Welcome new members to Fresno Women's Network

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in September 2013: Dora Arreguin with Fresno Memorial Gardens, Michelle Duarte with U GOT IT FLAUNT IT, Tatiana Holland with European Wax Center, Heather Ruggles with Property ID, and Stephane Russo with Bella Vista Memory Care Community. 

Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

SBO News of the Month

The September SBO dinner meeting was held last night and our gracious hostess was SBO member, Betty Gortzen.

What an inspiring group of women we have in the SBO! Apart from the great food and garden location there was time to speak about our businesses with each other and what has been happening since we last met a month ago. The strength of the SBO group is the open discussion among those who attend and the building of relationships that are ongoing and the ability to share information and inspire each other.

The topic was "Bad Brain, Bad Business!" This was lead by Dr Mikell Suzanne Parsons, one of our SBO members and what an eye-opener it was for all of us. We learned that without taking care of our brain we would not reach full potential in our own personal lives or in our business. Water and sleep are two of the main components along with the food we eat and do not skip breakfast! As business owners we tend to not take care of ourselves well enough having both business and family obligations.  We are too busy running our operations and growing the business and burning the candle at both ends by not having enough sleep and skipping meals. Mikell ended her discussion with a test using her eye exam light that showed we were all out of balance with our brain and we need to mend our ways to function at a higher level. I think some of us are actually going to change our habits and will soon be booking an appointment to get ourselves on the right track to business success and our healthy lives.

If you are a small business owner and have not joined this group which is part of the Fresno Women's Network membership opportunities then you may be missing out on very valuable and helpful information to ensure your success. We also have a Facebook group that you can join where a lot of additional information is shared between meetings.

The SBO Forum is about building relationships and one of the goals is to be a catalyst for creative problem solving that fosters ongoing success in life and business.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 17th October and Keirsten Quest will be leading the discussion and the topic is "Time! Where Does It Go?". Save the date and further details will be available soon on the website.

Welcome new members to Fresno Women's Network!

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in August 2013: Ginny Burdick with A Sense of Place fine art, Monrae English with Wild, Carter & Tipton, Dawn Golik with U.S. Small Business Administration, Pam Hutton with Clovis Community Medical Center, and Sheree Willhoite with Central Valley Self-Help Legal Services

Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

Dig In & Discover

At the SBO (Small Business Owners) dinner meeting last week the topic was "Dig In & Discover". The discussion was lead by one of our members, Alison Haugan and for those who attended it was an experience in digging deep to find answers to the roadblocks that continually rise to impede our success.

The women who attended were dynamic, talented and above all, prepared to share their ideas and experiences. We always start with a meal together and introductions where you will always learn something you did not know about the people who attend. We heard about how Alison was actually in the last episode of X Files and had to jump out of a helicopter; that Mikell is a choreographer and loves to dance; how Betty shared the great achievements of her grand-daughter; Suzanne shared her experience of working and living in another country and many more stories from those present. This is all part of the way we build relationships with each other which is the power of networking when you really do talk to each other.

We were also privileged to have Cindy Merzon, one of the FWN Board members in attendance to see what the SBO Forum is all about. Cindy herself was formally a small business owner and understands the challenge of owning a business and making it successful.

Our leader for the evening, Alison Haugan sure made it challenging with her questions. We had small groups and each person had a question that we had to discuss and come up with answers with help from the others. It was all about digging deep and finding the truth into what changes one could make to move forward and the result from this becomes plans for future progress.

An example of questions put to our work groups are:

"What is taking you off track from having the business of your dreams? What 3 things can you do to get ON track? Are you willing to do them?"

"What do you believe is impossible for you to accomplish right now, which if it were possible, would change your life forever?".

If you are a small business owner and have not joined this group which is part of the Fresno Women's Network membership opportunities then you may be missing out on very valuable and helpful information to ensure your success. We also have a Facebook group that you can join where a lot of additional information is shared between meetings.

The SBO Forum is about building relationships and one of the goals is to be a catalyst for creative problem solving that fosters ongoing success in life and business.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 19th September and Dr Mikell Suzanne Parsons will be leading the discussion and the topic is "Bad Brain - Bad Business". Save the date and further details will be available soon on the website.

August's President's Message

The heat is on!  Are your networking skills heating up as well?

A recent survey told us 80% of our members joined the network for the purpose of networking. I hope this year we are giving you, our members, what you are asking for--the power of networking possibilities. This is why relationships are so important in our personal and professional lives. We are always looking for ways to connect with one another. In doing so we get refreshed, we improve our selves, and we become more vibrant. I look forward to our monthly luncheons, all of our special events, mixers, and monthly Connect 4 get togethers. Joining a committee is a great way to contribute your skills to the network while building your relationships, and  developing skills for your personal and professional growth.

I am encouraged by all the relationship building I see and hear at these events. Developing these relationships takes time and they are the foundation for networking and mentoring. When we talk about networking and mentoring, we are describing the activities of individuals in a group: cooperating, connecting, coaching, and teaching each other - all the while having fun!

September is the month our Board Development Chair, Cathy Ferguson, will be taking nominations to fill positions for the 2014 FWN Board of Directors.  Please contact Cathy if you are interested in a board position or have any other questions about board service.

Remember this is your network and we want to provide you with a positive and memorable experience.  We welcome your suggestions for improvement.  Please fill out the evaluation slips at the luncheon.  If you want to get involved and don’t know where to start or have any suggestions for improvement you can always contact me by email or 559 307-9981.

We look forward to having you at the September luncheon. Remember to register online and ... save the date October 3, 2013 for Pasto & Vino! Our Special Events committee has been working hard to bring you this great event. This year there will be the addition of an art show! Check it out on our website and follow us on Facebook.

Outstanding Success for Net@Noon Mini Trade Show

Yesterday, August 13th the Fresno Women's Network held its annual Mini Trade Show which was attended by members and their guests. This event was organized by the Membership Committee under the leadership of the Committee Chair, Sandra Rodriguez. Congratulations to a job well done to Sandra and her Committee on organizing such a great event. 

Members and guests were welcomed by the smiling faces of two of our Executive Board Members, Cindy Merzon who is the Parliamentarian and Connie Smith who is 2nd Vice President.

There were lots of great vendor tables ranging from education, senior care, travel, jewelry, promotional items to medical and health. All the displays came from our membership and what an array of services our members offer each other. Have you checked out our Member Directory where you can find people who can offer you a great service? If you missed out on the event check out our photo gallery on Facebook.

The luncheon part of the event was a great success as we also had Members who sponsored and hosted tables. The table I was at was sponsored by Alison Haugan who has several businesses. I learned that it was OK to eat chocolate which I love because it is good for the brain and heart so guess I just have to change the brand of chocolate to the healthy product. I also found out that she has some great skin care for someone like me with a wrinkle here and there as she has products for the aging skin. 

We had some great people at our table, some I knew and some I met for the first time. We had two doctors, one a dentist (Dr Treva Lee) and one a naturopath (Dr Mikell Suzanne Parsons), Joyce from Evangel Home (our Community Connection), Ann Marie from AAA, Gail is a banker and Linda who had a display table and she writes and publishes children's books. Did you meet all the people at your table and find out what they do?

Following the eating part of lunch is where the real fun began with some of the best networking I have attended in a long time. An usual "scavenger hunt" was organized and we were all handed a paper with 20 questions and we had to find the answers! It was match a name to the questions which meant that everyone started talking to each other and moving around the room to fill in the sheet and in doing so met people they probably may not have known in the past. The sheet started out as "Find a member or guest who....." and some of the people you had to find were: 

• Has a Doctorate Degree ...........
• Was a cheerleader ....................
• Played a musical instrument .......
• Was in a swim team ..................
• Was in a debate team ...............

How did you go, did you get all the answers and fill in the blanks? I got stuck on number 17 and that was "Who went to an Ivy League School". I did hear some discussing the fact that Fresno State could be classed as Ivy League because they had ivy growing there but not sure that would pass for an answer. What do you think?

We ended the event with a presentation to the winners of all the great prizes offered by the vendors and we thank you all for your great contribution and enabling the Net@Noon Mini Trade Show to be such a success and hope you will return next year. For those who were not in attendance we missed you and hope you can come in August 2014!

(Don't forget to leave us a comment below as we love to hear what you have to say about FWN events.)

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in July 2013: HandsOn Central Claifornia, Lisa Bundy with Chloe + Isabel Jewelry, Andra Christenson with Gypsy Garden Arts (referred by Debbie Milla), Andrea Gaitan with Olam Spices and Vegetable Ingredients, Patricia Galvin with Foster Industries, Inc., Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons with The Natural Path Health Center (referred by Richelle Jarrell), Barbara Schlueter with AngeliCare Inhome Companion Care (referred by Karen Sorensen), Kathy Sisk with Restoration Life Foundation, Victoria Smith with VMS Family Counseling Services, and Jerrie Snyder with Girl Scouts Central California South (referred by Cathy Ferguson).

Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

July's President's Message

So much more to come!

Can you believe we are already halfway through 2013? It's been a busy year so far, and our committees have more events planned for the rest of the year for our members to enjoy. It's amazing how many people are involved in making this organization run, and how exciting it is to experience how hard everyone works together to make things happen.

June was a very special luncheon as we celebrated our scholarship recipients.  Special thanks to Jennifer Wojtas, Scholarship Chair, and her committee, for making it a very special day. A sincere thanks to all of you that have generously donated gifts for the scholarship raffle at monthly luncheons. The following people or organizations donated in June and July. We need these monthly donations to keep our scholarship program thriving.

July Donations

Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero, The Perfect 10 Nails by Sandra

Kelly Fitzpatrick, Sequoia Sandwich Shop

Debbie Milla, Milla Vineyards

Carolyn Pierce, Facelogic

Jayne McAlister, London Properties

Hind’s Hospice

Kitty McManus, Jack Nadel International

June Donations

Alicia Hinton, Lavender's Light

Carolyn Pierce, Facelogic

Nykole Sullivan, Starving Artist Bistro

Judy Strickler, Juice Plus

Katrina Tongkogolosuk, Marketing Plus

Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero, The Perfect 10 Nails by Sandra

Jayne McCalister, London Properties

Valerie Houseworth, W.J. Bradley Mortgage

Pamela Alexander, Stephens and Bean

Karen Bowser, Creative Memories

Kitty McManus, Jack Nadel International

Our mixer at Metalmark was fantastic. Thanks to the Fresno Chamber of Commerce for letting us partner at this event. I really enjoyed seeing my fellow FWN members and making new friends. If you set a goal to become more involved in the network this year, have you accomplished it? If not, why not? Take the time now to find out about our activities and committees.

Save the Date!! Join us for our fun Net at Noon Mini-Trade Show on August 13th from 11am to 1pm at TorNino’s. This year’s theme is: “Back to School - Shaping the Future”. Join us as we “SHOP” the network and get to know our members. “Sponsorship” opportunities are available to Network Members with either a display table to showcase your business or sponsorship of a lunch table. Both give you an opportunity to get in the spirit of “Back to School” and “Shape the Future” of kids at Evangel Home going back to school.  Sport your favorite college team colors, or dress up as a nerd, but don’t forget to bring some school supplies for Evangel Home while sharing your business/products/services with Network Members and guests. Check out our website for details or email.

The possibilities for networking and connecting are endless. You’d be surprised at how you can promote your business and expand your market – from donating a scholarship gift to attending a mixer to participating in the mini-trade show. Becoming involved in one way or another is the key to your successful investment of membership.

Check out our online calendar and LIKE us on Facebook, there are so many exciting networking opportunities coming up that you won’t want to miss! Do you have a story about how your FWN has benefited you? Please contact me at (559) 307-9981 or email, I would love to hear from you.

Jayne McCallister

FWN President

Network at Noon Display Tables are going fast!

Here are a few of the businesses represented by Fresno Women's Network members that will be showcased at our "Network at Noon" Mini-Trade Show & luncheon on August 13th:
 

Saint Agnes Medical Center, Ava Marie's, North American Title, Orchard Park Assisted Living, NWPC-Fresno, Katydid Publishing, Girl Scouts Central CA South, Simply Inspired Healing, Travel Express an ALTOUR company (Keiko Hatakeda), Fresno Memorial Gardens, Jack Nadel International (Kitty McManus),  Javeda Coffee, It Works!, Marketing Plus, Hinds Hospice, and HandsOn Central California, and Heald College. There are a limited number of display tables available, so you'll want to act quickly if you want to reserve one. Click HERE for more information. 

New Members of FWN in June 2013

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in June 2013:  Carol Aldecoa with Liberty Tax Service, Grace Esparza,  Jennie Hosey, and Marjie Relph with Cottonwood Court Assisted Living. Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

June's President Message

We are thankful...we are listening

The heat is on and summer is finally here! I hope you are staying cool and your summer includes vacation plans.

June is the month when we honor those chosen to receive scholarships from our organization. Thanks to our scholarship committee (chaired by Jennifer Wojtas) that reviewed the applicants.  As it is every year, they had a hard decision selecting the recipients and we are excited to get to know the students at the luncheon.

A big thank you goes to all of the generous donations of raffle prizes and to all of you who bought tickets!  Tuesday, you will be able to see how your generosity benefits others.  Please join us in celebrating our 2013 scholarship honorees; they are amazing ladies and an inspiration to all of us.

The Fresno Women’s Network has been conducting a telephone survey of our current members to see how we are doing and how we can improve. We have a committed group of board members and committee chairs who are working hard for you and want to hear what you have to say. Thanks to all who have participated in this survey.  I challenge you to take the steps you can to make your membership and this organization a better one.

Be sure to check out our online calendar. There are so many exciting networking opportunities coming up that you don’t want to miss!Do you have a story about how your FWN membership has benefited you? Please contact me at president@fresnowomensnetwork.org or call me at 559-307-9981. I would love to share your story.

Be sure to register for the June luncheon on our website - you are running out of time!  Registration #25 wins a Starbucks card and #68 receives raffle tickets.

New members who joined in May 2013

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in May 2013:  Laura Anderson with Guarantee Real Estate, Stephanie Copner with Retirement Plan Consultants, Terri L. Downs with Action Insurance Agency, Kara Enos with Shaklee Health & Wellness (referred by Rebecca Light) and Karen Franz with 93.7 Kiss Country.  Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

May's Annual Nonprofit Showcase Luncheon

It is always exciting to hear about what is going on with our nonprofits in the network. Last Tuesday at our monthly luncheon we were able to hear from Patty Craven, Director of Membership and Information Technology of Girl Scouts of Central California South; Jill McCartney, Community Development Coordinator with Hinds Hospice; Gerre Brenneman, Executive Director of Evangel Home; and Kathleen Smith, Investor Relations Manager of the Economic Development Corporation.

 

We are glad these ladies took the time to share about their organizations and their current and upcoming needs. Luncheon attendees were then able to go to the organization's booths to ask more questions or find out how they could get involved.

Jayne, our 2013 President,  announced a couple of prize winners at the luncheon. In her April President's Message she mentioned giving out 5 raffle tickets for the 57th person who registered online for the luncheon and a Starbucks card for the 39th person who registered online. The winner of the raffle tickets was Margarie Donavon with MedID559 and the winner of the Starbucks card was Doreen Dunn with Volt Workplace Solutions. It pays to register for your lunch and to keep your eyes out for special little incentives!

 

A big thank you to our luncheon and gift sponsors. So many of the following names are people/companies that continue to give every luncheon.

Luncheon Sponsor
Katie Avila, New York Life

The Buddy Bag Sponsor

Judy Strickland, Juice Plus

Scholarship Raffle

Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero, The Perfect 10 Nails by Sandra

Girl Scouts of Central California South

Pamela Alexander, Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel

Lisa Rinehart, Principal Financial Group

Alicia Hinton, Lavender's Light

Jayne McCallister, Fresno Women's Network 

Kelly Fitzgerald, Sequoia Sandwich Shop

Michelle Peacock, Heald College

Shellie Green, Fresno State University

Kitty McManus, Jack Nadal International

Debbie Milla, Milla Vineyards

Karen Bowser, Creative Memories

Shelie Green, Hampton Inn & Suites

Lisa Serman, Fresno Memorial Gardens

President's Message for May

April Showers Bring May Flowers.  How is your Network Garden Growing?

Before the flowers can grow, they need to be planted, nurtured, and watered. Building relationships is like growing a beautiful flower garden. It is remarkable to see your relationships grow into lasting friendships.

The Fresno Women’s Network has provided me this opportunity. Awhile ago, I realized that just showing up and handing out my business card was not true networking. I learned that it was really about building relationships.  My involvement in a committee provided me with even many more opportunities. Working with so many talented, creative ladies is an honor.

Your involvement on a committee is an opportunity to develop new, positive relationships in your life and business. You can make a positive difference in another member’s life. And, most importantly, you can have some FUN!!

My network garden is so beautiful, not only in the spring but all year long. There is still a lot more room to plant.

Remember this is your Network and we want to provide you with a positive and memorable experience and your input is very important and we welcome your suggestions for improvement. Please fill out the evaluation slips at the luncheon. They are on every table.  If you want to get involved and don’t know where to start, or have any suggestions for improvement or programs you can always contact me by email president@fresnowomensnetwork.org or by phone at 559- 307-9981

All of our committees have been hard at work planning some very exciting luncheon speakers, mixers, and other events that you don’t want to miss. Check out the calendar on our website and plan ahead.

Remember to register for the luncheon online at our website.  Registration # 39 wins a Starbucks card and # 57 receives 5 free raffle tickets!

Can’t wait to see you at lunch!

FWN New Members who joined in April 2013

Welcome to Karen Nishimura with Premier Valley Bank, who joined Fresno Women's Network in April 2013.  Also welcome Wendy Niles with Radisson Hotel (referred by Karen Sorensen) and Jill Parker with Heald College. Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

April Luncheon

Our luncheon speaker for April was Larry Powell, Superintendent for the Fresno County Schools. Mr. Powell was an engaging speaker and encouraged all of us to inspire kids to be positive about education. He stated that if parents feel good about school then their children are more likely to have a positive experience in school. He also talked about the mentoring programs in court and community schools in Fresno County and stressed that education doesn't just happen in school it happens throughout life and how one great adult or mentor in a child's life can make a huge difference in their future.

Although Larry Powell was discouraging about the focus that has been put on high test scores in our national schools; he also pointed out what we are doing well in the United States as far as education. We have done a great job in fostering creativity in our schools and mentioned that the United States is number 1 in exporting patents as opposed to China that is number 1 in exporting toys. He also pointed out that 90% of all engineers in the world are educated here in the United States. We are honored that Superintendent Powell was able to fit us into his busy schedule so that we could have a peek into education in Fresno and nationwide.

Luncheon Sponsor
Fresno Pacific University

The Buddy Bag Sponsor

 Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero, Gold Canyon and The Perfect 10

Scholarship Raffle

Karen Bowser, Creative Memories

Shelie Green, Hampton Inn & Suites

Pamela Alexander, Stephens & Bean

Debbie Milla, Milla Vineyards

Kellie Fitzpatrick, Sequoia Sandwich

 Jayne McAllister, London Properties

 Jennifer Wojtas, Orchard Park Assisted Living

Carole Laval, Laval & Associates

Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero, The Perfect 10

 Carolyn Pierce, Facelogic

Kitty McManus, Jack Nadal, Inc.

FWN New Members who joined in March 2013

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in March 2013.

Therese Lynn Corchado with Norton Chiropractic Wellness Center, Alison Haugan (referred by Richelle Jarrell), Shelly Keyser with Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Barbara Krikorian with Mystique Medical Spa & Wellness Center, Toni MacDonald with Automatic Body, Lauren Nickerson with Hinds Hospice K(referred by Karen Bowser), Keirsten Quest with MaxPotentials, Cindy Lea Sambueso with Simply Inspired Healing, Nina Sensenbaugh with Guarantee (referred by Karen Brown), Wendy Yribarren with Yribarren Family Family Vineyards.

Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

Message from FWN President for April

Happy Spring to you all!! 

We just completed our 21st Network at Night Trade show “Imagine the Possibilities”.  I hope you were able to find the “Possibilities to Network”. A trade show is one of the best networking venues of them all - it is a time to make new friends, connect with old friends,  and to develop new business relationships.

Congratulations to Vanessia Carpenter and her Special Events Committee, plus all of you who helped make this years’ Network @ Night such a huge success. There was something for everyone! We had a great mixture of exhibitors and many different foods and beverages to taste and enjoy. We even had a Race car driver signing autographs. Many people commented on how beautifully decorated the Valdez Hall was and how glad they were that they attended this year.

What a great Team effort!  Because of you and all of our Exhibitors and Guests, we were able to allocate increased proceeds to our Scholarship Fund. This year was truly over the top!

A very special thank you to our Platinum Sponsors: Economic Development Corporation Services, Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, and Massage Envy. And our Gold Sponsors and Media Sponsors also deserve a thank you : Best Party Rental, Dumont Printing, Fresno Women’s Network, Piccadilly Inn, and Saint Agnes Medical Center, Peak Broadcasting,  and Univision. We appreciate all the exhibitors and the companies that provided food sampling and wine and beer tasting. The 21st Networking at Night success can only be attributed to the many fine sponsors and supporters of the Fresno Women’s Network.

Do you have a story about how your FWN Membership has benefited you, please email me. I would love to share your story. 

Net@Night Meet & Greet

Last night the sponsors and exhibitors that will be participating in the upcoming Fresno Women's Network Network @ Night Business Trade Show were invited to join the FWN Special Events Committee to meet with each other and learn more about their role in the event on March 21st to be held at the Fresno Comvention Centre, Valdez Hall.

The meet and greet was held at the Piccadilly Inn,  who is a Gold sponsor for the event and they supplied a great venue and wonderful food for all the guests. Lots of great information was presented by the Special Events Committee that will enable the sponsors and exhibitors to setup their booths and wonderful displays for all the visitors. 

If you are thinking about a booth at the event there are still a limited number available and you can find further information on the FWN website and download the registration form.

The FWN Net @ Night is one of the largest networking events in Fresno and a fabulous occasion to share the latest and greatest news, information and offers related to businesses within our community. Attend and enjoy wine tasting, food samples and visit the booths of local businesses in this positive setting.

Tickets for Network @ Night are FREE to the public and you can pick them up from any of the sponsors or exhibitors or contact the FWN office and they will be mailed to you.

Message from the FWN President for March

“Women Inspired Innovation Through Imagination” is the 2013 theme for the National Women’s History Month that is celebrated in March. As women we have a great deal to celebrate and the Fresno Women’s Network is a great place to start. Making a new friend, connecting with old friends and building relationships is always a celebration. The Fresno Women’s Network is working to provide those opportunities. There are so many wonderful things happening this month, no wonder they call it “March Madness”.

Our March 12th Luncheon is a right around the corner and is going to be terrific! The Programs Committee, chaired by Katie Avila, has a great speaker planned. You don’t want to miss hearing about “The Must Have Accessory for Success”. We will also have plenty of time for Networking. Make sure you register early and ask a friend or coworker to join you.

March 21st is our Annual Net@Night. We will be celebrating our 21st year. The theme this year is “Imagine the Possibilities”. Mark you calendars now for this fantastic evening trade show. Get out and mingle with other members of the Network. Enjoy all of our vendors, great food and wine tasting from our local wineries. Thanks to the hard work of Vanessia Carpenter, Chair of the Special Events Committee and all of her team for working so hard to make this a spectacular don’t miss event. If you would like to get involved and volunteer for the evening,  email Vanessia Carpenter.

Have you met a new person at a FWN luncheon, Mixer or Connect 4? Are you a member of a committee? The opportunities to make new friends and expand your professional and personal development can be found by getting involved.

Plan now to join in and have some fun - it’s’ good for you.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you this month!

If you have a story about how your FWN Membership has benefited you, please email me. I would love to share it!

Jayne McCallister
President
Fresno Women's Network

SBO February Meeting

You may have seen the buttons that our forum members wear at the luncheons and wondered what they were all about. SBO stands for Small Business Owners. The SBO is a group of Fresno Women's Network members who are small business owners and they get together once a month to discuss ideas, share information and learn more about each other. The only criteria for joining this group is that you must be a member of the FWN and own or a partner in a small business.

Last month we met at Zen Wok Fusion and the dinner meeting was attended by a number of our members including one guest who will becoming a member. Our discussion was lead by Betty Goertzen of Develop, Design, Do It and the topic was "Marketing Strategies". Betty gave us some very valuable tips about the tried and true basics that may have been forgotten in our fast paced world of today. Everyone present asked questions and added ideas to the conversation bringing their strategies to the table on what is currently working and what doesn't.

Another great aspect of this group is that the dinner meetings are not overly structured so it gives plenty of opportunity for everyone to be involved in the discussion and the result is we all get to know each other better and learn more about each of the businesses and the services that are offered.

If you are a small business owner and have not joined this group and would like to participate, please contact Suzanne Moles who is that facilitator at (559) 392-1786. Our next meeting will be on Thursday March 28th at 5.30 PM so save the date and the event is posted on Facebook. Here is a link to register! The discussion will be revolving around "The Differences between Social Media & Social Business".

New Members - February 2013

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in February 2013.

Dede J. Agrava with Law Office of Dede J. Agrava, Leslie Beninga with University Square Hotel, Deborah K. Boyett with Walter & Willhelm Law Group, Lisa Cazares with Angels of Grace (referred by Gloria Canales), Jenna Dobson with Aerotech, Lee Ann Eager with Economic Development Corporation Serving Fresno County, Michelle Mastro with Valley Caregiver Resource Center (referred by Renee Rager), Kathleen Price with EPU Childrens Center, Arleen Roberts with University Square Hotel, Lori Ryan with Melaleuca (referred by Debbie Milla), and Joyce Williams, Evangel Home, Inc. (referred by Gerre Grenneman),  Janet Ypma with Paylocity Inc. (referred by Cathy Ferguson). 

Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

February Luncheon - Dr. Golden on Obesity

The Fresno women at February's luncheon were probably wondering how a doctor talking about obesity would apply to their lives. Our February speaker, *Dr. Patrick Golden, didn't waste time showing us how obesity isn't something we can ignore.

Many of us were shocked to hear that obesity in the United States has now become a national security threat because of the rise in obesity among the youth of our nation and our ability to fill an army. It was also alarming to hear that a woman who is 20-30% overweight has an 83% increase in endometrium cancer.

Some of the information was simply helpful like guiding us towards the healthy fats like nuts, fish, olives, and, thankfully, dark chocolate. Then there was the information we didn't want to hear like how a healthy portion of cheese  is about the size of a dice - yes, that little square with dots on it that you toss in the air.

Dr. Golden took questions after his presentation and the majority of the questions were concerning women's weight gain in regards to hormone changes and menopause. Of course, that would be expected in a room full of women.

We want to give a thank you to Dr. Golden for taking time out of his busy practice to speak to our network and thank our wonderful sponsors and all the other people that gave to make this luncheon great.

Luncheon Sponsor:

Connie Smith, Smith Financial & Insurance Solutions

Buddy Bag Sponsor:

Joan Meyers, Guarantee Real Estate

Scholarship Raffle Prize Donors:

Joanie Joy, Fresno Pacific University

Karen Bowser, Creative Memories

Nykole Sullivan, Dinner My Way

Keiko Hatakeda, Travel Express, An Altour Company

Alicia Hinton, Lavender’s Light

Sandra Rodriguez-Lucero, The Perfect 10

Debbie Milla, Milla Vineyards

Michelle Peacock, Heald College

Jayne MacAlister, London Properties

Judy Strickler, Juice Plus  

*Dr. Golden received his medical degree from the University of Colorado in 1982. Following his graduation from medical school he moved to Fresno and completed his internship and a fellowship in cardiology. He is currently Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Bariatrics and Obesity Medicine. His sub-specialty is cardiology.

New Members joined January 2013

New Members joined January 2013

Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in January 2013. Kathryn Ancona with Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, Vivan Del Toro with Willow Creek Healthcare Center, Cheryl Hansen-Abshere with New Spirit Charter Academy, Keiko Hatakeda with Travel Express an ALTOUR company, Misty Hicks with Piccadilly Inn - Shaw, Frances Moore with Piccadilly Inn - Shaw, Shawna Petrushkin, CFP with Ameriprise Financial, Christine Phillis with Heald College (referred by Michelle Peacock), Lindsey Reese with Heald College (referred by Michelle Peacock), and Sheri Schmidt, It Works! (weight loss wraps) Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.

Let's be a Valentine to the Women of Evangel Home!

Check out Community Connection - Evangel House!

Connecting with Evangel Home - "Heart Sisters" connecting with coffee... Yes, the commodity of common coffee can be a real need; how we brew, serve and relate to one another is over the coffee cup!

Our opportunity: Bring to the luncheon any and all items related to COFFEE! Cans of ground coffee, creamers, sugar and other sweeteners, coffee cake mixes, cookie and bar mixes... Yes, even chocolates! Coffee mugs, spoons, cocktail napkins- anything you might use in your home to make coffee for your friends. New and gently used items are always welcome with that can of Folgers!

Let's be a Valentine to the women of Evangel Home!

Message from the FWN President for February

Before you build a bridge you need Support and a Strong Foundation.

Plan now how you want to build your support system and foundation for your Networking Bridge. 

Plan now to take advantage of all that the FWN has to offer. It is an amazing organization with something for everyone, Make it yours.

Plan now to get more involved in the FWN. It is your network and the more you put into it, the more you will benefit from being a member.

Plan now to join a committee or volunteer at one of our many functions, it is a great way to get that foundation started. Getting involved is a wonderful way to stay visible and give back to the organization. Networking is not about showing up and collecting cards, it is about being involved. Networking is about building trust and relationships and seeing how you can help others.

Getting involved offers a great opportunity to explore new people, and some new interests. Take the time to get to know each other and make a friend. Friend’s build relationships and relationships build business. Your bridge will be stronger if you build your relationships. 

Plan ahead and mark you calendars for our annual Business trade show “NET @ Night” on March 21st. We need your help to make this a big success. There are many projects large and small that need volunteers. Please contact the Special Events Chair, Vanessa Carpenter, the Network Office or myself if you would like to participate. There are also booth spaces available if you would like to promote your business.

Plan now to join in and have fun, it is good for you!

A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS JUST A DREAM

If you have a story about how your Network membership has benefited you, please email it to me I would love to share your story! 

Jayne McCallister
President
Fresno Women's Network

January Luncheon

With a new year comes resolution for change. Fresno Women’s Network kicked off 2013 by presenting the owner/founder of unlockyourpossibility.com and personal coach, Michelle Leath as our guest speaker this month.

Michelle spoke on the topic of Food, Body Image & Business - The Hidden Connection. The presentation focused on our mission of personal and/or professional growth of women by discussing how your relationship with food and your body may be impacting your work in the world. Michelle also discussed the three biggest weight loss myths that keep women stuck, along with how to shift that to nourish your body and your bottom line.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and attendees:

Raffle Prize Donors:

Judy Strickler, Juice Plus

Pamela Alexander, Stephens & Bean

Sandra Lucero-Rodriguez, Gold Canyon Candles

Kitty McManus, Jack Nadel International

 Alicia Hinton, Lavender’s Light

Karen Bowser, Creative Memories

Nykole Sullivan, Dinner My Way

 Marie Garringer, MetalMark Climbing Gym

Luncheon Sponsor:

The Center for Medical Weight Loss

New Members joined December 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome to our newest members who joined Fresno Women's Network in December 2012.  Monica Kelly with Draw Crowds Media Marketing, and Teresa Branic with Girl Scouts Central California South. Are you interested in joining Fresno Women's Network? Click HERE for information.