Join the Upper Keys BPW at our monthly meetings, the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

BPW Connection | November 2019

IN THIS ISSUE:

President Message Upcoming Events Calendar New & Renewing Members Member Spotlight

Atta Girl Month in Review Committee Chairs Sponsor an Event Adult Scholarship

Send an E-Blast Feed the Piggies Membership Drive BPW/FL Board of Directors

Ilja Chapman, President

October was all about celebrating women in business and growing our membership. We did just that! This month we are thrilled to introduce 20 new members during our Nov. 20 luncheon. Maybe not all will be present, but we sure are looking for your support to give them a warm welcome.

Due to the high success rate of the statewide membership drive promotion last month, the Executive Committee of BPW/FL has approved to prolong the promotion until Nov. 30, 2019. This means that during November, newly enrolled BPW members will also see their renewal date extended until Jan. 1, 2021, at no extra cost.

The Upper Keys BPW board members are so grateful for your support, your enthusiasm and participation. We are an organization for women like you, supporting and inspiring women like you through advocacy, education and information. The board members and committees work hard to offer you programs to complete our mission. I encourage you to read this newsletter as it is filled with information and events for you to partake in.

As you know, we do like to give back to our community and this month you can help by bringing an item for the food bank at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. Board members are scheduled to prepare and serve a meal at their food bank in January 2020.

Another way for us to give back as part of our mission is to provide adult women scholarships for education and career advancement. During the 100 Years Celebration Dinner, we presented Kelli Brower with a check for the bi-annual scholarships award.

Obviously, we need to constantly replenish the Upper Keys BPW Adult Women Scholarship Fund and this month you can help by purchasing an Off the Rock raffle ticket. A two-night getaway in St. Petersburg with a gift certificate toward dinner and an entrance ticket to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

This is a total value of $475 and tickets are for sale at $25 per tickets or five tickets at $100.

Being an active member of Upper Keys Business & Professional Women makes me grow every day and makes me want to grow our membership even more as I truly believe in the value and mission of our organization. I look forward to seeing you all at our next luncheon and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.

With gratitude,

Ilja Chapman

UKBPW President 2018-19

Tel: 305-998-8348

RESERVE IN ADVANCE TO GUARANTY YOUR SEAT - CLICK HERE!

Before lunch, SBDC at FIU will also be hosting a FREE Workshop starting at 9 AM as part of our Professional Development series. Whether you have a startup business or have ever thought about it, take advantage of this seminar to "Step Up Your Startup" business.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR THE FREE WORKSHOP- CLICK HERE!

bpw|CALENDAR

Nov 20:"Step Up Your Startup" Workshop. 9:00A-11:00A. Part of Professional Development Series. Presented by SBDC at FIU. FREE. RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW.

Nov 20: Luncheon. 11:00A-1:00 P. Holiday Inn-African Queen Room, Key Largo. Speaker Margie Smith from SBDC at FIU. SBDC at FIU is also sponsoring the luncheon. Please bring non-perishable food items for Burton Memorial Food Pantry. RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW.

Dec 18: Annual Holiday Party. Details TBA. **We are currently researching venues. Interested? Contact us ASAP.

January 15: Luncheon. 11:00A-1:00P. Holiday Inn-African Queen Room, Key Largo. Speaker Retz Reeves from Islamorada Investment Management, who are also sponsoring the luncheon.

February 19: Evening Event. 5:30P-7:30P. Sip 'n Shop at Zero Dress Code, 82205 O/S Hwy, Islamorada.

BUY RAFFLE TICKETS NOW!

BUY RAFFLE TICKETS FOR OUR "OFF THE ROCK" VACATION PACKAGE!

WIN a 2 night stay at the St. Petersburg Hilton Carillon Park, plus dinner and entrance to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Proceeds benefit our Adult Scholarship Program. Winning ticket will be drawn during the Nov. 20 Luncheon.

Tickets are $25/each or $100/five (5)

CLICK TO PURCHASE YOUR CHANCES TO WIN OUR "OFF THE ROCK" VACATION PACKAGE!

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NEW & RENEWING

MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS:

Tiffany Alana – Serial Entrepreneur

Jacqueline Bobick – HP Hospitality

Kelli Brower – Monroe County School District

Vanessa J Chamizo – LoKation Real Estate

Meredith A Cline - Conchcierge to the Keys & the Seas/Notary Niche

Dawn DeBrule – Upper Marine Construction

Jenifer Dermer

Delana Fordham – RESF

Bonnie Gneiser – Retired Pub Owner

Stephanie Graeler – Keys Diver

Danise (Dee Dee) Henriquez – Monroe County Tax Collector

Wendy Ives

Nada Khalaf-Jones – Lovelyworld Adventure Florida

Amber Navarette – Florida Keys Electrip Coop

Denise Nedimyer – Healthy Me

Pamela Niekamp – Phoenix Marketing Int’l

Melanie Sands – Anthony’s

Trinity Vansteenburg – Keys Planning and Events

RENEWING MEMBERS:

Dorothy Harden – Attorney at Law

Julie Johnson – Timeout Magazine

Jill Kuehnert – Seed Stories & Lucky Fish Scuba

Pam Martin – SHINE, Alzheimer’s Assoc., AARP

Margie Smith – Florida Small Business Development Center atFIU

Suzi Youngberg – American Cancer Society

Ask us about the benefits of being a member!

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE EXTENDED

Due to the enormous success of the October Statewide Membership Drive, BPW/FL has agreed to extend for the month of November! Join before November 30, 2019 and your renewal date isn't until January 1, 2021!

Learn more

bpw|member SPOTLIGHT

Meet Dawn DeBrule

"I moved to the Keys with my husband in 1990 and have never regretted that decision. In 2006 when our son was in middle school, I started working in the family business, Upper Keys Marine Construction. In 2007 my husband bought his father out and we have been running the company ever since. While the business kept me busy, it wasn’t necessarily my passion. I found that passion when I was asked to attend a Key Largo Chamber lunch. While listening to the presentation, I realized my position within our company allowed me to become actively involved in the future of our community. My husband used to tell me stories of the community he lived in and how neighbors were more like family and the local hardware store owner was more of a friend than simply a shopkeeper. I knew we could get better, we could get back, at least a little, to that feeling. With some prompting from some very important women in my life, I ran for the board of the Chamber. During my time on the board, I learned that while maybe some of my initial ideas were a bit naive, I could make a difference. In the 6 years I served on the board, I served on a variety of committees, worked on different initiatives, even served as Chairman of the Board. But I am most proud to say I was instrumental in the creation of Light Up Key Largo, a free community event that is now in its 10^th year and still growing. I currently serve on the board of the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation and the Key Largo Volunteer EMS Department. I volunteer for Upper Keys Habitat for Humanity and serve on the Capitol Campaign for DPMMR. This community is my home and I am proud to do what I can to make it home to everyone that lives here."

(Dawn joined Upper Keys BPW in October 2019!)

bpw|member CONGRATULATIONS

ATTA GIRL TO OUR FALL 2019 UKBPW ADULT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AND THE HOLLY GIVEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND WINNER!

bpw|month in REVIEW

How many of the October Events were you able to attend? The Upper Keys BPW celebrated Women in Business all month long! It was a busy month!

We started the month with a Sunset Cruise; we celebrated and raised money for our Adult Scholarship Fund at multiple women owned businesses; we received Proclamations from the City of Islmoarada and Monroe County naming October Women in Business Month; we walked for Breast Cancer; and we ended the month with a 100 Year Strong Party.

Watch "I Am a Member" Sunset Cruise Video

Watch "Good Morning From Key Largo Bra Walk" Video

Watch "Anthony's Sip 'n Shop" Video

Watch "Cirque Salon One Year & Counting Party" Video

Watch "Mandara Azul Nails Color Change" Video

View photos from "100 Years Strong Celebration Party"

Thanks to Mariners Hospital, one of the Top Sponsors for our 100 Year's Strong Celebration.

2019-2020 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Marketing & PR committee: Chair Jill Keuhnert.

Political Affairs: Chair Gina Boilini.

Scholarship committee: Chair Gina Boilini

Nominating committee: Chair Sue Woltanski

Membership committee: Chair Suzi Youngberg (*Recruiting Members)

Professional Development committee: Chair Jordan Budnik (*Recruiting Members)

Hospitality committee: Chair Victoria Leonard (*Recruiting Members)

Financial audit committee: (*Recruiting Chair & Members)

Interested members should call Ilja Chapman at 305-998-8348.

SPONSOR AN UPPER KEYS BPW EVENT!

The cost to sponsor an event is $250.

With the sponsorship you receive the following benefits and opportunities:

Logo/branding:
- Event E-vite emailed three times to a database of 500 people
- Monthly BPW member Newsletter emailed a few days prior to event
- Mention at Upper Keys BPW social media
One Free dedicated business E-Blast to our membership with a message your business likes to share
Display table and/or hand outs to all attendees
Banner display at the luncheon
Two FREE entries to the luncheon
5 minute speaking time at the luncheon directed to all attendees

Interested sponsors should call Ilja Chapman at 305-998-8348.

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APPLY FOR AN UPPER KEYS BPW ADULT SCHOLARSHIP

The Upper Keys's BPW Adult Scholarship program is about women helping women! Apply for the Upper Keys BPW Adult Scholarship and the UKBPW-Holly Given Memorial Scholarship.

The specifications and applications can be found on our website. Applications are accepted all year round, and are reviewed on March 15th and August 15th annually. Scholarships may be used for certifications, training classes, or classes and required materials for higher educational degrees.

For more information, or to download the application, click the button below.

Sending an E-Blast to Upper Keys BPW email recipients is a great way to get your message out. Members and non-members alike are invited to use this forum for events, specials, sales and general advertising.

Let the Upper Keys BPW help you spread the word about your business!

Our E-Blast prices are as follows:

$15.00 - Members
$30.00 - Non-Members
$50.00 - Political Ad

Proceeds from E-Blasts go toward our Adult Scholarship Fund.

Simply send us your print ready graphics and message, along with your name, business name and billing information to: BPWupperkeys@gmail.com

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Feed the Piggies!

Have you met Wilbur & Charlotte?

Look for Charlotte & Wilbur at every single Upper Keys BPW Event! Please "feed" their trough with your spare change and help us contribute to the BPW Florida Education Federation. Your contribution will help us continue the legacy of helping women achieve their goals and dreams.

The Education Foundation of the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (Education Foundation of BPW/FL) was organized in 1965 as a 501(c)(3). Its purpose is to make available to young women an opportunity to pursue higher learning.

The concept was originally realized by building scholarship houses for women on Florida state university campuses.

Scholarship houses provide “a home away from home” for female students who have a demonstrated financial need and outstanding academic records.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE.

Where are Wilbur & Charlotte Piggie spending this month?

Each month, the Piggies go home with a different board member. For most of October and November, they have been in the custody of our BPW Treasurer, Theresa Sutter.

Theresa says, "The piggies lived in the trunk of my car pretty much the entire time. They did take a ride with me to Orlando to attend a baby shower for my niece. They enjoyed the ride!!! They also spent some time with me at the 100 year celebration and they enjoyed their time at the event immensely. A good time was had by all."

Connecting our Upper Keys Chapter to BPW Florida

BPW/FL Florida Federation of Business & Professional Women's Club Inc.

Annual State Conference 2020

100th Conference

June 11-14, 2020

Saddlebrook Resort, Tampa

Registration Begins February 2020

Advocacy & Public Policy

America was founded on the principal of equality for all and derives its strength from individuals working together for a common good. This Public Policy Platform is BPW/FL’s blueprint for our work in respect, justice, and equality for working women.

Do you know what BPW's Public Policy Platform is for 2019-2020? You can learn all about it by visiting the BPW Florida website Public Policy Platform. There you can read about the 5 Core Issues that BPW focuses on:

1. Equality For All, including Ratifying Equal Rights Amendment.

2. Equal Pay

3. Safe Workplace

4. Health Care

5. Environment

Women have made some strides in these issues, but there is more that can and should be done in these major areas of equality for women.

CLICK to read the official BPW/FL 2018-2019 Public Policy Platform.

Member Resources

On the BPW Florida website you can find wealth of information about our organization and we now encourage all members to take advantage of the resources. Log in athttps://bpwfl.org/members-only-documents/

BPWInsider

Congratulations BPW/FL on their E-Newsletter, BPWInsider. There is a lot of good information and the first issue gave a shout out to the Upper Keys BPW as their Highlighted Local Organization! We thank them for their recognition and their leadership!

To read the article CLICK HERE.

Breast Cancer Scholarship Fund

BPW/FL proudly administers a Breast Cancer Scholarship Fund, which provides $250 scholarships for men and women fighting breast cancer. Through a legislative advocacy program as well as monetary support to breast cancer patients, BPW not only makes a positive impact on the present, but on the future as well.

Any BPW/FL member in good standing may request a disbursement for any person, regardless of BPW membership, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, in accordance with the approved guidelines.

Members should visit the Members-Only Login section of the Florida BPW website.

The Upper Keys BPW Board has requested to host the BPW/FL 2021 State Conference!

There is some concern about the cost of lodging and conference accommodations being slightly higher in the Upper Keys than at some other locations being considered. A survey has been created and circulated to all BPW/FL LO Members to give their opinion on the 2021 State Conference locations. Please complete the survey and vote for Key Largo Bay Marriott and vote "Yes" on paying the slightly higher rates for the conference costs.

Please help us win the honor of showing BPW/FL the fabulous Upper Florida Keys!

TAKE SURVEY

Upper Keys BPW Board of Directors

2018-2019

President

Ilja Chapman

305-998-8348

Ilja.chapman@gmail.com

President Elect

Suzi Youngberg

305-393-6830

suziyoungberg@gmail.com