PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - May 2010

Greetings,

When I was a new member of CREW, I viewed the Members’ Only events with particular loathing.  It just seemed that everyone would know everyone. Except me, of course. I feared I would be standing alone, holding my drink without a soul to engage in conversation. 

Instead, I discovered the exact opposite. I found that Member’s Only meetings tend to draw a smaller group than regular meetings. Walla! My chances of someone actually noticing me with my drink standing alone and lonely were greatly increased.  What’s even better was that this smaller group was made up entirely of CREW members, the very group that I wanted to get to know better!  Suddenly it seemed like a win-win situation to attend as many Members’ Only Events as I could.

Yes, it took a change in mindset to remove my fear and turn my loathing into anticipation. Now I can’t wait for the next meeting that gives me a chance to really connect with other members.

You’ll have a chance to do just that our Members’ Only Event in May. This evening will feature Stories of Successful Women, which should spark discussion among our members about a New Economy definition of success.  Now my younger colleagues have taught me that it’s desirable to have family goals as well as professional goals. Likewise, success in the future may have a new face.  Come and join the discussion. 

Equally valuable, before our panel members discuss their success stories, we will have Leadership Cocktails from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for those who are interested in service on the Board or Committees. You can share a drink with us and learn more about how can become more involved in our chapter’s mission and success. Please don’t make me stand there with my drink with no one to talk with!

Six of our newest members who I encourage to attend this event are:

• Kathryn Bader, Chief Credit Officer at Virtual Realty (she’s a long-time former CREW member so we welcome her back)
• Monica Connors, AVP at the St Louis County Economic Council
• Valerie Elkings, Chief Compliance Officer for Kozeny & McCubbin, LC
• Erika Knapstein, attorney at Insight Title/Kozeny & McCubbin, LC
• Sara Knittel, attorney for Kozeny & McCubbin, LC
• Eileen Whitworth, lighting consultant and outside sales rep for Archway Lighting Supply, Inc.

Call them and invite them to meet you there. Then you will know someone when you arrive!

CREW-St Louis’ annual Charity Golf Tournament is coming up June 21st at Forest Hills.  This tournament offers a three-part whammy. It is held at Forest Hills, one of the loveliest private golf courses in St Louis. It draws most of the movers and shakers in the St Louis real estate community. And it has your fellow CREW members playing, volunteering, dining and bidding on the auction items!  How can you not want to be part of it?  Colleen West and her team are looking for sponsors, players, volunteers, diners and bidders.  You can send an e-mail to Colleen or call her at 314-962-3145 to find out more.

Don’t miss this great opportunity for you and your company to be part of an event that supports Safe Connections and the women it serves in the St Louis area. It’s just one more way we will Build Together in 2010.

Best Regards,
Nancy Rodney
CREW-St. Louis Chapter President

P.S. See you at the May Members’ Only Meeting. I’m counting on you so I don’t look lonely with my glass in hand. It’s a great way to connect with your fellow CREW members.