Dear NAWBO-Silicon Valley,
As we turn the calendar to September, I can already smell autumn in the air. When I take my morning walks, I feel a nip in the air and the smell of garlic wafting up from Gilroy. It’s also that time of year when I have the “reality checks” with myself about my business. Summer is almost over, and we’ll soon be in the fourth quarter of the year. If you’re like me, you might ask yourself if you’re hitting your projected revenue numbers, or meeting your other goals, and what adjustments you need to make NOW in order to finish off the year with a bang. Our September speaker, Cynthia Riggs, might be able to help you with just that. Ms. Riggs will be presenting on “The Fastest, Easiest Way to Write Your Business Plan”. As business owners, we all have a plan – right? Even if yours is already crystal clear (of course it is!), please join us on September 15 to share your comments and ideas to help other business owners hone theirs. There are always gems to be found at a NAWBO – Silicon Valley meeting.
Speaking of gems, we had an amazing meeting in August. Staying with our quarterly theme of “Communication”, we arranged for a networking event at the Santa Cruz headquarters of our corporate partner, Plantronics. As the leader in telephone headset development (and the headset that made the first trip to moon with Neil Armstrong) and a long-time supporter of our organization, we thought an event like this would fit nicely into our Communication theme! After many of us arrived over the hill in style, courtesy of a limousine provided by NAWBO member Jen Jaciw of Lone Star Limousine, we were treated to a nice evening at Plantronics. From the patio wine and cheese reception, to the dinner (and famous cobbler dessert), to the wonderful presentation on Communications by Judi Hembrough – everything was first class. The company had also promised us that they would be drawing for a very nice gift to one of our members or guests. At the end of the evening, we were surprised yet again as everyone who attended received a Voyager Edge headset, courtesy of the company. A special thank you to Dave Huff and his entire team at Plantronics for the hospitality!
I’d also like to welcome two new members that have joined in the last couple of months. Welcome to Monica Duarte and Yvonne Urness. And also a thank you to renewing members Marit Fox, Katherine Winkelman, Pam Hedblad, Christine McHale, and Mary Hiland. Investing in yourself by joining or renewing your membership is a gift you give to yourself. And we’re excited to have you in the room!
In addition to our meeting on September 15th, I also hope to see some of you in San Antonio, at the National Women’s Business Conference – our national NAWBO conference, later this month.
And finally, we’re excited to share that the quarterly theme for October, November, and December will be on Finances. We are honored to have two of our very own members – Pam Hedblad and Hilary Hendershott presenting in October & November, respectively.
Enjoy the dog-days of summer and the smell of garlic in the air (or on your fries at that last series of baseball games). I look forward to seeing you and hearing about your plans for Q4!
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-Silicon Valley