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Annual Meeting, New York Women in Communications
May 27, 2003 - Crystal Room, Grand Hyatt Hotel
by Nancy Megan
Over 150 members (and guests) of NYWICI filed into the beautiful, sunny Crystal Room of the Grand Hyatt to mix and mingle with each other, enjoy delicious food and drink, hear a review of the past year and plans for the future. It was a full and well-organized event.
Patrice Tanaka, outgoing president of NYWICI, welcomed everyone and revisited the thoughts she had when she took over the reigns a year ago ("very nervous"), and the pride she took in receiving the Matrix Award for public relations in 1996. This led to her feeling of pride in how this year's Matrix Awards not only practically sold out and grossed $780,000 but was a fabulous event - thanks to sponsor GE/NBC.
She referred to some of her goals from last year, and how they have been met, thanks to board members Beth Ellen Keyes (for improving the member benefits and overseeing an increase in membership to over 1,000 members), Lori Schwab and Dana Hagendorf (for enhancing Cocktails & Conversations events) and Margot Witty (completely revamping the newsletter). Other board members whom she thanked were Trica Jean-Baptiste and Julie Livingston (for improving public relations efforts), Maureen Brennan and Cathy Carlozzi (for providing exceedingly well-thought-out and developed program events), Sherri Rollins Westin (for her role as secretary). She also applauded Beth Janice and Karen Schadow, (who established a new level of success with the Career Conference and scholarship distributions) and Nancy Megan (for her work as VP Finance, Matrix development consultant and website content management.)
Patrice gave a quick update on the financial situation of NYWICI, which is good. With approximately $871,000 in cash in the bank at the end of April plus estimated May expenses, we should end the fiscal year with a budget surplus of about $15,000, appropriate for a non-profit organization. The Matrix event itself ended with a surplus of about $450,000 of which a minimum of $78,000 will be turned over to the Foundation, and the rest put towards underwriting the year's administrative costs and programs.
Patrice then acknowledged outstanding member volunteers and presented them with citations and thanked our members who have provided in-kind contributions throughout the year, including venues for our events. The Kellen Company, Holly Koenig, Amy Peloso, Jessica Minafo and Nancy Ebert, were also asked to stand and be applauded for their invaluable help.
Finally, the Liz Hoover Award was presented, given each year to a member who has dedicated her time and talent throughout the year, in honor of the beloved Liz Hoover, who died of cancer in 1993, while serving as president-elect of NYWICI. This year, Kathryn E. Kempf received the surprise award and came up to accept it.
Regarding the Foundation, Patrice then announced that Gail Blanke would be the incoming President of the NYWICI Foundation. She then thanked and introduced outgoing president Debra Shriver, who described the status of the Foundation, introduced the board and presented the video of the scholarship winners, which was shown at the Matrix Luncheon. The winners themselves then came up to the dais, introduced by Karen Schadow and Beth Janice, chairs of the scholarship program.
Patrice then introduced Beth Mauro, who, with Myrna Blyth, chaired the nominations committee for 2003-2004. Beth introduced the new members of the board: Jyll Holzman (president-elect), Linda Buckley (secretary), Kate Hartnick Elliot (VP, Communications), Joan R. Cear (VP, Student Affairs) and Norena Barbella (Special Projects.)
Joannie Danielides then took over the podium by giving Patrice Tanaka a heart-felt thanks for her dedicated leadership and presenting her with an award. She also presented her plans for the upcoming year, the keystone of which is to deliver a top notch international woman's summit here in New York City in March of 2004, which would expand on the great programs that come out of our programs and career development workshops. She wants a forum for educational sessions, where the best of the best in communications - especially our Matrix winners - are not only standing behind the podium or serving on a panel, but are sitting in the audience and sharing inspirational stories. She has asked Norena Barbella to head up this event, and also asked members of the audience for their help and support in helping to make this major event happen.
After the meeting was officially adjourned, Joannie then introduced guest speaker, Commissioner Katherine Oliver, who gave us a vivid description of the day in the life of the Commissioner for Film, Theatre & Broadcasting. Oliver made the transition from working as a radio and TV reporter to managing a large staff and living a fascinating but 24/7 life working for the Mayor of New York City. And it was obvious that she loves it!
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