E-Newsletter, Vol.2, No.2 Professional Women’s Network February 2000
The world is changing so fast that it’s virtually (remember that word) impossible to keep up with everything that makes this high tech society function. I wouldn’t be surprised if the natives in the rain forests had public access computers available to them at the nearest library. And, some of them probably know how to send e-mail. Imagine the look on their faces when they hear, “You’ve got mail!” In this global economy, staying connected is the way to survive. If you don’t catch up with technology you’re going to be left behind in the dark ages. I heard recently that businesses, which aren’t online in 2005, won’t be around. In 2005! We’ve crossed over into the new frontier where the global economy is dependent upon all the new technology.
I’ve only had a home computer since February of 1996. Four short years. I did a lot of research, my “due diligence”, because I knew very little, and I wanted to buy intelligently. Some friends recommended certain PCs while other friends recommended buying a Mac, because, after all, Macs are far superior. Unwittingly, I once started a fight at a party between Mac-users and PC-users.
Then, what software to choose for word processing had to be addressed. I finally decided on MS Word, convinced by Ronnie Cantor (former PWN President and Newsletter Editor) that Word was the way to go, even though I was familiar with WordPerfect from work. And on it went with other suggestions from many friends, and finally, I was armed with my own computer.
I had a mission, too. I worked on the newsletter for PWN, and did the Sunday bulletin for my small church. And, boy did I learn a lot through trial and error. The church bulletin got more sophisticated with each passing week. I was now sure that I could hold my own against my grandson, born in ’95. At age two, he would answer my question, “What are you doing, Taryn?” with, “I’m working on the ‘puter, Grandma.” Yup, I would be ready when that boy challenged me.
Technology can be intimidating. But, once you take the time to figure it out, it makes your life so much easier. We are now headed for Home Automated Living - HAL, as it’s known. I’ve wanted a butler for a long time, but always supposed his name would be something like Jeeves, not Hal. Ah, well, HAL has a nice ring to it.
When I was ready to take the plunge and go online in 1997, I summoned former PWN member Jill Morton to do a series of articles, Internet For Dummies, for our newsletter. Many of us who were technologically challenged benefited from being tutored by Jill on how to go about choosing an ISP (that was after we learned what a mouse was) and, hey, what’s a modem?
We are far past that point now. We, as an organization, are learning how to make technology our friend. Last month’s delayed newsletter notwithstanding, we are learning to make it work for our benefit. When financial considerations became a concern last year, we realized that expenditures had remained the same as previous years when we had more members. We also quickly realized that an e-mailed newsletter would completely eliminate the hundreds of dollars that went into its production each month.
Now, we are stepping up into our own online presence with the newly registered www.pwnhawaii.org. It’s exciting to be part of the World Wide Web with all its possibilities. Another major administrative cost will soon be done away with when we have an online directory. This directory can be printed out and used however you deem fit. Or, just refer online when you have a specific need for someone’s contact and/or business information.
I want to encourage each of you to have a little patience as we take off on the wings of technology, and I also hope that you will embrace every aspect of what technology can do to make your lives smoother and infinitely more interesting. Just wait until you see what we can do with our web site!
Come join us for the next luncheon on Wednesday, February 23 and bring a guest to hear Karen Huffman speak on The Next Life, life after owning a McDonald’s franchise. She’ll share some of her business experiences and her plans for what comes next. Many of us find ourselves at “The Juncture”, after investing much of our time and talent in one venture, wondering about the next chapter. See you there!
Barbara Guss
President
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK
The Professional Women’s Network is dedicated to supporting professional and businesswomen in Hawaii, acting on the premise that mutual support is a necessary factor in bringing about personal growth and business success. The Network’s objectives are to promote the exchange of professional ideas and provide an opportunity to share experiences that will help women expand their business position in the Hawaii marketplace. We are committed to providing women in Hawaii with the opportunity to obtain support from other like-minded women in the pursuit of their professional and business goals. We are committed to challenging our members with new ideas and information that will help them attain their business and personal goals.
Membership Information can be obtained by calling 533-4800
YOUR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
Barbara
Guss |
President |
|
Rudi
Laarhoven |
Newsletter |
|
Elaine
Myers Hammond |
VP/Programs |
|
Pat
Shapiro/Louise Coward |
Special
Events |
|
Jeanette
Frahm |
Secretary/Historian |
|
Ute
Regan |
Scholarship |
|
Gail
Smith |
Treasurer |
|
Gloria
Affigne |
Past
Pres./Advisor |
|
Put
your name here |
Arrangements |
|
Beth
Busch |
Past
Pres./Advisor |
|
Jane
Brown |
Membership |
|
Carol
Williams |
Past
Pres./Advisor |
|
Denise
Crosby |
Publicity |
|
Mary
Houghton |
Executive
Director |
2000 MEETING DATES
4th WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
(3rd Wednesday, April & May)
Feb 23, Mar 29, Apr 19, May 24, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 30,
Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29, December Holiday Party TBA
by Rudi Laarhoven
Barbara Guss (Adecco) followed through on her promise to call Louise Wooden (Fairway View Bed and Breakfast) as soon as she sighted the first whales to pass by off Lanikai. This has become a tradition for these two since Louise realized that Barbara could keep watch from her deck. Louise frequently paddles off Lanikai and keeps her own watch at sea for the majestic creatures. Barbara's first sighting was of a large pod that was playfully spouting and jumping almost completely out of the water. Lucky we live Hawaii! New member Laura Eszes (TwinWorlds) participated in the Technology Industry Day Mini-Tradeshow at the State Legislature recently. Sponsored by the Hawai'i Technology Trade Association, exhibitors sought to educate our legislators and state government officials on the technology imperative to help create a ’new economy‘ for Hawaii. Pat Shapiro ( Pat's Pics Photography) is visiting cousins in Calabasas, CA, then on to the Palm Springs area to see her parents & transplanted Hawaii friends. She’ll be back in time to attend the Professional Photographer's of Hawaii National Convention, in Waikiki. Some of the nation's top wedding & portrait photographers will be here to share their secrets. Pat is sure to come away with lots of great new ideas to enhance her portrait work. Dr. Lei Lavarias (Serenity) is offering monthly specials exclusively for PWN members. For February all Improvisation Dinnerware by Wedgewood Home is 10% off. In March all aromatherapy products will be 10% off. Send all inquiries to serenity_hawaii@yahoo.com or call 531-6405. Susan Aiu (Susan Aiu Astrology) tells us that the Saturday Holistic Health kept her very busy as do the Psychic Fairs on the 3rd Sunday of each month, weekly radio on KSSK, and her daily AstroLine reports on 948-0172. Two women stopped by Susan’s booth at the fair and recognized Susan’s voice as the one on theAstroLine. They were surprised to learn that she is haole, not Chinese or Hawaiian. They were happy to put a face with the astrologer voice they listen to all the time. Susan gets about 1000 calls a week on that line, few of whom she ever meets. Jeanette Frahm (Hawaiian Island Ministries) has moved to her new offices at the Manoa Market Place on February 3. The space is three times the size of her former facility. Jeanette’s fax and phone numbers remain the same. Elise Johnson (Busch Investigations) has memories of an unforgettable millennium celebration, watching the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was awesome, breathtaking and moving, so moving that when the family watched the video that Elisa’s husband had taken, again at home, they cried all over again. She learned that it took mountain climbers three months to attach all the fireworks. The display crisscrossed on all sides and from top to bottom. The crowd did not push and shove, but just happily uncorked champagne. What else can one expect from the Parisians? Dr. Sallie Lau (Herb Wise Inc.) is introducing to us a miracle instrument, “The Chi Machine.” Her pamphlet describes how easy and pleasurable it is to use, the benefits of using this machine are incredible. Please, ask Sallie about it. Florence Kelly (Hawai'i Baha'i Community) urges us to support the Women’s Legislative Caucus. Call your senator and representative and tell them you support the WLC’s Year 2000 Package. It addresses important legislation regarding women’s issues such as inequality and discrimination. Current research shows improvement in the conditions under which women live and work, but we are nowhere on a par with our male counterparts. Good luck to Marie Massengale in her newest career endeavor as an account executive with This Week Magazine. Mindy Ash (This Week Magazine) hired Marie and says Marie’s the best! Networking at its finest!
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The Alex Memorial Scholarship
Are you going to school? Do you have a child who is attending College or another Accredited Post Secondary School? You or your child may be eligible to apply for the Alex Memorial Scholarship, which is a benefit PWN offers to its members.
The Scholarship fund was established to further enhance the Network's commitment to provide women in Hawaii with the opportunity to obtain support from other like-minded women in the pursuit of their professional and business goals. What better opportunity can we provide than education?
Why was the scholarship named Alex? It was established in honor of Alex, the niece of former PWN president Beth Busch. Alex, who loved life and showed great promise, died of leukemia at age six. She did not have the opportunity to pursue a higher education or a professional career. By naming the scholarship after Alex, the Board of Directors felt we would honor her memory by providing the opportunity for PWN members (or their children) to pursue their educational goals.
Faith Womack, the first recipient of the scholarship (awarded in 1998) worked on her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at USC, Hawaii Campus. Faith is continuing her studies in California.
In 1999, PWN was able to provide three people with the financial benefits of the Alex Memorial Scholarship: Susan Watson, a member of PWN who wanted to pursue her Doctorate in Education with a major in Counseling Psychology in order to lecture and teach at college level; and Michael and Derek Regan, sons of PWN member, Ute Regan (this year’s Scholarship Chairperson) who attended Hawaii Pacific University and majored in International Business. They have both graduated and earned their BS/BA degrees in 23 months. Derek entered the business world and is working as an insurance adjuster. Mike is pursuing his filmmaking career working with Director John Brekke on several projects.
To qualify for the Alex Memorial Scholarship you or your child must be currently enrolled or planning to attend an accredited college or university, business or technical school in the United States. Applications will be accepted from February 15 through April 30, 2000. The Scholarship Committee will review the applications and their recommendation goes to the Board of Directors for final approval. The selected candidate/s will be announced in April 2000. Candidates will be selected based upon prior academic and/or employment record, educational objective, and financial need. In the event there are no candidates selected in the year 2000, funds will be allowed to accumulate for future scholarships. The scholarship has been funded in the past with the proceeds from the annual PWN Trade Show Silent Auction. Funding has been expanded to include profits of Entertainment Book 2000 sales. For applications, or more information, please contact Scholarship Chair Ute Regan at: 531-7656. Remember, you must be a PWN member in good standing for at least one year before you and/or your children are eligible.
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“PWN looking for another Martha Stewart”
“As of 1 January 2000 I am your new Arrangements board member” started Sue Watson’s memorable letter to all members last month. However, we are sorry to learn that Sue was called up as a reserve and will be wearing her army uniform in Japan and residing just outside Tokyo.
Because Sue will be missing many months of our meetings, she stepped down as Arrangements board member and PWN needs a member to come forward to serve on the board. Is there a member who would like to be our own Martha Stewart? Sue has already laid the groundwork so your job will be twice as easy! Call Barbara Guss at 533-8889 today!
The Manoa Valley Theatre Night Review
On January 27th, 33 PWN members & guests met at Manoa Valley Theatre to laugh, cheer & applaud Sylvia Hormann-Alper's delightfully over-the-top performance in The Cemetery Club, a play about three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to the cemetery to visit their husband's graves. Throughout the play they share with each other barbed wisecracks and confidences about relationships, marriage, living & dying. We agreed with the Boston Globe calling it "Funny, sweet-tempered, moving." Beforehand, there was time to talk during a delicious dinner prepared by Beau Soleil. All agreed that it was a great way to network & get to know each other better. Stay tuned for future special event networking activities.
………………………..
To say that Kitty Lagareta had a lot to say to PWN members would be a grave understatement. It’s easy to understand why Kitty is as successful as she is. She has amazing energy and enthusiasm & speaks directly & to the point. Who would have guessed that she worked stand-up comedy with Rap Replinger for 1 & 1/2 years? She truly is amazing!
“What do you wish your Mother (or someone) had told you about business?” It’s true that most women are not encouraged in business by their parents, let alone their mothers. But here are some of the things Kitty said she wishes her Mom had told her:
1. It’s okay to love your work. Too many women feel guilty if they make their career a priority, especially if they are mothers.
2. Careers don’t have to be in a certain sequence. Whatever is right for you is right.
3. Approval isn’t a requirement for taking action. Sometimes the best choices we make are those of which others disapprove.
4. Loyalty can be a fault. Too many women let loyalty to a company or a mentor interfere with getting ahead.
5. If there’s a choice between being liked & being respected, choose respect. You need to be liked at home not in business.
6. It’s okay to be good at business.
7. Clothes. Why is a woman’s appearance of so much more concern than a man's?
8. Fear can be your friend. Use it as a challenge to be met and overcome.
9. Golf!! She still doesn’t understand that one.
10. You can have fun & feel good about your work. It’s okay!!
And although it wasn’t one of Kitty’s top 10, she did add this: Women need to learn to “Fake it ‘till you figure it out.” After all, men have been doing that successfully for years. And many of them never do figure it out.
FEBRUARY 2000 LUNCHEON SPEAKER
KAREN HUFFMAN
Our speaker this month is Karen Huffman, best known in the Hawaii business community as the former franchisee of three McDonald's restaurants. Huffman started her career at a local Hawaii advertising agency, ultimately serving as vice president and account supervisor. Her primary account responsibility was the McDonald's account in Hawaii and Guam. When the entrepreneurial bug struck, Huffman became the first female McDonald's franchisee in Hawaii, purchasing the McDonald's in Aina Haina. She later acquired the Kahala and Koko Marina locations. Huffman sold her three franchises in April 1999, and now provides consulting assistance to small businesses.
In 1998, Karen was named Small Business Hawaii's "Small Business Person of the Year” and the Pacific Business News' "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year". She has served on numerous non-profit boards and is active in professional organizations and in the Hawaii Republican Party.
Originally from Michigan, Karen has lived in Hawaii for 20 years. She is married to Rick Zwern.
The title of her talk is "Life Changes--Is It the Right Time?" She will be addressing the decision-making process of determining when and how to make major changes to improve your life both personally and professionally.
Location: Hale Koa Hotel
Date/Time: February 23, 2000 (bring your business cards)
Registration and Networking @ 11:30 am
Reservations: Telephone 533-4800 by noon Friday, February 18th. Reservations are required for confirmed seating. No shows are billed. Doors close promptly at noon and reservations may be forfeited if not claimed then.
Menu: Soup: Lanai Pineapple Gazpacho
Entrée: Sautéed, Herb Seasoned Chicken Breast (deglazed with balsamic vinegar and finished with a touch of butter) with steamed Manila clams, fermented black bean orange vinaigrette and cumin scented rice pilaf
Dessert: Chocolate Bavarian cream with vanilla sauce
Coffee and tea is served.
Vegetarian: Vegetable Fettuccine
Cost: Members $ 18 Guests $ 25
Validated parking: $2.00
