A \\\"no\\\" uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a \\\"yes\\\" merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble.
MAHATMA GANDHI

How many times have we said \\\"yes,\\\" and what we really needed to say was \\\"no?\\\" As women we have been known to put others first, and it can be a habit that is deeply ingrained; can we make a new habit of putting ourselves first? There are many reasons that keep us saying yes to every request for our time and for our efforts. Do you think you would have less stress if you were able to think your answer through before saying yes? What are some reasons that many of us quickly agree to saying yes without thinking deeply about our choices?

First of all, often times we have ourselves on auto pilot to say yes, almost like a default program on our computer that opens up whenever we turn the computer on; very often we can find ourselves saying yes every time there is a request directed at us. Being available to cheerfully assist could make us feel as though we will be better liked and we will appear as a cooperative person; an important aspect of success in our work is being a good team player. Saying yes could make us feel important, and it could also be that we love to be needed; most of us are just plain nice, but it really isn’t always being nice to ourselves in the moment.

One of the ways I justify my own lack of determining what is best for me is that I know I will enjoy doing what is asked of me, and I love the challenge of fitting one more activity into an already busy schedule. Unrealistically, I just have not thought it through, to realize the truth that there may not be enough hours to comfortably add another task to the mix of activities. Now I realize I have said yes too often and took on too many projects that are of my own liking, but definitely can interfere with what is best for me and my peak performance. When we know why we tend to say yes when we should say no, it is helpful to create the criteria through which we will determine the best choice for answering “yes” or “no.”

How could you develop your accepted standard through which to make your decisions and to give your answers? There are several things to consider when you wish to say no.
• If you want to say no, then be truthful and really say it; no explanation is necessary, but do not dilute your words by mumbling something like, “check back with me if you don’t find anyone.”
• Make sure your body language matches your answer.
• When you say no, be sure to visualize the good ramifications of this decision in order to support your choice. Take the time to visualize how professional you are by not overextending yourself, and make an affirmation around it, such as, “I am making the best choice possible for all those involved.”

If you want to say yes, but are unsure if you will be able to devote the proper amount of time to the task or project in question, determine all the options before making your commitment.
• Determine exactly what needs to be done, how long it will take and how the activity can be broken down into manageable chunks that fit in with your schedule.
• Be definite about how you can contribute, and set boundaries around your time.
• Find out if there are others who can share the responsibility. Perhaps the task would benefit from others helping and dividing the work. Then be sure to ask for the help needed.
How can taking the extra time to make your decision add to your peace and serenity and your professionalism and integrity?

Lorraine Calhoun, Act 2 Consulting, specializes in coaching women to go from chaos to calm even in the midst of the inevitable stress that comes up in midlife. She does this with holistic coaching, teleclasses and self and group study with an emphasis on stress reduction and journal writing. She can be reached at [email protected] or 215-794-8606. To get started feeling less stress, look up Lorraine’s complimentary E-book, 7 Steps To Go From Frazzled To Fabulous, at http://www.act2consulting.com/modules/smartpartner/partner.php?id=10.

August 31st, 2006 -- WBF member Doylestown firm, Harvest Graphics (www.harvestgraphics.net), just received certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), which is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the nation. This distinction was awarded to Harvest Graphics after the agency went through a meticulous selection process.

Harvest Graphics president and WBF Board Member Laura Powers said, “It was important to us to get certification as it helps our clients and prospective clients achieve their diversity goals. Further, I recognized that being certified is a powerful tool in expanding our business development efforts.”

WBENC’s national standard of certification is an arduous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. Founded in 1997, WBENC is one of the nation's leading advocates of women-owned businesses and is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC works to foster diversity in the world of commerce with programs and policies designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners. www.wbenc.org.

This isn’t the first time that Harvest Graphics has been recognized for its outstanding design work. Recently, the firm received Best of Show at the Central Bucks County Chamber of Commerce’s 2006 Business Expo. The agency previously won four 2003-2004 Golden Web Awards from the International Association of Web Masters and Designers (I.A.W.M.D.) for its work on four web sites. This prestigious award is given to the "Best of Breed" in the global, web-design marketplace.

Harvest Graphics is a full-service marketing agency that provides outsourced strategic and tactical marketing for a wide variety of clientele. With its extensive knowledge of the advertising industry, since 1996 Harvest Graphics has efficiently developed effective design for business print and web materials. www.harvestgraphics.net.

07/27/2006

Women's Business Forum celebrates anniversary
By Gina V. Stevens

Founding members, from left, Maria Evans, Cheyenne, Kim Bensing and Lisa Naples share a moment at the organization’s fourth annual Social last week.

Entrepreneurial women, corporate executives and significant others left their business attire dangling in their closets and opted for festive casual wear at the Fourth Annual Women's Business Forum Summer Social, hosted by Catherine Ponist of New Hope, financial director of the group and one of its six founding members, last Wednesday evening.

The potluck indoor/outdoor affair celebrated the successful growth of the non-profit organization to its current standing of 300 members.

The Women's Business Forum (WBF) is an eclectic group of women in business for themselves, in positions of respect with major corporations, and women researching the opportunity to transition from a company job into a "be your own boss" scenario.

The mission of the non-profit is to provide inspiration, mentoring and support in a network of like-minded individuals. Founder and President Chanin Walsh of Ampersand Design in Doylestown jumpstarted the cadre in 2002, following a successful professional career in graphic design.

"We've become so much more than what we hoped we'd be," said Walsh.

"Five other women joined with me in creating an organization that was first off free to anyone who wanted to attend. That was important, especially to women who were starting up a new business. It can be costly, and we didn't want the finances to prohibit their attendance. We wanted to provide an environment to network, learn, challenge ourselves and grow. Our meetings are nurturing, welcoming and now that we're paying the rent, so to speak, we've made levels of membership available for those who want to be a part of our remaining around for many years to come."

Monthly meetings were originally held at the home of one of the founding members, but as WBF grew, so did the need for expanded use of space. The Forum moved to the Doylestown Bookshop for a time, and then Foster Winans provided a key for access to The Writers Room off Main Street in Doylestown for a year and a half. When that location became unavailable, the James-Lorah Memorial Home graciously filled the need.

The historic residence at 595 W. State St., the birthplace of Henry Chapman Mercer, is a quintessential hub for WBF each month. (Miss Sarah M. James, a charter member of the Doylestown Village Improvement Association, made her home there for 85 years.) Naturally, it almost seems apropos that 21st-century female mavericks now occupy its rooms.

Meetings are scheduled the first Wednesday morning of each month starting at 8 a.m. and running up until around 9 a.m. Evening meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. sharp. The alternating dates and times provide options to often busy business planners. Each session averages 30 to 50 members, with women from all demographics.

The median age of a WBF member is 35 to 55 years old, although Walsh pointed out that many who attend have just graduated college, while others are retirees.

Board of Directors Vice President and life member Gina Rubel of Furia Rubel Communications, a full-service, women-owned certified public relations agency, said the women who join WBF have that entrepreneurial spirit.

"As a business person, it is comforting to know that you are venturing out on your own and that you are always greeted with open arms," she said. "We are completely accessible to anyone in Central Bucks interested or in the process of building their own clientele, and the networking opportunities through WBF are unsurpassed.

"We help each other. I can't tell you how many women have grown their businesses thanks to the camaraderie they've found through the Women's Business Forum. Our web site is a click away, and our meetings are welcoming and available mornings or evenings, depending on your busy schedule."

WBF offers three levels of membership: free and always open to the public; a supporting member ($75); or the Margaret Mead Lifetime Sponsor (one-time contribution of $500).

To learn more about the Women's Business Forum, visit www.womensbusinessforum.org.

Doylestown, August 2006 – Women entrepreneurs will discuss The Martha Rules on Thursday, August 17, 2006, 12-1 p.m., The Library Center, Pine St., Doylestown.
This is the monthly meeting of the Women’s Business Forum’s (WBF’s) new, free Business Book Group. As with all WBF meetings, the WBF Book Group is free.

Martha Stewart is perhaps the most visible and prolific female entrepreneur of our time. In her new book -- The Martha Rules -- she lays out the path to success for anyone interested in building a business.

Come join other women entrepreneurs to discuss how you can benefit from her advice. Everyone is welcome (even if you haven't finished the book!).

For example, she discusses:
• How -- and why -- you should coin a term about your business
• Why you need to "write the book you want to read"
• How to extend your primary business into other areas
• Why your idea should make the world better -- and how to do it
• How to think like a customer
• How to promote yourself
• Why you may be ready to "repot" yourself
You can order your copy of The Martha Rules from Amazon through the WBF web site, www.womensbusinessforum.org.
The WBF Book Group will meet every third Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in the conference room at the Library Center in Doylestown.

September’s book: Guerrilla Marketing: Secrets for Making Big profits from Your Small Business by Jay Conrad Levinson.

The Women’s Business Forum (WBF) is a non-profit organization that unites, inspires and encourages women entrepreneurs to build and sustain viable businesses through offering group forums, mentoring and business resources. WBF meets every first Wednesday from 8 to 9 a.m. and every third Wednesday from 7:30-9 p.m. at the James Lorah House, Broad and Main Sts., Doylestown. Contact [email protected] with questions!

The Board of Directors of the Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County, a nonprofit corporation, held its meeting on Tuesday March 8th, 2006 at Gina Rubel’s Barn Conference Room.

Chanin Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.

The following Directors, constituting a quorum, were present at the meeting:

Andy Cleff Lynda Mitchell
Debi Sarandrea Kristi Strang
Laura Powers Maria Evans
Chanin Walsh Kim Mann
Cass Forkin Lynne Sharer
Birgitta Sama Gina Rubel
Kim Bensing

Not Present
Kitty Mace, Cheynne Mease, Lisa Naples, Cathy Ponist, Pam Carroll.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
On a motion by Debi, second by Chanin, the minutes of February 8, 2006 were approved 9-0.

Recording of E-mail votes Between Meetings
Lynda Mitchell had been voted in unanimously as Secretary and Director for WBF.

Announcements
None

Treasurers & Finance Report
Any reported that 17 supporting members have paid to date; the checking account balance looks good. Badge orders went out. A discussion ensued about how to handle supporting memberships for multiple members from the same business. No decision was made; discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Program Committee Report
Lynn Sharer reported that there were 13 responses to the banner ad for April’s event. Two food sponsors have been obtained. There has been some response from supporting members expressing interest in featuring their products and services on display tables at the April event. The program is almost complete for the rest of the calendar year except for two dates. In September the Committee will start booking for January 2007.

At this point in the meeting, Cassie, Birgitta, Kim Bensing and Kim Mann arrived.

Communications Committee Report
Laura showed a flyer for distribution to businesses in Doylestown and Newtown to spread the word about WBF. The committee is interested in finding someone to record the audio of the April event, possibly as a digital recording so it can then be uploaded to the WBF Web site. A tri-fold board is being designed to feature names of Founding Members and Supporting Members for the display at the April event. Nametags have been ordered. The larger flyer will be revised and will be available to review at the next meeting.

Membership Committee Report
Kristie indicated that letters and flyers are ready to go for non-paying and supporting members. Margaret Mead member letter is being drafted. A new system where greeter instruction cards will be given to the meeting greeter for a meeting and the greeter will need to hand the instruction cards off to two members willing to be greeters for the next meeting. Supporting members will get a welcome packet.

There was a discussion about the membership directory and yellow pages on the Web site. After discussion, an operational change was decided upon that will switch the directory so that only Supporting Members can add information to the member directory. All members can search the member directory. Current member directory will become the Yellow Pages and any member can add information about their business or search the Yellow Pages. All marketing materials will be revised to reflect these changes.

An updated binder is now available; greeters are asked to have meeting attendees check the binder to make sure their business cards are in the correct category. The committee is still looking for sponsors for meetings.

Social Committee Report
The next social event will be the July 4th year anniversary party for WBF. Tentative time location is July 19th at Cathy Ponist’s home. The party will be promoted at the April event as both a social and membership building event.

The committee will be looking for new venues for the Christmas party.

Business Book Club
Tabled as the guest, Megan Kline, was unable to attend. A task force comprised of Laura, Maria, Pam, Kim and Maria will get together before the next meeting to set some goals for the Book Club.

Bylaws
Gina presented some proposed bylaws revisions including some changes to the membership benefits structure as discussed at the previous Board meeting, as well as updating frequency of meeting requirements to quarterly, as well as a proposed amendment to the Bylaws adding a provision adopting nonliability and indemnification of directors in accordance with 15 Pa. C.S.A. §512 and §513. On a motion by Debi, second by Chanin, the motion passed 13-0 to revise the Bylaws to include all of these updates.

Next Meeting
Next meeting will be located at Gina Rubel’s barn at 5:30-7:00 on May 10th at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will include an item to discuss ideas for applying for grants for which WBF may be eligible.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50. p.m.

Respectfully submitted,




Lynda Mitchell
Secretary

3/27/2006

The Board of Directors of the Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County, a nonprofit corporation, held its meeting on Tuesday March 8th, 2006 at Gina Rubel’s Barn Conference Room.

Chanin Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.

The following Directors, constituting a quorum, were present at the meeting:

Andy Cleff Lynda Mitchell
Debi Sarandrea Kristi Strang
Laura Powers Maria Evans
Chanin Walsh Kim Mann
Cass Forkin Lynne Sharer
Birgitta Sama Gina Rubel
Kim Bensing

Not Present
Kitty Mace, Cheynne Mease, Lisa Naples, Cathy Ponist, Pam Carroll.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
On a motion by Debi, second by Chanin, the minutes of February 8, 2006 were approved 9-0.

Recording of E-mail votes Between Meetings
Lynda Mitchell had been voted in unanimously as Secretary and Director for WBF.

Announcements
None

Treasurers & Finance Report
Any reported that 17 supporting members have paid to date; the checking account balance looks good. Badge orders went out. A discussion ensued about how to handle supporting memberships for multiple members from the same business. No decision was made; discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Program Committee Report
Lynn Sharer reported that there were 13 responses to the banner ad for April’s event. Two food sponsors have been obtained. There has been some response from supporting members expressing interest in featuring their products and services on display tables at the April event. The program is almost complete for the rest of the calendar year except for two dates. In September the Committee will start booking for January 2007.

At this point in the meeting, Cassie, Birgitta, Kim Bensing and Kim Mann arrived.

Communications Committee Report
Laura showed a flyer for distribution to businesses in Doylestown and Newtown to spread the word about WBF. The committee is interested in finding someone to record the audio of the April event, possibly as a digital recording so it can then be uploaded to the WBF Web site. A tri-fold board is being designed to feature names of Founding Members and Supporting Members for the display at the April event. Nametags have been ordered. The larger flyer will be revised and will be available to review at the next meeting.

Membership Committee Report
Kristie indicated that letters and flyers are ready to go for non-paying and supporting members. Margaret Mead member letter is being drafted. A new system where greeter instruction cards will be given to the meeting greeter for a meeting and the greeter will need to hand the instruction cards off to two members willing to be greeters for the next meeting. Supporting members will get a welcome packet.

There was a discussion about the membership directory and yellow pages on the Web site. After discussion, an operational change was decided upon that will switch the directory so that only Supporting Members can add information to the member directory. All members can search the member directory. Current member directory will become the Yellow Pages and any member can add information about their business or search the Yellow Pages. All marketing materials will be revised to reflect these changes.

An updated binder is now available; greeters are asked to have meeting attendees check the binder to make sure their business cards are in the correct category. The committee is still looking for sponsors for meetings.

Social Committee Report
The next social event will be the July 4th year anniversary party for WBF. Tentative time location is July 19th at Cathy Ponist’s home. The party will be promoted at the April event as both a social and membership building event.

The committee will be looking for new venues for the Christmas party.

Business Book Club
Tabled as the guest, Megan Kline, was unable to attend. A task force comprised of Laura, Maria, Pam, Kim and Maria will get together before the next meeting to set some goals for the Book Club.

Bylaws
Gina presented some proposed bylaws revisions including some changes to the membership benefits structure as discussed at the previous Board meeting, as well as updating frequency of meeting requirements to quarterly, as well as a proposed amendment to the Bylaws adding a provision adopting nonliability and indemnification of directors in accordance with 15 Pa. C.S.A. §512 and §513. On a motion by Debi, second by Chanin, the motion passed 13-0 to revise the Bylaws to include all of these updates.

Next Meeting
Next meeting will be located at Gina Rubel’s barn at 5:30-7:00 on May 10th at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will include an item to discuss ideas for applying for grants for which WBF may be eligible.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50. p.m.

Respectfully submitted,




Lynda Mitchell
Secretary

3/27/2006

Last of seven brought to you by the Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County.
Marketing expert Laura Powers told more than 50 members of the Women’s Business Forum what needs to be their business plan – and why they need one.
• “Business is fine, I don’t need a plan.”
• “I just want to start a small craft business. I know what I’m doing.”
• “I’m too busy to waste time writing things down.”

Laura Powers, owner of the strategic marketing and advertising agency, Harvest Graphics, in Doylestown, has heard all the excuses. In fact, for eight years, she ran her business without a business plan.

“I began as a freelance graphic artist,” says Powers, whose award-winning company now provides strategic marketing plans, advertising programs, website development, identity creation and creative graphic design for a wide variety of clients.
“A business plan helps you solve business problems,” she adds.
A business plan is a road map to show where your company is going and how you will measure your success.

Who needs a plan?
What can a well-written business plan do?
• Precisely define your business
• Identify short- and long-term goals
• Optimize your company’s growth
• Help you make good financial decisions and properly allocate resources
• Help you handle unforeseen complications
• Inform others about your operations and objectives

“Many business owners think of business plans only as a method of starting a new business or applying for a business loan,” Powers adds. “However, business plans are a vital part of the everyday running of a business.”

Components of a powerful plan
While your plan should be as unique as your business, start with the basics, Powers says:
• Mission statement – “Keep your vision in front of you all day. Define your destination, with lots of milestones and timelines along the way.”
• Objectives – “What are you using it for? To attract new hires? To get financing? To keep yourself focused?”
• Internal and external SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis
• Marketing plan
• Financial plan
• Administrative plan
• Appendix and worksheets

“If it’s just for your use, it can be as informal as you’d like,” Powers says.

“My plan helps me focus so I can work on my business, not just in my business. It helps me take a helicopter ride over my business and see the big picture.”

She recommends revisiting your business plan at least once a year.

Need a template?
Powerpoint includes a business plan in its gallery of templates, as does Microsoft’s website. But there are literally thousands of other sources available, Powers says.

They key isn’t to find one – it’s to apply it, every day, to build your business.

Gina Rubel, Esq., told the Women’s Business Forum how to get positive attention from the audiences that matter most to them.

Even with little money to spare, small businesses can generate awareness and enthusiasm for their companies – while establishing themselves as industry experts and boosting profits.

All it takes is using public relations tactics consistently and effectively, award-winning communicator, Gina Rubel, Esq., told more than 50 members of the Women’s Business Forum. There should be five parts to your communications strategy, said the owner of Furia Rubel Communications in Fountainville.

1. Determine what your core business goal is. Is it to:
• Increase awareness?
• Increase profits?
• Retain existing clients?
• Get new clients?
• Gain media attention?

2. Decide “what do you want people to think, say or do when they hear about your business?”

3. Target your audience. Who are they? Where do they work? What media do they use? Do they know about you?

4. Develop your key message. Focus on the benefits, what you can do for them – how your product or service will make a difference. Why should they care? This is more important than just describing the features of your offering.

5. Figure out what you want your audience to do:
• Visit your Web site
• Donate money
• Call your company
• Hire you or buy your product
• Respect and remember your company
• Refer others to you

Little things mean a lot

As a communications expert, attorney and publicist, Rubel knows how to communicate to get results. Press releases, speeches and articles are only three ways to gain recognition and reputation.

But, Rubel says, small business owners can do many simple things as well that make a big difference in how they and their company are perceived. For example:
• Choose the name of your company carefully so it best reflects you or what your company offers
• Include your services or your “story” on the back of your business card
• Have an email address, regardless of your business – 65% of American adults communicate by email
• Create a 30-second “commercial” you can recite when anyone asks “What do you do?”
• Use that same, concise message on your voicemail and in your e-mail signature – with a link to your site
• Use your e-mail signature to provide contact information
• Create a Web site even before you’re established to gain credibility
• Write “Top 10” and “Do you know…” articles for local papers, trade magazines and e-zines
• Use consistently brnded letterhead and print envelopes on your computer for a consistent, professional touch

Rubel says these cost-effective tips will help you generate positive awareness everytime you interact with a potential customer. And that on-going buzz can only lead to good things for your business.

New laws limit the deduction for motor vehicles, boats, and planes contributed to charity after 2004 if the claimed value exceeds $500.00 by making it dependent upon the charity’s use and imposing tougher substantiation requirements.

Donor must be able to substantiate the donation by a contemporaneous written acknowledgement from the donee. The acknowledgement must contain the following:

1) Name of donor

2) Taxpayer identification number of donor

3) Vehicle identification number of vehicle being donated

4) If the charity sells the vehicle the acknowledgement must state the following:
a. That the vehicle was sold in an arm’s length transaction between unrelated parties
b. The gross proceeds from the sale
c. The deductible amount may not exceed the gross proceeds

5) In all other cases, the charity’s acknowledgement must indicate the following:
a. The intended use
b. Duration
c. Any material improvement
d. That it will not be transferred in exchange for money, other property, or services before completion of use or improvement

An acknowledgement is considered contemporaneous if received within 30 days of the sale of a vehicle that is not significantly improved or materially used by the donee. In all other cases an acknowledgement is considered contemporaneous if received within 30 days of contribution.

Penalties will apply if a donee knowingly furnishes a false or fraudulent acknowledgement, or fails to furnish an acknowledgement.

For More Information Contact:
Catherine Ponist, CPA at [email protected] or 215-794-5675.

Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County

Minutes of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County, a nonprofit corporation, held its meeting on Tuesday March 8th, 2006 at Gina Rubel’s Barn Conference Room.

Chanin Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.

The following Directors, constituting a quorum, were present at the meeting:

Andy Cleff
Lynda Mitchell
Debi Sarandrea
Kristi Strang
Laura Powers
Maria Evans
Chanin Walsh
Kim Mann
Cass Forkin
Lynne Sharer
Birgitta Sama
Gina Rubel
Kim Bensing

Not Present
Kitty Mace, Cheynne Mease, Lisa Naples, Cathy Ponist, Pam Carroll.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
On a motion by Debi, second by Chanin, the minutes of February 8, 2006 were approved 9-0.

Recording of E-mail votes Between Meetings
Lynda Mitchell had been voted in unanimously as Secretary and Director for WBF.

Announcements
None

Treasurers & Finance Report
Any reported that 17 supporting members have paid to date; the checking account balance looks good. Badge orders went out. A discussion ensued about how to handle supporting memberships for multiple members from the same business. No decision was made; discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Program Committee Report
Lynn Sharer reported that there were 13 responses to the banner ad for April’s event. Two food sponsors have been obtained. There has been some response from supporting members expressing interest in featuring their products and services on display tables at the April event. The program is almost complete for the rest of the calendar year except for two dates. In September the Committee will start booking for January 2007.

At this point in the meeting, Cassie, Birgitta, Kim Bensing and Kim Mann arrived.

Communications Committee Report
Laura showed a flyer for distribution to businesses in Doylestown and Newtown to spread the word about WBF. The committee is interested in finding someone to record the audio of the April event, possibly as a digital recording so it can then be uploaded to the WBF Web site. A tri-fold board is being designed to feature names of Founding Members and Supporting Members for the display at the April event. Nametags have been ordered. The larger flyer will be revised and will be available to review at the next meeting.

Membership Committee Report
Kristie indicated that letters and flyers are ready to go for non-paying and supporting members. Margaret Mead member letter is being drafted. A new system where greeter instruction cards will be given to the meeting greeter for a meeting and the greeter will need to hand the instruction cards off to two members willing to be greeters for the next meeting. Supporting members will get a welcome packet.

There was a discussion about the membership directory and yellow pages on the Web site. After discussion, an operational change was decided upon that will switch the directory so that only Supporting Members can add information to the member directory. All members can search the member directory. Current member directory will become the Yellow Pages and any member can add information about their business or search the Yellow Pages. All marketing materials will be revised to reflect these changes.

An updated binder is now available; greeters are asked to have meeting attendees check the binder to make sure their business cards are in the correct category. The committee is still looking for sponsors for meetings.

Social Committee Report
The next social event will be the July 4th year anniversary party for WBF. Tentative time location is July 19th at Cathy Ponist’s home. The party will be promoted at the April event as both a social and membership building event.

The committee will be looking for new venues for the Christmas party.

Business Book Club
Tabled as the guest, Megan Kline, was unable to attend. A task force comprised of Laura, Maria, Pam, Kim and Maria will get together before the next meeting to set some goals for the Book Club.

Bylaws
Gina presented some proposed bylaws revisions including some changes to the membership benefits structure as discussed at the previous Board meeting, as well as updating frequency of meeting requirements to quarterly, as well as a proposed amendment to the Bylaws adding a provision adopting nonliability and indemnification of directors in accordance with 15 Pa. C.S.A. §512 and §513. On a motion by Debi, second by Chanin, the motion passed 13-0 to revise the Bylaws to include all of these updates.

Next Meeting
Next meeting will be located at Gina Rubel’s barn at 5:30-7:00 on May 10th at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will include an item to discuss ideas for applying for grants for which WBF may be eligible.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50. p.m.

Respectfully submitted,




Lynda Mitchell
Secretary

3/11/2006
Pending approval