appreciate the imporwill be exciting and refreshing.
tance of Public Relations throughout Ventura County. I look forLisa Ross, Marketing Director, Cypress Place Senior Living
ward to communicating the value
(President-Elect)
and enjoyment of continuing as a
My work allows me to really
member of the Ventura County
stretch and explore. I subscribe to
Professional Women’s Network
the philosophy that “everyone is my
throughout
our
community.
teacher.” Working with seniors and
their families, as well as a wonderful
Carol Powell, Realtor, Troop Real Estate (Director of
team of professionals, allows me to
Networking)
learn something new every day.
I believe I will make a positive conWhile generally responsible for
tribution to VCPWN as the Director
making sure that our community is
of Networking.
full of happy residents, I have the
I have learned that networking is
pleasure and the privilege of getting
a
pos
itive way to build both busito know many seniors and their grown children. Helping
ness
and
personal relationships.
to facilitate what could be a difficult life transition for both
Any
one
can
be good at networking
the senior and his or her extended family–moving from a
if
they
make
the effort to learn the
house a person may have lived in for 60 years to a larger,
ba
sics,
and
then
develop the habit
community-style home–is my favorite part of what I do. It’s
of
net
work
ing
as
part of your daily
also the reason why I plan to spend the rest of my working
rou
tine.
It
is
es
sen
tial that we be
days fulfilling this need.
gen
u
ine
in
our
networking
efforts.
Before working with the senior population, I’ve worked
Strong qualifications I bring to this position:
as a Director with Jenny Craig International, and also in
store management and buying for Target Stores and The
Page 6
.
VCPWN Focal Points
New Slate Continued… Carol Powell
April/July 2006
for the board and the opportunity to serve a great
organization!
20 years as a commercial property manager with major
focus on building high quality tenant relationships; i.e., net- Marlene Hunau-Herman, New Act Travel (Director of
working.
Special Projects)
I was principal member of starting up my BNI group
Travel is my passion, travel is
three years ago, which, of course, is all about networking. I
my business. I have been a travel
work as a real estate agent. I depend on referral business of
consultant for 22 years. My main
former clients, and business and personal contacts, to defocus is the corporate traveler. As a
velop my continuing client base for new business. In other
natural extension I also arrange
words, networking. I would like to work towards bringing
their leisure and holiday travel. I
more focus to networking efforts within the VCPWN memam an independent contractor with
bership. I believe we could increase our business referrals
New Act Travel. Their membership
within the group in a positive way, thereby benefitting the
in Virtuoso, a Travel Consortium
membership overall.
(membership is by election) gives
me access to specialists and on-sites throughout the world
Mary Gabriels, Weekenders (Director of Hospitality)
to assist my clients with their travel requirements.
My name is Mary Gabriels and my As Director of Special Projects, I have several ideas that I
business is “Weekenders” The
hope will bring the group together, where we can meet,
Clothes You Love to Live In! Easy
share or develop friendship, and make money for VCPWN.
wear, Easy care, Mix and Match!
We all work very hard and wear many hats at once! I truly
Born in The Netherlands, 21 years in believe that Girls Wanna Have Fun! And make money at
the USA
the same time.
Ventura County Professional
Women’s Network encourages mem- Pam Vos, Owner, Forever Fit! (Director of Mentoring)
bers to get involved. As a Board
I am the owner of Forever Fit!, a
member and Director of Hospitalwomen’s fitness studio that focuses
ity for a second year it is my great
on helping women achieve long
pleasure to be involved with members who volunteer to be
lasting, permanent results in their
Greeters, Table Hosts & Hostesses each month. Getting
fitness & wellness quests. This is
more members on my monthly Director of Hospitality
done through services such as ciremail blast is my passion for this new VCPWN year! Meetcuit training, educational programs,
ing and making all Members and their Guests welcome is
personal training, specialty boot
very special! I look forward to see all of you at the next
camps, Pilates, stretching & relaxmeeting.
ation classes, nutritional guidance
and lifestyle support to name a few.
Mary C. Sullivan, Esq., Collaborative Attorney and
Results can be seen in as little as 3 weeks. The atmosphere
Mediator (Director of Finance)
of Forever Fit is Spa-like and very warm, hospitable and
I guide divorcing families
positive. I have several certifications in the fitness industry,
“sanely” through the sometimes
including fitness trainer and Pilates instructor.
confusing and not so “sane” legal
As Director of Mentoring for VCPWN, I am developing
process associated with traditional
and implementing a much needed program for professional
divorce. Through mediation, I solve women of Ventura County. The program focuses on helpproblems of the divorcing couples
ing one another in our professions through accountability,
by helping them work together,
mutual support and resources. With such diversity of expecommunicate with understanding,
rience & knowledge of VCPWN members, we all have
all for low cost and without having something to offer one another. This principle is based on
to go to court. I bring a wealth of le- the proverb, “As iron sharpens iron, so one woman sharpgal and practical experiences to my practice which I estabens another.” The end result will be different for each
lished in 1984. I hold a Certificate from the UCSB,
woman depending on objectives. This may range anyNegotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management Program. where from developing strategies, networking, marketing,
As a business woman, I am energized by other VCPWN
managing your business, how to increase revenues or just
business and professional women and women-supporting
become more effective in your chosen profession.
men.
I especially like to see women new to business reach
their goals and dreams. I appreciate VCPWN for all that it
has done for me for years and am proud to be considered
Candidates’ statements continue on page 6
April/July 2006
Anna Kittleson, Insurance Agent, AFLAC Insurance
(Recording Secretary)
I’ve been an insurance agent with
AFLAC Insurance for five years. I
service Ventura and Santa Barbara
Counties. I’m married and have two
teenage daughters. I’ve been a resident of Ventura since 1968 and have
been in involved in a number of organization and community events
over the last 25 years. I’m currently a
member of the following organizations: Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Business Network International, 40 Leaguers, and a
board member for Caregivers. Over the years I’ve held a
number of Board positions such as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary & Parliamentarian. I believe I can
bring experience to the board and am enthusiastic at the opportunity to get to know the members better and to truly be
a part of the inner-workings of this successful organization.
Laureen Lazzaro, Customer Service Manager, Bank of the
West (Member-at-Large)
I am a Customer Service Manager
at the Ventura branch of Bank of the
West. I’ve spent the past 24 years in
this industry and love working with
people. For the past two years, I
have enjoyed being VCPWN Director
of Membership; it’s been a great way
to meet people and get involved. I’m
excited about continuing to work
with a great group of people as I
move into a new role as
Member-at-Large .
Sheila Lowe, Handwriting Analyst, Sheila Lowe &
Associates (Focal Points Editor)
My career encompasses two areas.
As a handwriting expert I testify in
court in cases of forgery or anonymous letters. As a handwriting analyst, I help people understand
themselves and others better, often
in the hiring process.
I’m also the author of two published books (and two so-far unpublished mysteries), handwriting
analyzer software and my own
newsletter. The skills I use in my work are strongly applicable to my participation on the VCPWN board with it’s variety of personality styles and talents. Being a board member
for the past year has allowed me to get to know others in a
way that an introvert like me otherwise would not. As I
continue in the role of Focal Points editor, I plan to use the
next year to get to know more of you better, hopefully, as
you submit articles, news items, and other contributions for
your newsletter.
Page 7
.
VCPWN Focal Points
Alison Balter, President, InfoTechnology Partners, Inc
(Immediate Past-President)
As I complete 1½ years as president of VCPWN, I look back at all
the wonderful experiences that I
have had. Being president of
VCPWN allowed me to get integrally involved with the organization, and more importantly with the
people within the network. During
my presidency my wonderful
board worked hard to improve the
finances of the organization. We accomplished this through silent auctions, as well as the automation of focal points and of the monthly meeting flyer. We
also greatly improved the accessibility of VCPWN and its
members by greatly enhancing our Web site. The Web site
now allows us to register for meetings, maintain and modify our membership data, retrieve information about each
other, and much, much more. Other accomplishments made
by our board include the addition of 50/50 drawings, a successful Wearable Art Show, an array of great speakers, and
the implementation of an exciting mentoring program. I
have really enjoyed my time as president of VCPWN, and
look forward to the next year as Immediate Past President.
Would you like to
win a year’s free
VCPWN
membership and a
free dinner?
Our web site has a
brand new look, and
now we’re looking
for a new logo—
Something simple and elegant to represent our organization.
A logo may be a graphic design or simply the acronym,
VCPWN in a special font. You can send as many submissions as you like, and you’ve got until May 15. Submit your designs to [email protected]. The
board will narrow down the choices and
present the finalists to the membership
for a vote.
Page 8
.
VCPWN Focal Points
April/July 2006
Please support our sponsors!
ADVERTISING RATES
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$15 - up to 20 words
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Ads must be received by the first day of
the month preceding publication (e.g.,
September 1 for October-December issue). All ads are subject to editor approval. Please include a check made
payable to VCPWN. We also accept payment by credit card. Book your ad and
renew directly on the VCPWN web site.
www.sheilalowe.com
(805) 658-0109
Learn what motivates you
Work with your strengths
Overcome deficiencies
Understand loved ones
When you really need to know . . .
Handwriting
Handwriting
Handwriting
Handwriting
Handwriting
Handwriting
Handwriting
Sheila Lowe, FACFE, CG
Handwriting Examiner
April/July 2006
Blow Your
Horn!
‰ Alison J. Balter just finished writing
her 12th book. This one is called Teach
Yourself Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Express in 24 Hours. It will be available
in bookstores on May 1st. Other
books that she has written
include Alison Balter’s
Mastering Access 2003
Desktop Development, Alison
Balter’s Mastering Access 2002
Enterprise Development, Access
2003 in a Snap, and Teach
Yourself Microsoft Access 2003 in
24 hours. All of Alison’s books are
available on Amazon.com, at Barnes
and Noble, Borders, and all major
computer stores and bookstores.
‰ Diane Ellis was named Toastmaster of
the Year for not one, but two areas. A
well-deserved honor for a hard-working
lady!
‰ Like being nominated for an Academy
Award, Gwenlyn Norton received an
inquiry from a Madison Avenue Art
Gallery in NYC (the current art capital
of the world), for a possible one-person
show in 2007 or 2008. “This is
something I’ve been working on for
several years,” she stated. “I have to
polish and refine my mission statement
and provide a package of materials they
requested.” What fun!
‰ Sue Gary’s company, Promotional
Products USA, was one of 30 vendors
displaying their products and services at
the 2006 LandAmerica Financial Group
Sales Rally event held in Las Vegas in
January. This year, Promotional
Products USA will be the vendor for the
Top Producers Awards for four
Page 9
divisions of LandAmerica Financial.
Promotional Products USA has been
providing Promotional Products for
companies now part of the
LandAmerica Financial Group, for over
17 years.
‰ Carol Powell has a new office location.
Troop Real Estate opened a new, larger
Channel Islands office located at 653
W. Channel Islands Blvd., Port
Hueneme, 93041, next to the new Best
Do It Center. It is near the intersection
of Victoria and Channel
Islands Blvd. Stop by and
say Hello!
‰ Past President, Charter
Member and Spirit of
Networking recipient, Nancy
V. Gregg is the new Director
of Development for the Ventura
Boys and Girls Club. Her boss,
Executive Director, Diane Koranda,
is a founding member, Past President
and Spirit of Networking recipient. You
can rent Nancy’s late son, Screenwriter
Christian Van Gregg’s Afghan movie,
‘September Tapes’ from Blockbuster.
‰ Congratulations go to Kathy Terry,
who received a well-deserved
promotion to Assistant Executive
Director at Cypress Place Senior Living.
‰ Carrie Sharpshair has been named as
the Executive Director of CareNow, a
new non-profit organization providing
essential healthcare to the world’s least
served. The organization is in its
start-up mode and will be launching in
late April.
‰ Sheila Lowe was interviewed for an
article on handwriting analysis for the
May issue of National Geographic for
Kids and Berkeley magazine. She’s also
been invited to give a seminar in
Marlboro, Massachusetts in May on
Handwriting Analysis and Relationship
Compatibility – how your partner’s
handwriting can help you understand
him/her better.
Send “Blow Your Horn” announcements to Focal Points Editor Sheila Lowe at
[email protected], or complete a Blow Your Horn form at one of the VCPWN meetings.
Remember, the articles are for interest items only. If you are interested in purchasing an advertisement to publicize your business or an event or place a classified ad, please let us know.
It will benefit you and help support Focal Points. Call Sheila Lowe at (805) 658-0109 or
email: [email protected]
.
VCPWN Focal Points
Welcome New
Members
Alison Carlson - I am the independent membership representative for the Ventura Chamber of
Commerce. I recently got married
to David Carlson. I have three children, and in six months I will be
1/3 empty nested as my oldest goes
to college. I enjoy anything I get to
do with my kids and collecting sea
glass on the beach with David.
I LOVE to network. Introducing
people to each other gives me the
warm fuzzies. I look forward to
getting to know all of you and your
businesses.
Sue Reynolds - I’m a Buena
High School and CSUN graduate.
We have lived in Camarillo about
20 years and 13 years in Fillmore
before that. I was a Valley Girl before there was such a thing as Valley Girls– grew up in San Fernando
and Granada Hills until I was 16.
We are snow skiers and we
learned to ski in Austria when we
lived in Northern Italy. I have recently started riding a bicycle for
fun and exercise. I’m a Juice Plus+
Distributor
All new members are invited to
send a brief introductory profile for
Focal Points like the two above. If
you have recently joined and
would like to introduce yourself,
email a paragraph or two to the Editor. It should be personal information and not a commercial:
[email protected]
Also recently joined:
Madhu Bajaj - FastSigns
Deborah Faneros - Farmers
Insurance
Gloria Kilmer - Farmers Insurance
Kathryn Luft - Mary Kay
Cosmetics
Vicki Luft - Lappdog Auto
Electronics
Silani Wahlgren - Focal Point
Feldenkrais
Ventura County Professional Women’s Network
Post Office Box 6329
Oxnard, California 93031
(805) 656-6011 www.vcpwn.org
.
Website FAQ’s continued
button to change information. Scroll all the way to the
bottom to input a new password that is more meanHow can I change my password?
Once you are logged in, you will see your account info: ingful to you.
How can I change the directory information that is shown for me?
Look at the screen shot on this page. The
information on the right side of the screen is
the specific directory information. You may
list up to three companies. If no company
information is listed, click “Add a Company” and input the information. Please
note: in order to display your company information in the directory, the business
must have at least one category assigned to
it. To edit the information, just click the
“edit” link under the company you’d like to
change.
The information shown on the left side of the screen is
your primary contact information. Click on the “edit”
Can I get a printed directory?
We will not be doing a formal printing of
the directory anymore. However, in the
near future we will have two versions available to print directly from the website. They
will be in a report format and will be available only to current members. You will receive an email blast notifying you of this
feature when it’s ready.