We have just come through one of the worst financial quarters in our history. We have shared the holiday season with friends and family. We are now looking forward to 2009, and I anticipate spending time with my FWA friends as I have over the past 25 years.  During this period, whether times were good or bad, the FWA has always provided guidance through its many programs to help me in my business life.  It also has become a source of friendship along the way. 

I can remember when I decided to move back to New York City and begin a new career after selling the family business.  The first call I made was to the FWA office to ask Nancy Sellar, our Executive Director, what was going on.  That was 1995, the year Debra Flanz was President and the FWA was going off to India. Nancy urged me to participate.  I did sign up for the conference, which was my fourth FWA International delegation (I have been on a total of 10 so far).  During our travels, I met several new people, including Lenore Albom and Dominique Martinet, both of whom would become FWA presidents.  They also both became my friends.  I was proud to serve as FWA Treasurer during both of their presidencies.  

I was also proud to walk with Lenore in the Susan Komen “Race for the Cure” after she became ill.  It was on one of these walks that Dominique introduced me to another member whom I would soon hire as my IT Director while I was at the American Red Cross in Greater NY.  There has always been a mingling of business and pleasure when I’ve been involved with the FWA. 

The more I have taken part in activities, the more I have benefitted from the relationships within the organization.  Over the years, through the relationships I developed, I found mentors and advisors, friends and counsel.  I have also been pleased, when called on, to do the same for others.  I would like to offer some advice to all new members: become involved!  The more involved you are, the more your associations will give back to you in future years.