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Hello everyone! It is my pleasure as this year’s EWNJ Board President to share all of the recent news about EWNJ happenings with you.  As all of you know by now, this year we joined forces with NJ300. We are delighted at how well the two groups blended into one powerful voice for women across the state.

Strategic Planning

In order to get off to a great start and take fullest advantage of all the synergy, talents and power of our two groups, we began the year with a strategic planning retreat. Facilitated by Eileen Scott, previous CEO at PathMark, we were able to reconfirm our mission as well as develop concrete ideas for achieving our goals, including establishing dates to ensure implementation.   The first social/networking event of the new year, our joint “welcome” cocktail party at Verizon, was well attended and provided us with the opportunity to get to know each other a little better.  The energy and excitement in the room was obvious to all as members from NJ300 and EWNJ had a chance to meet and mingle. The result was not only strong support for the expanded EWNJ from existing members, but also a growing number of new applications.  We are so happy to welcome new members to our midst – to help us as we go forward together building our legacy.

Committee Review

All of the committees are hard at work, taking the responsibilities assigned at the strategic planning meeting very seriously.  The Programming Committee, led by Barbara Kauffman, continues to develop dynamic events that are appealing for executive women. I hope you visit the website calendar and plan to join us throughout the year.   The Salute Dinner Committee has also formed under the leadership of Mary Hartman, President-Elect.  This fabulous event will be held in Spring 2008 and we have already begun to identify appropriate honorees as well as sponsors. You can contact Mary at msh@rci.rutgers.edu if you have any suggestions.  As always, this major fundraising dinner is sure to be the most prestigious Gala of the season!  Membership (Sally Glick) and Marketing (Ruthi Zinn Byrne) are also busy enhancing the EWNJ brand and seeking new members. If someone you know qualifies for membership in EWNJ, please let Sally know (973-994-9494) so that we can contact them.  Invite a guest to the next EWNJ event who would qualify for membership! Last, but definitely not least, Allison Jackson is making great strides in providing us with direction as the chair of the Committee for Corporate Board Appointments. She is assembling data, relationships and resources to help us be appointed to boards and to help us be more effective as board members. This is one of the most important goals of EWNJ so we are happy that Allison is getting us on track and educated about the process.

"Following up on the suggestions that emerged after the annual EWNJ Strategic Planning retreat, the strategic planning committee was re-established under the guidance of Jo-Ann C. Dixon. The committee members met initially to outline their role and responsibilities. As they continue to meet, they will tackle each of  the various initiatives that were discussed at the retreat and begin to implement them in order to help the organization remain as one of the most prestigious and influential organizations in New Jersey focused on helping executive women through obtaining board appointments, networking and education as well as having a focus on fund raising to provide scholarships to help women returning to college at the graduate level. "

Special Opportunities

Thanks to our immediate Past President. Jeanine LaRue, our board was invited to attend Governor Corzine’s recent State of the State address. It was a thrill to be there and many EWNJ board members did attend. We are determined to remain highly visible, making an impact on the State and being a major influence as the leading executive women’s organization in New Jersey.