Happy Halloween everyone!

The Fall Board of Directors meeting was held this past weekend in Big Rapids. It was a very busy weekend for all who attended. The business session was very busy. The new organizational structure was discussed and many bylaw changes were brought before the board. These bylaw changes will be voted on at convention in May.  Saturday afternoon the state committee's gave a report on their meetings held that morning. Jean Doss from One United Michigan talked to us about the affirmative action ballot proposal and asked for our help on this important cause. After lunch on saturday our key note speaker was Mary Jane Mapes who talked to us about Coaching: Leadership in Action.

The board of directors endorsed the following candidates for national office:
Barbara Henton- National President-elect
Trish Knight- National Recording Secretary
Congratulations Barb and Trish we are all very proud of you!

Women of Achievement Banquet was held saturday night. Each person honored is a shining star in BPW. The following were honored:
Anita Aeillo- Downriver BPW
Jean Barker- Ionia BPW
Ruth Bradley- Three Rivers BPW
Barbara Cliff- Cheboygan BPW
Katie Colden- Fenton BPW
Susan Dehncke- Jackson BPW
Dean Garn- Hastings BPW (Person of Achievement)
Debby Hesterberg- Port Huron BPW
Theresa Thybault Knecht- Elk Rapids BPW
Trish Knight- President BPW/MI
Pam Knowlton- Alma Area BPW
Elizabeth LaCosse- Delta County BPW
Cheri Lynn Lampinen- Keweenaw BPW
Nicole Lampman- Dowagiac BPW
Dolores Marie Manthei- Albion BPW
Betty Marx- Saginaw BPW
Roberta Moetteli- Bad Axe BPW
Julie Olson- Up & New BPW
Sally Pritchett- Monroe BPW
Sophie Zoller- Belleville BPW

MEMBERSHIP
As of October 28, 2005 we have 584 members paid in full. Current membership lists were given to each District Director to give to their locals. List for your local may also be gotten from the BPW/USA website.

The following locals met the 2004-2005 Golden Circle Decathlon challenge and where given their awards this weekend:
Albion BPW
Allen Park BPW
Cheboygan BPW
Eaton Rapids BPW
Harriet A. Myer BPW
Hastings BPW
Ionia BPW
Jackson BPW
Saginaw BPw

The winners of the Membership Recruitment contest were:
Local with the most new members- Elk Rapids BPW
District with the most new members- Northern Lights District
GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

The new membership brochures- BUILDING POWERFUL WOMEN from national were sent to each state and local that provided current contact information. The brochures can be printed from the BPW/USA website in black and white or color. You can also put your local information in the brochure under the information section.

BPW Women Veterans Initiative update- The final name is: Women Joining Forces- Closing Ranks, Opening Doors (WJF). Information can be found on the WJF page of the BPW member center at the BPW/USA website.

Have a wonderful day!

Dawnetta Montague
VP Member Services