PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -June 2009

Greetings,

The only thing hotter than the weather has been the activity of CREW-St. Louis.

At the beginning of June, we successfully played host to scores of CREW members from across the country. I have received feedback from members who praised the Spring Council program and our city. Our visitors especially were thankful for the hospitality of our members who entertained our guests, served as tour guides and helped with many other activities. Suffice to say, we demonstrated why St. Louis is a leader and role model in the CREW Network.

We also just finished the 12th Annual CREW/Safe Connections Golf Tournament. While it was one of the hottest days of the year, more than 100 golfers braved the weather. The evening’s reception and dinner were welcome relief from the heat. It also generated some additional funding as our golfers generously bid on items in both the silent and oral auctions. We haven’t tallied the final results yet but we should hit this year’s goal. We’ll have more information soon.

I thank all of our members who played and volunteered – and some who did both – at the golf outing. Special thanks to Colleen West and Linda Luecken for chairing this year’s event. It was a difficult year to find sponsors, golfers and auction items but Colleen and Linda along with the entire golf committee met the challenge head on.

I also want to remind you of a great opportunity on the horizon: the CREW Network Convention from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Boston. The convention gives you a chance to expand your network, sharpen your skills and, yes, find time for some fun. I encourage you to make plans for this event. Just ask any member who has attended a past convention and I’m confident they will tell you that it is a great investment.

To make it financially easier, we will offer three $1,000 scholarships to members. Stay tuned for more details, which will be announced soon. CREW St. Louis members who have received a scholarship or who have been sponsored by the chapter (i.e. past presidents, CREW Careers chairs, delegates) in the past will not be eligible.

Please join me in welcoming the newest member of CREW-St. Louis:
·        Joan Taylor, Assured Title Co.

Speaking of membership, Tracy Howren, Membership chair has been working on a great new initiative to increase our membership. We are pleased to announce that we will hold a membership drive for 2010. You will be receiving an e-mail soon that outlines the details of this effort.

As always, if you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 314-259-5828 or agarrison@sonnenschein.com. In the meantime, stay cool.

Best regards,
Amy Garrison
CREW-St. Louis Chapter President