Newsletter

Anna Kennedy
Mary Kay Sr. Independent 
Beauty Consultant

As a Mary Kay Sr. Independent Beauty consultant, I have made long lasting friends by offering them an easy way to look and feel beautiful. My Mary Kay business and local Mary Kay Unit offer me girl time while learning about cosmetics and best business practices. Even with my local Mary Kay Unit support, I missed working with and hearing about other businesses in the Lafayette community.

I joined AWBO because I had a GREAT need to spend quality time with a professional group of women. After retiring from banking in 2012, I dusted off my Mary Kay Cosmetic party bag and enjoyed lots of “girl friend” time. But I missed the broader business perspective that I enjoyed as a mortgage and retail banker.

Susan Benedict, my kitchen planner and friend from my banking days, suggested AWBO.  With a step of faith, I signed up and paid online before attending the first meeting!!!  I was greeted and made to feel very welcome by Melony Ramsey and Sharon Schug.  The following year, AWBO asked for members to volunteer to be on the Board.  Once again, Susan caught my attention.  She said "If you really want to get to know your fellow AWBO members, become a part of the AWBO board".  After giving it some thought, I volunteered to be one of the Hospitality Hostesses.  As a meeting "greeter", along with Deb McGregor, I have enjoyed welcoming our guests and members.  

I have not been disappointed with my decision to join AWBO. This group not only supports each other but willingly listens to new ideas and members.

Anna M Kennedy

Mary Kay Sr. Independent Beauty Consultant

765-490-2734

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Member Testimony
By Cindy Pratt, Premier Designs Jewelry

I first visited AWBO with much skepticism.  I wondered how a group of women that met for only an hour a month would be of value for me and my business.  That was two years ago and now I have become an advocate!  I desperately try not to miss a single meeting.

AWBO is a rare combination of networking, friendship building and business education.  The leadership team does an exceptional job of scheduling speakers that are experts in their field.  Recent topics that are relevant to a wide range of business have ranged from social media to negotiations.  Each of these areas have helped to educate our members and grow our businesses.

I have met several wonderful ladies through AWBO that have become more than just acquaintances.  We have become friends, whose interactions have moved well beyond the hour meeting where we encourage each other in both our professional and personal lives.

AWBO is a hidden treasure in Tippecanoe County.  Come, share, bring a friend, even eat lunch at 11:30.  We would love to meet you!

Cindy Pratt, Premier Design Jewelry
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Lisa Lambert Snodgrass
Rejuvenate Global, LLC

Lisa Lambert Snodgrass founded Rejuvenate Global, LLC, a consulting, speaking, training company out of a desire to inspire others to move forward – to renew, restore, and to regrow – as individuals and as businesses. Beyond consulting with businesses on building best practices, Lisa speaks to and coaches beginning and seasoned professionals and business leaders on topics such as leading and leadership, team design and development, cultural & emotional intelligence, conflict management, service excellence, generational communication, strengths based management, and the power of positive.

Believing that we grow and renew ourselves through connections, Lisa joined AWBO as a way to connect with fellow women in business. Lisa has learned much from others during her membership and now as a board member hopes to give back to the membership through service. Lisa hopes that the programming and newsletter content inspire the membership as much as she has been inspired by AWBO.
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Member Testimony
By Lori Bauerle, Indoff Office Interiors

I joined AWBO looking for mentorship and to surround myself with strong women to learn from. Each meeting, I learn something new from the speaker and from the other women that are always so welcoming and eager to help. If I am needing advice on how to handle a situation or someone to bounce an idea off of, I know there are wonderful women that are always willing to help.

Lori Bauerle
Indoff Office Interiors
lori.bauerle@indoff.com
317-414-6432

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February

The Month of “LOVE”

It was a cold winter day when my husband, Randy, and I were preparing to eat our evening meal at a warm restaurant. A young man introduced himself as our server and took our drink order. He soon returned to tell us he was mistaken and a young lady was to be our server.

While we were eating, my attention was drawn to that young man as I watched him communicate with the peoplehe was serving. Sitting there was what appeared to be, a young father with his adorable little daughter, approximately 3 years old.

As I watched and listened, I overheard the server asking the little girl questions like, “Did you see Santa?” and “Do you like the snow?” As the conversation continued, I was intrigued by what he had in his hands. He was making something. Then I saw it. A flower appeared, from a napkin, and he joyfully laid it in the hands of the little girl. He had gone out of his way to show love and kindness to his customers.

As the evening continued, it got even more interesting. The father/daughter duo soon left but another young father and young daughter were seated at the table next to the first one. Guess what the server was doing? He was making another flower and asking the little girl the same questions. We finished our meal and I walked up to the server, put some dollar bills in his apron pocket, and said, “You are an amazing, caring person. Keep up the good work”. His manager agreed when I told him the server was a “keeper”.

Showing people that we care, that’s what February is all about. That’s what AWBO is about, too, caring about one another and our community.

What have you done or will you do to express love to those you care about? How will you show kindness to the ones you meet? Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and make someone feel special today!

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women

The Top 5 Social Media Must-Dos for 2017

Kelly Rice, Treefrog Marketing & Communications

I firmly believe that small business is the backbone of America. I was raised on a 900-acre farm near Lafayette, Indiana. I learned that being a business owner was very, very hard, but rewarding work. Dad taught me to always try to do the right thing (no matter the cost), to work hard for everything, give your best (no matter if you succeed or fail) and how to successfully operate a business while raising a family.

Since 2000, I’ve taken those values and created an environment at Treefrog where we continually challenge staff and clients to look for opportunities to make a difference.

We know that might sound a little strange coming from a full-service advertising and marketing agency, but our mission is to simply help people. Treefrog is a Christian-based marketing agency and everything we do is centered around life-building concepts.

Helping small business is an important part of our mission. Since 2000, we've tremendously increased our ability to service clients of all sizes. With continual additions to our professional team and ongoing industry education, our in-house production staff effectively manages client needs and exceeds expectations.

I absolutely love helping people discover their business potential. The ah-ha moment when everything clicks, is when the magic really starts to happen.

3 Minute Spotlights

Isabel Hogue
Health and Retirement Insurance

When I moved to Lafayette and began my business in 2006, I found AWBO by searching online for networking groups. Two important AWBO things happened.

First, the first one-to-one networking experience I ever had was with another business owner who invited me to meet for coffee. I can't overstate the value of learning to reach out to other business owners for one-to-one meetings.

Second, she said the best way to get to know other AWBO members is by serving on the board. So I volunteered to serve on membership and later on hospitality. Both opportunities provided a vehicle for me to meet and learn from great women.

I am an independent insurance agent who works by referral, specializing in Medicare plans. I also offer health insurance, final expense insurance, and legal expense plans. The thing I love most in my business is meeting new people and hearing their stories. I help everyone who is referred to me, whether or not a sale is made.

Before I started my business, I home-schooled four children and took care of my mother in my home (so I'm a problem-solver). I've learned to focus not on who you are (or who you think you should be), but on who you are becoming.
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Member Testimony
By Flo Nydegger, New Life featuring (Melaleuca)
As a private business owner, I heard about AWBO from a friend, and decided to check it out two years ago. I enjoy the professional atmosphere at the meetings, and the opportunity to build relationships with other business women from the community.

The monthly meetings have been a great venue to assist me in networking with others. Each month I make an effort to reach out to guests and new members and build friendships with current members. If you are wondering how AWBO can improve your life, come check it out! We welcome visits from other women and hope you find this is a great connection for you.

Flo Nydegger- New Life featuring (Melaleuca)
nydeggerlarry@yahoo.com
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It is really hard to believe we are embarking upon a new year already. It seems like it was only yesterday when we were raising money for the girls at Cary Home for Children. This event will be one of the most memorable times in my life. I stood there looking at women having so much fun together, visiting with friends, getting to know new people, bidding on silent auction donations or putting their tickets in the raffle bag of their choice. Laughter and chatter filled the air. I had so much fun and saw everyone doing the same as we worked together to give back to our community.

It was a pleasure to listen to Rebecca Humphrey, Director of Cary home, as she talked about how our money from last year’s fundraiser replaced a dryer that had ceased working. No state funds are available for appliances! It was also alarming to hear her talk about the human trafficking problem in our county and how it affects Cary Home. AWBO desires to help in many ways. One way we can help is by becoming involved in the Big Brother-Big Sister program. There is a great need for mentors to these young ladies.

Many thanks to everyone who made a contribution, in any way, to make the Fundraiser a very successful event, in spite of the storm that came through. We are very excited to have collected over $3,875.00 to give Cary Home.

With the start of this new year, how do you plan to spend it? What will your priorities be? What will you learn from AWBO speakers this year that will inspire you to take new measures or changes in your life or your business? Will you help other women start a business? Will you become a Big Sister?

Put the AWBO meetings on your 2017 schedule for every second Tuesday of the month from 11:30-1:00! Schedule yourself for an appointment with AWBO during lunch. Come! Learn! Visit! Be refreshed! Go back to work, ready to meet the challenges and look forward to a wonderful year.

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women

The Art of Negotiation

Anita K. Dale, PhD, comes to the Professional Sales Center with a 25 year career spanning positions in sales, sales management, marketing, and business development behind her. Dr. Dale was also part of the Operational Leadership Team for more than 10 years, actively participating in setting the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Dr. Dale also pursued ambitious academic achievements, receiving a B. S. from Purdue University in Agricultural Communication; an M. S. from Johns Hopkins University in Marketing; an M. S. from Iowa State University in Family Financial Planning; and a PhD from Kansas State University from the School of Human Ecology.

Dr. Dale has a strong value for experiential learning, believing the Sales Center is where many students can and should begin honing their sales skills in order to be strong contributors to their organizations upon graduation. She is also fully committed to providing the strong Sales Center partners with strong returns for their investment in the Center through current and innovative programs. Negotiation applies to most everything in our lives. Anita is a master negotiator and will speak on how this skill can be implemented in our businesses.

3 Minute Spotlights

Kathy Selvey
Plexus Worldwide

From 1987-2012, I was active in helping my husband, David Selvey, start and run his heating and air-conditioning businesses in Chattanooga, TN and then later in Rossville, IN. The thought of running my own business had never entered my mind. If it had, I would have come to the conclusion that I could NEVER do that! Something amazing happened though. I joined as a wholesale ambassador for Plexus Worldwide in June 2015. Little did I know that these natural plant-based supplements would take my life in a different direction, both health-wise and in the area of personal growth.

This shy, introverted lady became passionate about sharing something that had changed and re-oriented her life! I had something of value and I wanted others to experience the health and wellness benefits. Before I knew it, I had several family members and friends become customers or join my team. A business had been born. I was making a difference and I loved it!

As my team started growing, I began struggling. Doubts and fears settled in. Could I be a leader to this sizeable team? Could I help them become leaders of their own teams? My desire to love, serve, and add value to others led me to make the decision to continue this growth journey and become a lifelong learner and leader. I faced my fears and started walking through them.

AWBO is part of this journey. Melony Ramsey invited me earlier this year and after visiting two times, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. The value, friendships, emphasis on giving to the community, and professionalism drew me in. I am honored to be Secretary.

Kathy Selvey

Independent Senior Gold Ambassador

Plexus Worldwide #417947

drinkpinkwithkathy@gmail.com

www.shopmyplexus.com/drinkpinkwithkathy

239.595.7744

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Member Testimony
By Kerri Wagner - Bark Avenue Day Spa

I joined AWBO in 2002, after starting a computer business. We needed to get our name out and meet other business owners. It was one of the greatest things I did for my career. After changing professions in 2008 and opening Bark Avenue Day Spa, a pet grooming salon, I remained active in the group and became President in 2011.
Meeting such great ladies and learning from them has been priceless. The educational speakers that I have heard over the years have given me the confidence to be a business owner. It's also very rewarding to be able to help raise money for a charity during the year! It's great to know other women business owners in town so that we can help each other grow our businesses and make our dreams a reality. I am so grateful to be a part of AWBO!
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My heart has been with Cary Home since I was first introduced to it several years ago at an AWBO meeting. Every year AWBO has had a fundraiser, we have chosen Cary Home to give back to the community. Before new state regulations were recently put into place, I would go and make crafts with the girls who were in the house at the time. It was really a blessing to have some fun with them making Christmas decorations to decorate their Cary home with or give to a special family member. Other AWBO members also went to share their talents or professional skills with the girls. These were girls who were abruptly uprooted from their homes, sometimes through no fault of their own. They would find themselves away from family and those they love at very difficult times, like holidays, birthdays, a family member who is seriously ill, etc. They could be in need of everything that we have access to in life, like clothing, pajamas, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, comb and brush. You name it, they were often without it.

But today I would like to share with you some history that I learned about Cary Home.

“Jessie's Kids is named for Jessie Levering Cary, a Tippecanoe County native who was dedicated to the welfare of children.  On December 11, 1929, Franklin Cary donated funds for the Jessie Levering Cary Home for Children, named in memory of his wife.  The home was dedicated on November 30, 1930.  Until 1972, Cary Home operated as an orphanage, housing boys and girls with bad home lives.  Cary Home later became a residential treatment center for adolescent boys and girls.  Today Cary Home for Children strives to prepare adolescents for successful re-entry to the community through case management and treatment, educational support, family services, and behavior modification."

“Jessie’s Kids Foundation, Inc., formerly The Friends of Cary Home for Children, was expanded in order to better serve at-risk youth all over Tippecanoe” and not just at Cary Home. I previously mentioned the state changes and not being able to go and do crafting any more. I discovered another way that we can help besides having our fundraiser. There is a desperate need for Big Sisters, and of course a greater need for Big Brothers, to help those who go through the home. Some may be there for a few weeks while others, a few months, but EACH ONE needs that big sister or brother to mentor them and just be a friend, listening ear, a shoulder to cry on.

It’s time for ACTION at the AUCTION and raffle tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec.13. AWBO’s fundraiser for Cary Home for girls is from 11:30am-1:00pm at MCL Restaurant & Bakery in West Lafayette! You won’t want to miss it.

Bring a gift for the girls (wish list is on Jessie’s Kids website and Amazon or posted on AWBO’s Facebook), a donation, a friend, your billfold to buy. Everyone’s invited to join in the fun while giving back! See you there!

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women

Next meeting is December 13, 2016

Holiday Auction 2016 Is Here!

December is a very special month for many reasons.  There’s time with families, gift giving, singing, school programs, parades and many other things.  However, for the Association of Women Business Owners, we take time out of our very busy schedules as business women, mothers, and grandmothers to give back to the community through a fundraiser for Cary Home and the young ladies who come and go throughout the year.  

Here is a letter from Karah Rawlings, Program Coordinator for Tippecanoe County Youth Services and girls presently residing there.   

     “The girls who live at Cary Home come from diverse and varied backgrounds.  We never know what to expect when a girls arrives, so we have to be prepared for many contingencies.  Some arrive with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, in need of all basic items including pajamas.  Some arrive without clothes that are weather appropriate or that meet their school’s dress code, so we have to supplement their wardrobes.  Others have basic needs met, but need items to help them boost their self-esteem or dress up for court or job interviews.  The donations we receive allow us to meet all of these needs and empower the girls to choose from new items that they can then call their own.
     Regardless of whether or not the girls need basic daily items, they all need a safe, comfortable place to live while they are with us.  When our current group of girls were asked what donated items have meant the most to them this past year, they unanimously said “the dryer!”  Earlier this year, the girls’ clothes dryer began malfunctioning, causing them to have to bring clothes into the main building to dry.  Thanks to the monetary donation from AWBO, we were able to replace the dryer with a new model.  The girls wanted to share their thanks for this:

‘Dear nice people who donated to CHG for a new dryer:

     We wanted to say thank you for the new dryer.  It has helped out tremendously, we don’t have to take laundry back and forth from building to building.  Our laundry gets done faster as well.  All we wanted to say is thank you! 

Sincerely,  The Cary Home for Girls Residents'’'

PLEASE set aside Tuesday, December 13, from 11:30 to 1:00,  to enjoy the silent auction and raffle Fundraiser at MCL Restaurant and Bakery in West Lafayette.  While you’re there, you might want to treat yourself to MCL’s delicious food, made fresh daily.

Consider donating an item for the auction and invite others to donate.

• Give items for the raffle and buy tickets to put in the bag for a raffle item of your choice.
• Bring a guest and receive 3 free raffle tickets. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.
• Come and enjoy bidding on silent auction items.
• Bring an item from theCary Home Christmas wish list, found on AWBO Facebook and Cary Home orJessie’s Kids websites.
• Give a cash donation.