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2009
Board – From
left, Kimberlie Hoffmann, Vice President, Lori
Mader, President, and Liz Dorsett, Treasurer. |
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Kimberlie
Hoffmann, 2010/2011 President and Lopa Shroff |
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Some
of the women who attended the Conference. |
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Kimberlie
Hoffman receives her new gavel as 2010/2011 BPW/NH
President! |
Annual Conference a Success!
The Business and Professional Women of New Hampshire
held their Annual Conference at the Holistic Self Care
Center in Nashua, N.H., on May 22, 2010. Approximately
30 people attended the day-long Conference and enjoyed
wonderful speakers, friendships, and great food!
The day began with a buffet breakfast, which allowed
the attendees to network. Jennifer Horn, who is running
for Congress was on hand for Opening Ceremonies and
along with Conference Chair, Kimberlie Hoffmann, assisted
in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of
silence. This is one of the few places that you will
see people saying the Pledge of Allegiance. It was a
nice touch!
The Conference was Called to Order by State President
Lori Mader, and Members/Guests were welcomed by State
Vice President Kimberlie Hoffmann with introductions
of the Conference Committee: Lucille Wenzel, Jackie
O’Rourke, Terri Lemire, and Lori Mader. Other
guests that were recognized were Laura Bauver, Past
State President from Massachusetts, Shelley Maloney,
Past State President from Connecticut, and current State
President Lindy Hatcher from Vermont. Jennifer Horn
spoke from her heart about growing up in a large family
of girls and how her father had encouraged her and her
sisters to be all they could be. The values she learned
from her family have helped her become the Mother she
is today and have given her the confidence to run for
Congress in the hopes of being able to make a difference.
A Board meeting was held with many agenda items to vote
on, and various reports given from 2009/2010 Board members.
The time then came to issue the Call for Nominations
for the 2010/2011 Board. Voted in were Kimberlie Hoffmann,
State President; Lucille Wenzel, Vice President; Zandra
Rice-Hawkins and Sara Tracy, Co-Secretaries; and Terri
Lemire, Treasurer.
One of the most exciting moments from the day was the
Young Careerist Speak-Off. Jessamyn Anderson, Vice President
of the BPW/NH Greater Londonderry group, and Ryanne
Pellitier of BPW Franklin, both gave riveting speeches.
Debby Hoffman Adair, Leslie Sturgeon, and Joanne Randall
interviewed the candidates and through a series of ratings
concluded by honoring Ryanne Pellitier the State YC
winner. Ryanne is the granddaughter of long time member
Jackie O’Rourke who was at the meeting along with
Ryanne’s mother who came as a guest. Both ladies
were presented by Terri Lemire, YC Chairperson with
personalized business card cases.
A fabulous lunch followed the Young Careerist Speak-Off,
which included various rollups, salad, sandwiches, and
many delightful pastries. These were prepared by Doug,
husband of Barb Tremlett, owner of the Holistic Center.
The Holistic Center was the perfect place to hold this
event as it made for a wonderful retreat, especially
during lunch. The nature-sounding music, bubbling water
falls, and nose-tingling aromas all induced a sense
of relaxation. Many women could be seen throughout the
Center relaxing in big comfy chairs as they ate their
lunches and caught up with each other. Bonnie Roberts,
President of Greater Londonderry BPW had complained
upon arriving of having a head ache for days. She was
given a 15 minute massage and was relieved of her pain,
which enabled her to join the meeting and enjoy the
day!
After lunch the raffle winners were called, each Local
Group had contributed a basket filled with goodies and
those lucky enough to have their tickets called went
home with some wonderful items. One such basket was
filled with everything you’d need for an Italian
dinner, including a cook book, pasta, pasta sauce, candles,
Chianti – Yum!
One of the final highlights was the panel discussion,
“Building Powerful Women: Tips for Success.”
The panel included Leslie Sturgeon, owner of Women Inspiring
Women; Heather Bishop, DJ for WZID Radio; Lauran Star
Radnazo, owner of The Excellence Consulting Group; Joanne
Randall, host of the “NH Women in Business Show”
on WTPL Radio; and Debby Hoffman Adair, owner of Positive
Results Seminars. Each of these ladies brought their
“Top Ten Tips for Success” and shared them
with the eager audience. Some of the tips included:
• Get out of your comfort zone
• Replace toxic relationships with mentors
• Love what you do
• Never give up
• Know when to laugh with yourself
• Take care of yourself
• Keep a positive attitude
• Kindness is the answer
Many questions were asked of the panelists and some
of their answers sent the audience into uncontrolled
laughter! These women ALL have a fabulous sense of humor!
The second half of the Board Meeting the new Board
presided. Terri Lemire as Past State President for NH
presented in-coming President Kimberlie with the State
Gavel. A new excellence award was introduced by Kimberlie
in the name of Winnifred Lethridge. Winnie was a member
of Franklin BPW and a friend of Jackie O’Rourke’s.
Jackie personalized the award by talking about Winnie
and her experience going out on the campaign trail with
Winnie and other members. Winnie was running for the
National Presidential Seat for BPW/USA and they started
their campaign trail in Boston and took it across country
including San Francisco before they concluded at the
National Conference in Nashville where Winnie was elected
National President BPW/USA. The first recipient honored
with this award was Lucille Wenzel for her service at
the local and state level, her support, and her talent.
Lucille works in the Human Resource Department at AutoDesk
in Manchester.
As the event came to a close, many people were seen
lingering, chatting, and getting to know each other
better. Whether it was the positive energy, the tranquility
of the facilities, or the quality of those who attended
the 2010 BPW/NH Conference, it was a great success.
Thank you to all who worked so hard to make it happen.
For those who participated, you know we speak the truth.
For those who could not attend, we look forward to seeing
you at next year’s 2011 BPW/NH Conference!
More photos to come!
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