Sooner rather than later, the crocuses, daffodils and tulips will pop.  Then comes the Tax Man.  Whether you do taxes yourself or use an accountant, talk to a professional about your assets.

Do not forget interest rates on mortgages are at historic lows.  We have referral sources that give great deals to our clients.

This is a great time to look at your estate plan.  Over the past few years many things have happened in your life or in the lives of your family that necessitate reviewing and modifying your wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care proxies.

You should also be looking at the beneficiaries of your life insurance and your 401(k)s to see if they make sense.

If you or your parents are thinking about a nursing home, it is time to do Medicaid Planning and long term care insurance.

You are punishing yourself and your children if you do not try and save assets.  You have heard all the ads on TV and radio about asset protection and reverse mortgages and Medicaid planning.  We can and will advise you in all of these areas and we will not build in the cost of advertising – as those others do.

Call us today and set up an appointment.  … And one more thing:  DON’T FORGET ABOUT BREAKFAST WITH BARRY! Call me 617-786-0800

Stacey Shipman

Name:  Stacey Shipman
Business:  Professional speaker;  Founder/Editor, Healthy South Shore
Website:  www.healthysouthshore.com
Address:  South Shore, MA and online

 Launching Healthy South Shore

How did you come to be in this line of work?
As a college freshman I gained and then lost the infamous ‘Freshman 15.’  Exercise turned into a passion/obsession.  To share this knowledge with others I became an aerobics instructor and personal trainer.

After graduation I entered the corporate world and continued to teach fitness part-time evenings and weekends.  In 2006 I quit my job due to stress and burnout.  My stress didn’t go away with self-employment, but I learned a new set of tools that allowed me to travel the path to online publisher.

My past work experience includes time in the publishing industry.  I combined my publishing skills with my health/fitness interest/experience and voila!  Healthy South Shore was born.

What are the top three things that separate you from your competition?
Best said by people with whom I’ve worked directly, the following come from those who attend my programs or read my articles:

Practical:  I provide practical and easy-to-implement advice.
Non-judgmental:  I teach only what I have personally experienced.  I get it and I’ve been there.
Integrated approach:  I believe in a ‘whole person’ approach and take into consideration mind, body and spirit when I speak, write and teach.

What changes are happening, or can you predict happening soon, within your industry?
Rising health care costs, increased stress and a concern about obesity rates in youth and adults make health/fitness the field to be in right now.  We can’t keep ignoring our health or the impact food, stress and lack of movement have on our ability to stay healthy and live a long, satisfying and successful life, personally and professionally.

A tremendous opportunity exists for increased awareness, education and coaching on a local level, and shifting how we think about health/fitness.  I teach, for example, to focus on people not money; focus on what to do instead of what not to do, all in an effort to reduce costs, improve health and create healthier communities.

What do you regard as your greatest achievement in business to date?
Launching Healthy South Shore.  This online magazine has been a thought for five years.  Seeing it come alive definitely feels good!

Where do you want you and your business to be in five years?
My vision for Healthy South Shore is to become THE go-to resource for practical health and fitness information and events south of Boston.

In five years, when people think health/fitness on the South Shore they will think HealthySouthShore.com  first.  The concept will spread to other regions in the state and around the country!

What benefit(s) have you received through your networking efforts?
SO MANY!  Two benefits stand out: the relationships I created and the leadership experience.

SSWBN works when you make the time and effort to get involved.  People get to know you, your style and your work ethic.  My involvement in SSWBN is truly priceless.  I appreciate the experience and opportunities.

What is/are your one or two toughest challenges?
I’m one person taking on the role of content creator, project manager, sales, bookkeeper, videographer, editor, marketing, social media.  I’m in a position now where revenue is coming in and I’m reaching out for help (folks from the Network!) in some of these areas.

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
My ‘why’ motivates me.  If you don’t have a ‘why’ for your work, check out Simon Sinek’s website www.startwithwhy.com.  He suggests successful companies start with ‘why’ before they share the how and what, thus creating a deeper connection to customers.

My ‘why’:  For years I did not feel good about myself or my work.  I am happy to say that is no longer true.  As a result of my experience, I want men, women and youth to go to bed at night feeling good about themselves and their work.  Healthy South Shore is one part of that equation.  Stay tuned for more to come!

What is something that members may be surprised to learn about you?
In the sixth grade I won the Quietest Girl award.  I didn’t have a voice – I never spoke up, and instead of forming my own beliefs, lived by someone else’s:  a recipe for misery and dissatisfaction.  When I became self-employed I needed to find my voice.  To build my confidence I purposely put myself into positions that scared me – professional speaker, President of SSWBN, writing.  Today my work is all voice – speaking, writing and publishing.  You can work through your fears and make your dreams a reality when you have the right tools and support.

What do you do in your spare time for fun?
I’m a little bit cowgirl, a little bit city slicker, little bit beach bum and a little bit adventure seeker.  You can find me working on a jigsaw puzzle, playing at the beach, traveling, practicing yoga, hiking a mountain, writing, daydreaming, visiting family or hanging at home with my husband, Michael, and our ‘boys’ (meow) Mr. Bob and Habibi.

This weekend you will also find me watching Super Bowl XLVI and praying for a Patriots’ win!

Interested in becoming a featured business? Click here to apply! Or contact Katie Howard at khoward@sswbn.org

Each month the SSWBN Membership Team recognizes a member(s) who exemplifies the qualities of a Networking Nova, a person(s) who embodies the Network’s core values of coaching, contacts and collaboration; someone who is visible at many SSWBN events and who treats others with respect and dignity. In addition, this person(s) utilizes the Network to build his/her business and helps others do the same.

Courtney Newcomb – Arrange Boston

Courtney Newcomb from Arrange Boston has been a member since October 27, 2011.

She has made the most out of the Network by joining the New Member Membership Committee, and by getting together with other members for coffee.  “The Network has been great because it gives me an outlet to meet people whom I may not have normally met.  It forces me to network and ‘step out of the box,’ so to speak,” Courtney said. 

“I have also given some referrals and have gotten referrals as well.  Equally important, the Network  highlights local businesses – and this is good!” she said.

“The advice I give my friends and others who own a new business is to join the Network;  which they will be doing this week.

“I would say the best advice I could give someone is to make a point to meet at least two new people each time you go, and not to hang exclusively with the ones you already know.”

Courtney added, “I am very new, so each time I go I am impressed with the Network and would like to really take advantage of all that it has to offer.”

Contact Courtney at cnewcomb@arrangeboston.com

 
“For Your Information” is a blog post dedicated to informing you about community events, member events, job postings and more.  Do you have an event or posting to share?  Send it to Katie at khoward@sswbn.org.   SSWBN is dedicated to your success.

Winterfest: A Night On The Town 2012 Presented by The South Shore Chamber of Commerce: January 19, 2012 , 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Lombardo’s, Randolph. ~Sample from the South Shore’s best food purveyors ~Enjoy complimentary beer and wine samplings ~ Mini massages and makeovers ~hair
fashions ~what to wear ~bling and awesome accessories ~travel in style~flowers for the occasion ****SSWBN members receive the Chamber Member price of $55.
Click link above for more info or to register NOW.

Time share available for rent in Nassau.
The dates available are Week 7, February 18^th thru February 25^th and Week 8, February
25^th thru March 3^rd, 2012. The name of the Condo Club is “Westwind One”. It’s a two bedroom condo with complete kitchen and full bath. The website is www.westwind1.com. The site has pictures
and all of the information about the units. Please call Michael at (781) 871-3662 or email -
mikec@mytech-solutions.net

Do you have an event or posting to share?  Send it to Katie at khoward@sswbn.org.

Congratulations to Kathleen Keegan from Real Estate Rocks!

I like how the Network has so many facets to it.  There is something for everyone.  I love the networking luncheons – food and networking, you can’t go wrong.  I like the Professional Development Day.  I really enjoyed serving on that committee.  I’m just now getting ready to join a round table.  Also, I love utilizing the benefit of the three-minute talk.

Real estate is a referral-based business.  When someone is going to sell or buy a house, typically they ask for a recommendation, versus looking in a directory.  Having the Network has been key to my
success.  One of my most recent success stories with a SSWBN member came when I listed a house for  Kristin Foristall, owner of Sweet K (outstanding cookies, by the way).  I went in with my Staging Team, took lots of terrific photos, marketed the house and had an accepted offer within 12 days!  And then I helped Kristin and her family find an amazing home.

That connection would not have happened without the Network.  I seldom do any type of cold marketing.  It’s about making a connection with people.  Thank you, SSWBN, for helping me and Real Estate Rocks meet so many great people.

I highly recommend attending the luncheons or breakfasts and joining a committee (join me on the Professional Development Day Committee!).  Being a part of the Network is important if you are a small business owner.  Since I opened my own real estate office (Real Estate Rocks) two years ago I am
impressed with all the support and encouragement and ideas.

I feel like this Network is similar to that wonderful old show Cheers … where everybody knows your name
…”.  When you walk into an event, the energy is always so high and positive – and inspires lots of hugs.  This Network is successful because of the strong bonds that each member forms with other members.  Thank you for nominating me as a Networking Nova!

Excited for 2012!!

Becky Coletta

Name: Rebecca Westerlund Coletta, Esq.
Business:  Coletta Law Office
Telephone: 781-267-6222
Website:  http://www.colettalaw.com/
Address:  231 Broadway, Hanover, MA

Special to SSWBN:  General Counsel Service Program

Do you wish you could act proactively to manage your legal risk, but don’t know where to start or how to afford the upfront costs?
Coletta Law Office offers you the opportunity, at no cost, to evaluate the option of retaining an attorney to
help you navigate the legal environment before you are in crisis.

Why would anyone tell you to hire an attorney if you are not in any trouble, or if life and business are going along smoothly?  To begin to answer that question, consider the following:

• Did you incorporate, establish an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation), form trusts
  or partnerships for your business?  Are you using the entity as it was intended to be used?
• Do you have regulatory requirements that you need to meet for the conduct of your
  specific type of business?
• Even if you have only one or two employees, and even if they are part time, and are
  very happy to work as “independent contractors” under a 1099, does this meet
  your obligations under state and federal laws?
• Have you looked at insurance needs to cover you if you go out of business (for
  “prior acts”), or for newer types of liability such as “privacy breaches”?
• Do you ever plan to sell your business?  Do you have a vision for a new
  business?  Do want to take your existing business to a new level?
• Do you want to know you’ve taken the right legal  steps so nothing will stop you from achieving your dreams?

Unlike larger business that retain in-house counsel to facilitate efficient responses to risks and needs, most small businesses cannot afford the overhead of a full-time attorney.  But there were days not so long ago when business owners had lawyers who were trusted advisors whom they could call.  They knew the attorney answering the telephone understood them and their business and would treat them fairly.  But the “billable hour” took over, and it has made people conscious that some attorneys may over-extend the conversation.  Business owners hesitate to make that call until the problem becomes a crisis.  Many have given up on the idea of a trusted legal advisor as an expense they cannot afford.

After working for almost 20 years for both global and small businesses, handling a wide variety of issues, Attorney Rebecca Coletta (Becky) of Hanover has adopted a retainer program to provide small business owners with the same level of legal expertise and commitment that their larger counterparts retain as a de rigueur cost of doing business.  Designed to fill a serious growing need, this program offers any business owner ongoing access to the services of an attorney.

“If there is anything that I have learned from my days as corporate counsel, it is that the issues facing larger
companies are not unlike those facing small businesses,” said Becky.  “The biggest difference is that the small
business owner frequently and unknowingly will tolerate a higher level of legal risk.”

This general counsel services program provides as-needed telephone advice, legal work on specified projects, and established rates for additional transactional projects.  At the outset Attorney Coletta would work collaboratively with you to develop a “blueprint” for your legal needs and a customized service plan.  Apart from responding to legal issues as they arise, she would spend time every quarter talking with you, understanding the needs of your business, and helping you to understand your relationship to risk, your risk tolerance.  Then if an unforeseen predicament emerges, Attorney Coletta has already established a personal/professional relationship with you and your business, and she comes into the situation already prepared.

This saves you money — and often more importantly, it saves you critical time.  Instead of spending several hours (at rates that locally exceed $200 an hour) providing your suddenly needed attorney with background information, you get right into the solution to the problem. Becky cites a recent example of a client who periodically rented out part of her business to an independent contractor offering services that
complemented her own.  When that contractor got sued by an unhappy customer, the business owner was also named in the suit.  She thought she had prepared for such an event by purchasing insurance through a trade organization, but then the insurance company took the position that she was not covered for the complementary services of the independent contractor.  Fortunately, Attorney Coletta prevailed in her argument to the insurer, and the insurer agreed to cover the defense costs.  But this close call highlighted the need for business owners to match their business practices and their insurance coverage.

In many cases, having Becky on retainer, having built that mutual understanding and close relationship, positions you to give her the insight to anticipate the kinds of situations that you may face, so resolving them becomes quick, easy and far less costly.

Sometimes getting an attorney onboard early comes down to good preparation for the future and risk management.  Every business has a vision for its success, growth, and eventual endgame.  Every business owner knows that there are risks associated with the operation of their business, and many are unforeseeable and/or unavoidable.  Larger businesses retain in-house counsel to facilitate efficient responses to risks and needs of the business … so why should a small business owner do any differently?

Patty Funder, owner of LaserLight Skin Clinic, recently experienced a very appealing opportunity to return to the corporate world as a consultant.  Deciding to sell LaserLight, which she had built and operated at a
profit through this wholly unstable economy, she started seeking and vetting potential buyers without the help of an attorney.

“It was a perfect convergence of enthusiasm, pride and the blindness of not knowing what I didn’t know,” said Patty.  “And if any of the first three sales were to have gone through, I am sure that it would not have been pretty.

“A few casual conversations with Becky at some SSWBN events led to us working together.   Every step of the way, Becky’s advice to me was couched in the phrase, ‘as your attorney, I want to protect you now, and down the road,’” Patty said.

“The end result never realized a sale, but my work with Becky gave me the insight and the confidence to see that with a return to my original vision and some restructuring, I could bring my business  to its next level,” said Patty.  “Very exciting.”

As Becky, explained, “Transactions work or don’t work for many reasons, but I can prepare my client by reviewing due diligence that is likely to be expected.  But more importantly, by ‘getting it right’ from the inception of their business, they are far less likely to get surprised during due diligence,” she  said.  ”I help my clients to know the risks they have taken, and why they took them.”

Becky continues to provide legal services to larger clients whose needs exceed their legal department’s resources.  She invests in ongoing relationships with the larger companies to allow her to handle their periodic needs, and makes the same investment in her smaller business clients.  Becky’s experiences range from negotiating satellite services agreements with broadcasters around the globe to managing
U.S. and international litigation to creating intellectual property licensing agreements for a national publication.  Regardless of the size of the business or the project, as inside or outside counsel, Becky has found that the investment she makes in getting to know a business allows her to provide business legal advice
that takes into account the goals, values and risk profile of the company she represents.  Regardless of your size, Becky will invest in getting to know your business, knowing that you can both grow together.

So how do you know if Becky is the best, or right attorney for your business, and how much will it cost for that initial consult?  “Just call me to find a time to come over for coffee,” said Becky.  “I am a bit more laid back than most, and if we can chat for 45 minutes or so, I can get a good feel for your business and you.”

“At the same time you can determine if you want to invest in this all-important relationship for no more than the cost of a cup of coffee.”

You can reach Becky at 781-267-6222, or Email her at RebeccaColetta@ColettaLawOffice.com.  (And if you want an inside scoop, Attorney Coletta’s preference is hazelnut with Splenda and milk, from MaryLou’s Coffee if you have one close by!)

Interested in becoming a featured business? Click here to apply! Or contact Katie Howard at khoward@sswbn.org

2012

A new year, a good time to get your legal house in order.

Here is a simple checklist:

1. Prepare an estate plan, complete with wills, trusts,  powers of attorneys and healthcare proxy. This is especially important if  you are divorced or newly married.
2. Prepare a succession plan for your business.
3. Protect your non business assets.
4. Talk with your parents about estate and Medicaid  planning.

Make three plans for yourself and your family to address each of these issues:  a plan for this
week, one for this month, and one for this year.

Make certain that everyone who needs to know what you  want to do and need to do, are aware and will be there to help.

Think out what your plans are, be willing to adjust if  that is possible.  Finalize the plans and  execute them.  If you trip up a bit, then  readjust and move forward.  Don’t take ‘no’  for an answer, if it is only because someone else said you cannot do what you  want to do.  Different professionals have  different ideas.

Call me, Barry Gordon at 617 786-0800 or bgordon@gmo-law.com.  I will meet with you promptly and answer your questions and respond.

Happy New Year!

P.S. we handle lots of refinances and make referrals to  really good lenders.

  
‘For Your Information’ is a blog post dedicated to informing you about community events, member events, job postings and more.  Do you have an event or posting to share?  Send it to Katie at khoward@sswbn.org.   SSWBN is dedicated to your success.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING BLOG

 Prosperity Candle is proud to be offering a 10% discount to the SSWBN community on all of its meaningful gifts that change lives! Give holiday gifts this year that stand out from the crowd with a gift that directly impacts a woman’s life. Our candle gifts are beautifully packaged, smell divine and include a story card illuminating the impact on women’s lives. Each gift fosters global connections and creates change for women who are rebuilding their lives after surviving conflict or natural disaster. Every candle comes with the name of the woman who made it so you can go to her website, read her bio and even send her a note.
Shop today at www.prosperitycandle.comfor unique gifts featuring spa products, scented candles and even chocolate, coffee &  tea! Enter SOUTHSHORE at checkout for a discount.

Light Heart Enterprises is offering all SSWBN Members 10% off all gift albums! These are a great gift for employees, friends and family! Please visit http://lhe.ibocity.com/shop/home.aspand click on “Ribbon Gifts” for a listing of all the albums offered. (Members will be sent a check for the discounted amount.) Email Anna Linzi – annatl124@gmail.com with any questions.

Sweet K Cookies has all of your holiday gifts covered – from corporate gifts to hostess gifts! And as a SSWBN Member, you receive 15% off your total order. Happy Eating!  www.sweetk.com

Raffael’s at South Shore Country Club ~ Special Holiday Pricing for Corporate or Family Parties Pricing valid 12/1/2011 – 1/31/2012    Contact: Frank, Bonnie or Terese fricci@raffaels.com    781-749-1720

SSYP*N (South Shore Young Professionals Networking) is having a Holiday Party & Toy Drive December 13, 2011 ~ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 3 Kettle View  Plymouth, MA.  bring a new, unwrapped toy and enjoy the festive season admission:  $20 with toy or $25 donation admission includes appetizers and beer/wine.

Please join Verona Salon – 912 Hingham St., Rockland – for some Holiday Cheer! They are holding a benefit for the Department of Children & Families Wednesday,  December 7^th
from 5-9pm. www.veronasalon.com   781-681-9080

 ADOPT-A-FAMILY ~ DOVE Announces its’ Holiday Assistance Program To Help Families  Affected by Domestic Violence.  DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended) invites you to participate in our Holiday Assistance Program, Adopt-a-Family. DOVE supplies a holiday “Wish List” for the families and individuals we serve. ~Each family has put together their “Wish List” for basic necessities such as: food, children’s items, clothing, cosmetics, gloves, coats (see website for general
list).
~DOVE will match you with a family or individual. You purchase the requested items and return them to DOVE unwrapped between 12/1 and 12/17/2011. Your gift will be anonymously presented to the family. dove.elfteam@gmail.com, 617-770-4065 ext. 10   www.dovema.org.

Do you have an event or posting to share?  Send it to Katie at khoward@sswbn.org.   SSWBN is dedicated to your success.

Stacey Mafera

Creator of the ‘Stacy-Do List’

Name Position/Title: Stacy Mafera, Owner
Name and location of business: Errands Etcetera, Quincy
Telephone: 703-304-4067

How did you come to be in this line of work?
Seven years ago I was inspired by The Girl’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business, at a time when I was a full-time college student, a bartender, an Avon Lady — and desperately wanting to be an event planner. It was then that I started “Commonwealth Concierge,” a similar concept, but my target was businesses: I wanted to be
considered an “added benefit” to their employees. The timing was not right and I did not have enough life experience to own my own business, and be my own boss. After graduation I took a job in the
restaurant industry, drawn in by their insurance options. Four years later I was burned out and ready to pursue my dream!

What are the top three things that separate you from your competition?
Most other errand services charge per errand, and have several “errand runners.” I am a one-woman show, doing this full time, and looking to build lasting relations with my clients. I have a very high retention rate, and am happy to say that I still work for my very first client twice a week!

Describe your dream/perfect/best customer.
I have a lot of wonderful clients. My favorites and most easy are the ones who keep a running “Stacy Do” List, that they either email or write down so when I get to them, it’s not a cluster of ideas and random chores. Not surprisingly, most of my clients are single working Moms who want to be able to enjoy their children growing up, not worrying about grocery shopping, making sure the stove top is clean, or that
the laundry is put away.

What do you regard as your greatest achievement in business to date?
I am about to hit the three-year mark. For being a small business that started when the economy was really down, I feel like that’s a huge achievement. Haunted by all the horror stories of failed
businesses, adapting to the trends and listening to my clients’ needs and wants
have helped to keep my eyes open to reality.

What benefit(s) have you received through your networking efforts?
Networking has allowed me to stay in business! Without networking, I would still be hiding
out in the book store trying to figure out how to build a business! I have also met so many inspiring, wonderful people.

What is/are your one or two toughest challenges?
Getting out of my own way. For the first year or more of being in “business” I wasn’t exactly a non-profit, but I wasn’t making any money. I was really afraid that my idea would take off (which it has), and then would plummet (which it has not), and I’d be considered a failure. I’m finally at a point where if Errands Etcetera were to fail, I would be confident in knowing that I did all I could to prevent that from happening.

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
My business is ever-changing. No two days are the same. One day I might be house cleaning,
and then doing data entry and filing for a small business; and the next day I’m
picking up $20 thousand worth of wedding flowers to be donated to a local
charity … and after that I’m off to prepare dinners for clients. Not knowing what might be next keeps me on my toes, and keeps me inspired.

What do you do in your spare time for fun?
I love any kind of arts and crafts. I love creating jewelry. Two years ago I taught myself to knit, and this
year I got my first sewing machine as a gift. I love to cook – but I never follow a recipe, and I am always looking for interesting ingredients to try.

I also own a rescue puppy I got when I lived in DC – he was one of the only things I brought back when I moved home!

Interested in becoming a featured business? Click here to apply! Or contact Katie Howard at khoward@sswbn.org

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!