E-Newsletter, Vol.2, No.6 Professional Women’s Network June 2000

Next Luncheon Wednesday June 28th

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

“Remember Bronster,” exhorted our May speaker, former Attorney General of the State of Hawaii. Margery Bronster found herself at the forefront of a case that would keep her on the front pages of the local newspapers through much of the Bishop Estate trustees saga. Indeed, she was recently featured on “60 Minutes” and is the center of ongoing discussions about how she handled the case that continues to have ramifications for Hawaii’s people.

Funny how the phrase, “Remember Bronster,” can rattle around inside your head, evoking thoughts and reactions. I have pondered the phrase since she uttered it at our recent luncheon and thought, why not “Remember Guss”? Or, “Remember Affigne”? Or, “Remember Eszes” (one of our newer members), or, Remember “Put Your Name In Here”? The truth is, every life has its own exciting story. We are remiss if we do not understand how rich and colorful are the life stories of each individual in the Professional Women’s Network. We are downright ignorant if we don’t recognize that each one of us has been up and down, in the center of swirling events of our own, and in need of recognition, support and understanding throughout the challenges that confront each of us.

Life seems almost surreal to me at times. Maybe it’s because Hawaii’s economy has been lackadaisical, while we all have watched the booming mainland U.S. economy. I have been challenged in recent years in ways I have never known before to maintain my stability and think afresh on how to approach situations. It has not been easy. I know many others, too, who have had to face difficulties and learn how to stay above the fray.

The members and guests of this organization have been privileged to hear examples of strength and perseverance on a monthly basis presented by our many guest speakers. In point, I noted that Margery’s challenge was not only to do her job as she saw best, but to also deal with criticisms and even threats on her life. That’s heavy. Not many of us have to cover our backs to that extreme.

But, it occurs to me that any time we find fault or criticize with hurtful intent or malign another person, we have scorched the soul of that human being and put his or her life emotionally in jeopardy. I have been aware of this tendency of people to lash out instead of reaching out or help make the path easier in difficult times. I have counted myself guilty in not acting in the best way to correct someone. It is interesting to me that, as I work to hold myself accountable for my reactions to others, I have noted that the opportunities to practice what I preach have increased. Ah, what is a person to do?

Many times, Margery found it pointless to defend herself and found the courage (often, from the support of others) to continue doing what she felt was right. The bodyguards were dismissed after a couple of weeks, because she decided she would not live with their shadows hanging over her life. It is sometimes better to just live carefully and strike back by doing your best and not worrying about the threats. This is criticism carried to the extreme, yes, but the effect, as I’ve already pointed out, is extremely damaging to anyone who is a target.

While we are regaled by the stories of our speakers and encouraged by those who have weathered attacks in their lives, let us not forget that the underpinning of PWN is its members who adhere to a mission of mutual support. I state our mission at the start of each meeting not just to blow hot air into the room, nor do I bother to print out our mission statement, and leave it on each table as an exercise to show that my printer is working; but, truly, it is my hope that we all will commit to that extra effort, even above the wonderful camaraderie that we enjoy at our events, to support -- with compassion -- our members in their endeavors to succeed in business and in their personal lives. In this effort, I would say, “Remember Dorsey”, “Remember Houghton”, and “Remember all the other members of this wonderful organization”!

I hope to see all of our new members at the New Member Orientation Breakfast on June 14^th. I know that we will be challenged at our next luncheon to think about how the tax money of our state is utilized by those who oversee the State budget by our June speaker, Lowell Kalapa, of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. See you on June 28^th.

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 bguss@lava.net	Rudi Laarhoven	Newsletter rlaarhoven@cta.net
Elaine Myers Hammond	Vice President/Programs elainemyham@juno.com	Pat Shapiro Louise Coward	Special Events patspics@yahoo.com genki@aloha.net
Jeanette Frahm	Secretary/Historian mjfrahm@himonline.org	Ute Regan	Scholarship uregan@attglobal.net
Gail Smith	Treasurer patricia.g.smith@aexp.com	Gloria Affigne	Past President/Advisor gaffigne@pepsi.com
Bonnie Lambing	Arrangements RussBonnie@aol.com	Beth Busch	Past President/Advisor bbjwghi@lava.net
Jane Brown	Membership jane@amchawaii.com	Carol Williams	Past President/Advisor Carol@440.com
Denise Crosby	Publicity crosby@lava.net	Mary Houghton	Executive Director pwnhawaii@worldnet.att.net

by Rudi Laarhoven

VICKI von STROHEIM-SEAY (Staffing Partners) took advantage of JANE BROWN’s (Automation Management Consultants) announcement that Jane’s husband, LeRoy, had recovered from an operation on his back and was ready to help bring our offices into the new age through computer automation. Vicki and her husband talked with LeRoy, and in the next few weeks, Vicki found herself spending more time with LeRoy than Jane does.

BONNIE LAMBING (Nikken Independent Distributor) went free spiriting in a motor home starting in Las Vegas, then traveling to Flagstaff, Arizona and the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, et al. Bonnie recently celebrated her 60^th birthday and had a great day when many friends contacted her including sending her e-mail cards, something that would have been unheard of on her 50^th big day. GAIL SMITH (American Express Financial Advisors) was looking forward to seeing all of her immediate family members blending together for the first time at her step-daughter’s graduation from high school. Two boys and two girls (Gail’s two children and two children from her husband’s previous marriage), between 18 and 27, were each coming from a different State, to be together with their respective parents for one week. We’re sure Gail will tell us how that worked out. Did you know that PHOEBE CHRISMAN (Phoebe Lau, Realtor) services “seniors” in real estate dealings? She is called, but does not look like a Senior Real Estate Specialist. CAROL WILLIAMS (440 International) is assisting with the American Marketing Association’s annual summer pau hana. It’s an out-of-this-world experience, “To Mars”, at Bishop Museum on Friday, June 16^th from 5:30 until 8p.m. There will be Kaka’ako Kitchen pupu platters, music by Shawn Pimental and free admission to the “To Mars” exhibit. $18 to guests. Carol says it’s a good networking opportunity besides being fun and educational. FLORENCE KELLY, (Hawaii Bahai Community) recently returned from China.

She was greeted with "Welcome, Aunties!" in Chinese all along the village street from the parking area to the school in Zhangxian in Gansu province of Northwest China. Florence was there as part of the Spring Bud program. It provides children with means for education which they receive after they agree to work hard in school. Their parents also must agree to see to it that the children are able to do so! Florence shares some snapshots of the welcoming children and the women in Zhangxian village with us.

Last weekend, RUDI LAARHOVEN (Computer Training Academy) drove leisurely to Haleiwa to visit a few art galleries and craft shops. She had a satisfying Italian lunch at Portofino, using the coupon in the Entertainment book. Haleiwa is a delightful small place and the road over Waimea Beach was very durable. On this particular Sunday afternoon, the workers were really busy on the construction of the new road, which is opening ahead of schedule. ARE YOU USING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS? Both Jane Brown and Denise Crosby used their Entertainment book coupons to get two-fers at Diamond Head Theatre. Although they both went to see “Phantom” at the theatre at separate times, they both agreed that it was a great buy for a great show! Louise Coward recommends lunch or dinner with a friend and an Entertainment book coupon at Bali Indonesia. If you have a benefit or recommendation to share in this Entertainment Book section, e-mail Rudi: rlaarhoven@cta.net

We are looking for a member-volunteer to handle 2001 Entertainment Book Sales, August through December. The volunteer gets her Entertainment Book FREE!

Contact Jane Brown at jane@amchawaii.com

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

by Barbara Guss

It was pure delight one recent breezy morning as I got to know fellow PWN member Cindi John better. We had arranged to meet and have coffee at the coffee cart in front of my office building at Tamarind Square. I had talked her into letting me “interview” her for our newsletter. Sure of my interviewing skills, since that’s what I do as part of my job, I was all set to “draw it out” of Cindi so I could shine the spotlight on her. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortably she exhibited her presentation skills with me, one on one. I could easily see how she is with her clients, and how she gives them a confidence and warmth in dealing with their financial planning matters. Cindi convinced me totally of her passion for her mission to help people become financially independent.

Cindi’s road that took her, at the right time, to her present job with Edward Jones (the largest financial-services firm in the country in terms of retail offices) has been interesting and varied. After 12 years in the health care industry as an X-ray technician (She worked at Kona Hospital and with Kokua Nurses), Cindi earned her J.D. in law in 1988 and worked as an attorney for the next 10 years, dealing with complex financial matters in the area of matrimonial law. Her mentor in law, William C Darrah, is a recognized expert in his field and he taught her a lot about service, something she carries over into her job as an Investment Representative.

Now, typically, she may find herself on any given day opening up a business retirement plan for a company, advising a client whose husband has died and who needs monies from the insurance proceeds for the mortgage payment, or helping a client with their retirement with their rollover from their company plan.

Cindi teaches 4-week-long investment classes, that are free, on “Basic Investing. Other classes include, “How to Build a Stock Portfolio” and, “The Seven Deadly Stock Sins.” Call her at 591-8757 for more information on how you can join one of the upcoming scheduled classes, starting Saturdays July 1^st , or August 19^th from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or on Tuesdays starting July 11^th or August 15^th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In September, she is starting a class on being “Suddenly Single.” She finds the classes a great way to get before people, so that they can check her out, and she loves to teach!

One of the reasons that Cindi changed careers from law to finance is that she learned that people didn’t always know how to properly manage the money she got for them in their divorce settlement. As an attorney, she took portfolios apart, now she helps to build people’s financial futures. She has found a satisfaction working with Edward Jones that stems from caring about her clients’ welfare and knowing she is providing them with solid, traditionally low-risk investments, such as government, municipal and corporate bonds, as well as mutual funds and the stock of companies with solid growth histories.

At the proverbial crossroads, when she accidentally fell into her financial advisor career, Cindi built her career decisions on her own determination to be financially independent. Her resolve and knowledge came about naturally by reading books, taking classes and talking with her own financial advisor. She attended an American Businesswomen’s Dinner and sat next to a broker from Edward Jones. After realizing their philosophy was a good match to hers (buy quality, hold for the long term and diversify) she was on her way.

Ask Cindi, folks, networking works!

Edward Jones caters to the individual investor and small business owner with services tailored to their individual needs. Cindi is loving her independence in this business while being strongly supported by Edward Jones in helping people to reach their financial goals. To learn more, visit their web site at www.edwardjones.com, then look for Cindi’s own web page by clicking on the appropriate branch.

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2000 MEETING DATES

4^th WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

June 28, Jul 26, Aug 30,

Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29, December Holiday Party TBA

WELCOME TO ALL MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS

Say “Cheese”!

Pat Shapiro of Pat’s Pics Photography will be taking member photos again prior to the June 28th luncheon meeting, from 11:00 a.m. - noon. And, Jocelyn Pratt, Fashion Coordinator & Image Consultant for Elements of Style, will be available for quick pre-shoot make-up enhancements. The cost is $10 for members, $15 for guests. PLEASE RSVP PRIOR TO JUNE 18th if you would like to take advantage of this special PWN photo event: patspics@yahoo.com or call 395-1217

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SAILING SAILING OVER THE OCEAN BLUE

Take a look at the fun everyone was having at our Pau Hana Sailing Adventure, Friday evening, June 2. Pictures don’t lie! PWN members and guests had such a great time … and great legs …

that we decided to do it again.

HANA HOU

If you were on the first sail, hana hou! If you missed it, hopefully you’ll join us when we set sail again on July 15^th. Same time: Gather at 5:15p.m. at the Beach Bar, Sheraton Moana. Boarding: 5:30p.m. sharp! (We left one passenger at the lifeguard station waving aloha to us.) Tickets are $10 members and $12 guests. Pupu platters are provided by your special events team: Pat Shapiro (seen here enjoying the view) and Louise Coward, with her husband, seen head-to-head with Dr. Sallie Lau, and one of our boat hosts (he does have more than a head, honest…) Pat reminds us that parking is available at the zoo, or on the Ala Wai, or you can valet park at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider for $4.50 if you validate your parking ticket (and that means you gotta buy a drink). That’s in addition to the delicious Mai Tais & soft drinks that can be purchased, on board, for $1, beer for $2. Dress is casual. You will get wet climbing onboard!

If you KNOW you'd like to join us in this fun, but relaxing event (or even THINK you would), please RSVP to Pat Shapiro: phone 395-1217, email patspics@yahoo.com  or to Louise Coward: cell 222-0189, email LouiseCoward@aol.com 

Oh yes, one more thing, if the weather isn’t on our side, the boat won’t be there, so we’ll picnic on the beach instead! HANA HOU!

WWW Attracts VIPs to May Luncheon

We were joined at our May luncheon by a number of guests, including visiting Congressman William Torres and his lovely wife Priscilla, who hail from the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), located close to Guam. Congressman Torres was here in Hawaii to attend a conference and to meet with Hawaii’s congressional delegation, including Senator Daniel Inouye. Joining the head table, Congressman Torres learned from our featured guest speaker, Margery Bronster, that the Marianas owe a debt of gratitude to several of the State Attorneys General who lobbied for a tobacco settlement for their Islands. It was a pleasure to meet the Congressman and his wife.

And, guess how they found us? On the Internet!

MAY LUNCHEON SPEAKER RECAP

by Carol Williams

Much to our surprise, Margery Bronster has a great sense of humor! Gone was the serious face that we saw day after day on Hawaii’s TV screens as she took on Bishop Estate. Here was a woman, very comfortable with herself and her audience as she encouraged any of us to go ahead with our plans if we were thinking about doing a stint in the public service arena, and to “Remember Bronster!”

Ms. Bronster said women, especially, should be involved with public service because:

1. Women have compassion, they approach the whole person and look at more than the

bottom line.

2. Women face difficult challenges with grace and quiet strength.

3. Women want to make a difference and they stick to their causes (they don’t waste time

and the public’s money going to strip bars, etc.).

Margery told us of her qualifications for the office of Attorney General (she said she had none). In fact, she had never talked to Governor Cayetano before she took the job. She hadn’t wanted to apply because everyone would know about her application and they might interpret that as her having a ‘swelled head’, which with tongue in cheek, she said she does have. But a friend talked her into applying for the advertised position. She figured she’d never get the job, especially after she was interviewed by the transition team including the Governor, and the Lt. Governor. After half an hour of Q&A, Ben Cayetano asked her if she wanted to be his attorney. In her reply to the Governor, she said she had read the Hawaii State Constitution, and the job of the Attorney General was to be the attorney for the State departments, the attorney for the judiciary, not the attorney for the Governor, but for all the people of the State of Hawaii. As we know, Margery Bronster was offered the job of Attorney General of the State of Hawaii, and she served us well in that position. Beside throwing stones at the Bishop Estate (she said, “look what came crawling out,”) Margery represented the people in:

* The anti-trust case against the oil companies which has already put $15 million into the

State coffers.

* A settlement with the tobacco companies, for another $1.3 billion.

* And she put an end to the sexual discrimination in our justice department. Previous to her serving as Attorney General, it was common for all business-related cases to be handled by the men in the department, while the women handled “Girl Cases” – primarily relating to health issues.

Ms. Bronster says that her success was partially due to remembering that you don’t have to do it alone. In the Bishop Estate case, she was in the right place at the right time, the entire staff of Kamehameha Schools was behind her, Stender was ready to talk, etc. People came from everywhere to support her.

She also reminded us that we don’t have to be superwomen to succeed. We just don’t have to be able to do everything. (Example: It’s okay to leave clutter in your house when you’re busy on a project at work. The clutter will still be there when you do have the time.) Remember that we all like to be liked, but if that is your goal in life, you will not make a difference. It is okay not to please everyone. Sometimes that’s the hardest lesson to learn.

Margery Bronster prefaced her speech by saying that she could now talk frankly about any issue since she was no longer the Attorney General. In our active Q&A session, she did have to go back on that statement when asked whether she thought the trustees would ever serve time in prison. She half seriously, half jokingly said she would consider answering in Chinese. (Bronster speaks fluent Chinese.)

In asking us to “Remember Bronster”, she was asking us to remember that if she could succeed in public service, so could any of us. Just do all you can to make the difference!

JUNE 2000 LUNCHEON SPEAKER

"And The Ship Continues to Drift"

Lowell L. Kalapa, the Executive Director and President of Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, was educated at Punahou School and earned his Bachelors degree at Northwestern University and its Medill School of Journalism.

The Tax Foundation is a private, nonprofit, non-partisan, educational organization established to research issues confronting governments in the area of public finance, taxation, and public administration. Lowell is well-known in Hawaii as he is active in Community Service, writes weekly columns, speaks before many organizations and serves on many Boards as Officer and Member.

Lowell will present us with a wrap up of the Legislative Session for 2000 and comment on what passed and what failed. Join us for what should be an eye-opening discussion and a lively Q & A.

We will also be presenting our scholarship award at the June 28^th luncheon. Member Louise Wooden will be accepting the 3^rd Annual Alex Memorial Scholarship Award for her daughter, Springy Yamamoto. A special “mahalo” to all those who participated in our Scholarship Awards committee. We applaud you and especially, Louise and her daughter, Springy.

Location: Hale Koa Hotel

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 28, 2000 (bring your business cards)

Registration and Networking @ 11:30 am

Reservations: Telephone 533-4800 by noon Monday, June 26^th, or send an e-mail to: pwnhawaii@worldnet.att.net. 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: Wild Rice and Mushroom

Entrée: Spicy Duck and Oriental Noodle Salad

Dessert: Lime Mousse Tart

Coffee and Tea is served

Vegetarian: Oriental Noodle Salad with Vegetables

Cost: Members: $18 Guests: $25 Validated parking: $2