Katie Howard - Picture: Jean Donohue Photography

Dear Members and Colleagues:

WOW!  What a great year 2011 has been, celebrating SSWBN’s 20^th year.  Below is an excerpt from the speech I made at our 20^th year Gala and I think it’s fitting to include here for all to read:

Our 20^th year-long celebration was about honoring six women who some years ago recognized the need for change and something new, and about celebrating all of the SSWBN members.

 My role is to make sure that we continue to follow the mission set forth 20 years ago while making changes to suit the times.

 Thank you to SSWBN Founders Vicki Donlan, Susan Hammond, Pat Mullaly, Nancy Boyle, Jeanne Yocum
and Connie Nordahl.  Thank you for changing the lives of thousands of women in the business world.  We celebrate you every day.

 Thank you to SSWBN’s current partners of the Network: Gold Partner and SSWBN past president
Raquel Mullaney of Comfort Keepers, Gold partner Eastern Bank, Silver partners Watch All, Elizabeth Pineault CPA, George Washington Toma, Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group, and Professional Bookkeeping services.  All of our past and current partners have contributed to our success … and we thank you.

 Thank you to SSWBN’s staff Michelle Lathrop and Gerri Presby, who are the wizards behind the curtain.  Thank you to SSWBN’s current Board of Directors:

• President of the Board, Janet LaBerge, Dirty Deeds
• George Boerger, Boerger Law
• Adam Cupples, Harbor One Credit Union
• Jackie Hurstak, South Shore Savings Bank
• Judy Walsh Rodrigues, Watch All
• Christy Kendrick, Acme Auto Glass
• Loraine Fields, The Flower Mill
• Marguerite Salvucci, South Coastal Bank
• Stacy Mafera, Errands Etcetera
• Allison Schirone, ac associates
• Terri Martini, Front Street Gourmet

 Thank you to the following businesses that sponsored our 20^th Year Gala tonight: George Washington Toma, Dirty Deeds, Professional Bookkeeping Services, Boerger Law, Eastern Bank, Watch All, Gordon Mond & Ott, South Shore Savings Bank, Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group and Comcast Business Class.

Thank you to the 20^th anniversary planning team of Veva Johnson, Jennifer McCauley Logue, Stacey
Shipman, Lynn Feingold and Janet LaBerge.  Jennifer developed the fabulous tagline of “Moving Forward, Giving Back” and from there … our 20^th year effort was born.  We recognized that we needed to promote that we are moving forward as an organization;  but that we need to promote giving back to the community that has accepted us and our member businesses.

 We selected four charities that somewhat mirror a woman’s life.  

• We supported South Shore hospital’s NICU by raising money at their Family Fun Day for the babies in the NICU.  
• We had a “ Shower for the Shelter” for DOVE, Inc. so that people escaping domestic abuse situations are welcomed with towels, bedding and toiletries.  
• We volunteered at the Friends of Mel Cancer conference  – a conference that is about surviving cancer and thriving.
• Next week we will participate in the South Shore Elder Services “Meals on Wheels” fundraiser. 
• We also collected hundreds of canned goods for most of the emergency food shelters on the South Shore, did a business clothing drive for Interfaith Social Services, and supported the Massachusetts Education Foundation in giving out scholarships to women in transition.

 The members who came out to volunteer at these events are my true heroes.  We helped to raise thousands of dollars while offering comfort, smiles and true compassion to people facing the not-so-great  side of life.

 Contributing to the community is a suggestion that we always give to our members, and to ensure
success we wanted to set that example and give people the opportunity to “give back” as a group.  You stepped up, and we thank you.

 I recently read a blog post from Vicki Donlan, one of our founders and I will end with this:
Whether it’s in business, sports or life, we must expect the sun to shine and for a new opportunity to reveal itself around every corner and behind every door.  You can’t climb a mountain if you don’t expect to see the ground from the top.  You can’t build a company if you don’t expect success.

It’s not all about the Network:  it’s about YOU in the business community and your success.  Congratulations!

 Thank you.

Please check out our FaceBook page to see pictures of our 20^th Anniversary Gala.

Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,
Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.

Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.
Celebrating 20 years!

Katie Howard - Picture: Jean Donohue Photography

Dear Members and Colleagues,

We try to offer our members opportunities to showcase their businesses. Have you signed up to do a Three-Minute presentation at an event?  This is a member benefit. Let me help you if you need assistance.  Contact Paula Lind (Three-Minute Presenter Coordinator) at plind@odinsurance.com
to schedule your talk.

We also have a fabulous Holiday Breakfast showcase planned.  Please plan to come and shop or purchase a display table for only $40 (includes breakfast). For more details click on the link (above).  The Holidays are coming….

Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship
opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,

Katie
781-696-9901
* khoward@sswbn.org.

Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.
Celebrating 20 years!

Katie Howard, SSWBN

Dear Members and Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Eastern Nazarene College President Dr. Corlis McGee has been selected at the first recipient of the network’s new “South Shore Women’s Business Achievement Award!”

The award will be presented at our upcoming 20^th Anniversary Celebration, to be held at Raffael’s at the South Shore Country Club and featuring WCVB anchor Susan Wornick as guest speaker.  We hope you will join us for this special evening.

October is SSWBN’s Membership Drive.  Join or renew and save $50.  See details here.

Small Business tip for the month –
Have you met with SCORE yet?  SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated  to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and  succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business  Administration (SBA), and has been mentoring small business owners for more
than forty years.  A SCORE representative meets locally on the South Shore.

Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,

Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.
Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.

Katie Howard

Dear Members and Colleagues,

I hope you will join us for South Shore Hospital Growing Families Stroll for the goal FUN DAY.  This is a fundraiser for the NICU (Neonatal  Intensive Care Unit).  If you have ever been there – you will want to raise money for the little babies who are  nurtured so delicately by the oh-so-special staff.  “Team SSWBN”* will be there with purple
shirts.  Bring your family for a fun day at the Hanover YMCA.  For more information click HERE.

*”Team SSWBN” was formed as a way to celebrate SSWBN’s 20^th year, to giveback to the community by supporting different charity events on  the South Shore.

Small Business tip for the month –
Join a roundtable! Interested in having your own “mastermind group”? Consider joining a SSWBN Round Table. This is an effective way to gain momentum and progress. SSWBN has re-launched its Round Table program and is currently seeking members to join mature round tables as well as to start new ones.  Contact Michelle at info@sswbn.org for more details or an application.

 Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship
opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,

Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.

Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.

Katie Howard, SSWBN

Dear Members and Colleagues,

We are currently requesting nomination submissions for the 2011 ”SSWBN Women’s Business Achievement Award.”   (Click here  for nomination form.)  This award has been created as part of the Network’s year-long 20^th anniversary celebration and will be presented at SSWBN’s 20th Anniversary Gala on November 3^rd .  The award is designed to honor a local businesswoman who exemplifies the South Shore Women’s Business Network’s commitment to helping other women to grow and develop professionally. 

I hope to see you on the water for SSWBN’s networking cruise out of Hingham.  Join us for some fresh salt air and fun!  Thank you to Bonnie Spence of Raffael’s  and Mass Bay Lines  for helping us to provide this fun event. 

Reminder:  We’ve launched a summer referral program!  For you SSWBN Members, refer a friend to join SSWBN this summer, and YOU can come to a breakfast or lunch FOR FREE*

*New member referrals only.  New member must give your name on new member application to be eligible.   You will receive a coupon to use for the event.  Promotion expires 8/31/2011.

 Small Business tip for the month —  A quote to think about: “People share, read and generally engage more with any type of content when it’s surfaced through friends and people they know and trust.”  –Malorie Lucich, Facebook spokesperson

Katie’s tip: Get to know people at an upcoming networking event.  Go to our calendar of events at (LINK).

 Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

 Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,

Katie

781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.
Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.

Katie Howard, SSWBN

Dear Members and Colleagues,

I love summer!  In celebration of this wonderful season we have organized a networking cruise out of Hingham.  Join us for some fresh salt air and fun!  Thank you to Bonnie Spence of Raffael’s  and Mass Bay Lines  for helping us to provide this fun event.

 Reminder:  We’ve launched a summer referral program!  For you SSWBN Members, refer a friend to join SSWBN this summer, and YOU can come to a breakfast or lunch FOR FREE*

*New member referrals only.  New member must give your name on new member application to be eligible.   You will receive a coupon to use for the event.  Promotion expires 8/31/2011.

 Small Business tip for the month:  We recommend having a professional photo (headshot) for any social media sites that you use for business.  If you don’t have one, SSWBN has created an opportunity for you: at our July breakfast, the sponsor, TSS Photography, will be taking professional shots for affordable prices.  See here for details.  Smile!

 Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

Let’s do business with each other!

Thank you,
Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.
Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.

Katie Howard, SSWBN

Dear Members and Colleagues,

 We’ve launched a summer referral program!  For you SSWBN Members, refer a friend to join SSWBN this summer, and YOU can come to a breakfast or lunch FOR FREE*

*New member referrals only.  New member must give your name on new member application to be eligible.   You will receive a coupon to use for the event.  Promotion expires 8/31/2011

Small Business tip for the month:  Interested in having your own “advisory board”?  Consider joining a SSWBN Round Table.  This is an effective way to gain momentum and progress.  SSWBN will be re-launching its Round Table program in June and would love to have you be a part of it.  Contact Michelle at info@sswbn.org for more details or an application.

 Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

 Let’s do business with each other!

Thank you,

 Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.
Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.

Katie Howard, SSWBN

Dear Members and Colleagues,

I’m so lucky to hold a position in which to be constantly inspired by the women of SSWBN.

I recently took part in an interview by the Boston Globe about women in business, how we support each other, and the importance to avoiding isolation by reaching out and networking.  One of SSWBN’s founders and an inspiration to me, Vicki Donlan, took part in the interview as well.  Have you seen her blog?  Please read and remember this quote from Vicki “When one woman wins, we all win.”

 I’m really excited about SSWBN’s Professional Development Day.   On May 5^th Linden Ponds in Hingham will host our day of learning.  The powerful speaker lineup will present workshops on blogging, stress management, social media, client care, SEO, leadership, and LAUGHTER!  This event was created by you and for you.  Register HERE.

 Small Business tip for the month:  Be inspired! Read articles from successful women.  Start here:  SSWBN’s co-founder Vicki Donlon publishes informational and inspirational posts for all.

Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

 Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,
Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.

Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.

Katie Howard, SSWBN

 Dear Members and Colleagues,

I’m really excited about SSWBN’s Professional Development Day.
On May 5^th Linden Ponds in Hingham will host our day of learning.  The powerful speaker lineup will present workshops on blogging, stress management, social media, client care, SEO, leadership, and LAUGHTER!  This event was created by you and for you.  Register NOW.

Small Business tip for the month:
Have you become a “fan” of the SBA on Facebook? They offer daily small business tips and information to help you grow your business.  “Fan” the SBA New England Region today at:  http://www.facebook.com/SBANewEngland .

 Looking to build your brand?  Call me.  SSWBN has many low-cost sponsorship opportunities.  Become known with SSWBN.

Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,

Katie Howard, SSWBN

Dear Members and Colleagues,

 Happy Spring! (Almost … it’s coming … I heard birds chirping the other day!)

Cha-cha-cha-changes … I am excited to announce that we will be gathering for our networking lunch  at a new location in March — the HINGHAM BEERWORKS on 3A in Hingham. Going forward, we will alternate the venue between Hingham Beerworks and the Granite Grill in Braintree each month.  We look forward to seeing you there.  

Check out our other events here.

 I hope that you got the chance to check out our Member to Member Discount Program!  If you have forgotten, we created a page for our members to offer discounts to other members.  This is a great way to acknowledge one another, and to get members — who are among your best supporters and promoters – to speak from ‘personal experience’ as they recommend your services!

 If this opportunity –  or any of our other sponsorship opportunities — appeals to you, contact me at khoward@sswbn.org.

 Let’s do business with each other!

 Thank you,

 Katie
781-696-9901 * khoward@sswbn.org.
Dedicated to the success of our members through Contacts, Coaching and Collaboration – our mission.