WE Celebrated Five Years ~ 2/24/10
Danniel, Maria and Pegge at Cafe Calamari 2/24
On Wednesday, February 24 the WE Network celebrated its five-year anniversary. What a wonderful evening WE had at Café Calamari in Williams Bay. Our charming server Corey made sure everything was timely and delicious, as always. WE appreciate everything the La Croix family and their staff do to ensure such a quality experience.
In honor of our five year celebration, the one-minute introductions had the theme of “introduce yourself as if it is five years from now.” This challenged us to verbally express our goals - perhaps even more difficult than writing them down for our eyes only…which is exactly why I did it…
What I enjoyed most about this exercise is that most of the women present indicated they would still be partially doing what they are doing today – which means they are already on the paths of living their dreams! Those who own businesses will be closer to retirement, but still enjoying the professional sides of their lives, and those who work on sales teams will have achieved higher positions of leadership. Many expressed they would NOT be in Wisconsin during this time of year, partially because we arrived during one of those spontaneous late winter blizzards! A few of the inspiring examples include:
“I’ll be a Senior Director, 12 years with the company, same contact information as my card five years ago – but the biggest difference is I’ll be pulling into your driveway in my white Mercedes Benz!” ~ Jacque Gratz, Demonstrator for Gold Canyon (Candles/Scents)
“I still own details in the bay… and now my customers and I take annual trips to Paris!” ~ Joey Coleson, details in the bay…
“I am a Doctor of Nutrition, and at 65 years of age I do NOT want Social Security. Spread it around the country as I earn my living consulting with key leaders and professionals on nutrition.” ~ Marlynne (MJ) Hodges, Rainbow Heart Enterprises
“I plan to be working ON not IN our restaurants, as our goal is to not work past 45…” ~ Kathryn Loprino, Williams Bay Public House (and 2 IL locations.)
“My second novel has just been published, and I’m trying to decide whether to accept the tenure track position offered to me, as I still enjoy doing consultations for Botanica…” ~ Danniel Ward –Packard, Botanica Fine Gardens & Landscapes
“We are about to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Arris Capital Management. Gaia Galvan will be singing at our event, and we’ve just had a very successful seminar with Pegge Suhm .” ~ Karen Ramsett, Arris Capital Management, Inc. (Launching 3/1/2010)
“I am a Sales Director for Bliss Communications, traveling around the country teaching other newspapers how to incorporate online tools like gazlo; and I am talking to Oprah about my blog on being a working Mom.” ~ Laura Feit, Account Executive, gazlo (Bliss Communications)
“I’m a national recording artist. We are debt-free, and when not traveling the world with our missions, I live with my husband and children on a farm in Tuscany.” ~ Gaia Galvan, who debuted her first original song at this event.
And the bittersweet one… “I will probably not be here in this role, as I’ll likely be doing hospital or missionary work…” ~ Alicia Nordwig, our lovely and organized administrative protégée…
What an empowering evening, ending with the enchanting performance by the beautiful and talented Gaia Galvan, first place winner of the Midwest Artist Network 2009 Vocal Artist Search. Gaia debuted two originals from the CD currently in production as part of her prize package. “Whole Again” was a heartfelt song that captured the entire audience, followed by “Mercy” a powerful number about forgiveness. WE appreciate the help of Gretch & Mark Hladish, producers, and Gaia’s husband John Galvan, for making this beautiful performance part of our evening. (See video of the production at: www.midwestartistnetwork.com)
Looking back on our vision, mission and goals for this network, I could not be more pleased with exactly where WE are and what WE have become. WE look forward to our next monthly dinner meeting - Wednesday, March 24 at Café Calamari, and hope to welcome more new guests and prospective members.
p.s. ~ Don’t miss the opportunity to network with WE members at these upcoming events ~
Saturday, March 20, 10-3 - Shop & Spa Boutiqe at Midwest Artist Network Junior Artist Search Finals Showdown - Millie’s Restaurant & Shopping Village.
Tuesday, March 23, 5-8 p.m. - Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce Member Showcase - Free event at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge.
Sunday, March 28, 1-4 p.m. - Diva-Tize at the Mansion, Golden Oaks Mansion, Lake Geneva ~ Unveiling of Diva-Tize - Frugal is the New Black - Thriving in the Recession and Beyond - Book signing, Diva-Dialog with the author, shopping, wine tasting and more. Discount tickets available on this site!