The BPW year is off to a running start. This past weekend was the Strategic Planning meeting in Roscommon. A lot of things were discussed and plans were made for the transition to the new structure voted on at Convention. The new structure takes effect nest year and we need to plan for a smooth transition. There were 22 members (Exec. Comm., District Directors, Committee Chairs and Local Officers) who attended. More information to follow.

MEMBERSHIP-  Retention of current members and recruitment of new members is very important. Why are members not renewing? Do we offer programs that they want? Are we conducting our meetings in a professional and business like manner with a printed agenda, sticking to the agenda and ending the meeting in a timely manner? When we have guests at a meeting we all need to have a POSITIVE attitude, nobody wants to join an organization that all we do is sit at a meeting and listen to someone else complain about everything. Many of us are very busy and have a limited amount of time and want to spend our time wisely.

Some tools to help with Membership:

Individual Development Program (IDP)- A great educational tool that many businesses could use for training employees. Sponsor an event and present one of the modules. Give out membership information.

Websites- www.bpwmichigan@yahoo.com and www.bpwusa.org have a lot of information about membership, programs, etc. All forms are available at BPW/USA.

10 Steps to Building Powerful Women, the 2005-2006 local organization program guide and registration for national recognition and awards is available. The BPW/USA theme is "Building Powerful Women: Professionally, Politically, Personally- It's All About You!". Both can be downloaded from www.bpw.org

MEMBERSHIP DUES- Just a reminder that most of us are dues were due May 31. If your membership dues was due May 31 and you forgot to send it in please do so soon, if you have already GREAT!

WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT- Awards banquet will be held at Fall Board in Big Rapids. Deadline for submission is September 30, 2005.

WOMEN'S RIGHT TO VOTE- 85th Anniversary, August 26, 2005, many events are being planned- plan on attending one.

Have a safe and wonderful Summer!!

Dawnetta Montague
VP Member Services