Ilja Chapman, President
Dear Upper Keys BPW Members:
Let me start by congratulating all women in business!
Did you know that October is National Women’s Small Business Month? As BPW, we applaud all talented, dedicated and driven women whose entrepreneurial spirit helps drive our community’s economy forward.
We invite you to join us at the many women organized events this month and help us celebrate Women in Business. Empowered Women, Empower Women!
Each year, our members are asked to nominate a woman and a business from within our organization and vote to choose a winner. This year we recognize the nominees and award the winners during the BPW 100 Years Celebration dinner held Saturday Oct. 26 in the presence of many community members.
Another reason to celebrate is the 100 years of existence of the federation of Business & Professional Women Clubs Inc. Women in 1919 stood up for their rights and paved the way for us. I get goose bumps realizing our responsibilities to continue their mission.
In celebration of 100 years of BPW, we are – for the first time – going to name a Woman of Distinction, who may (or may not) be a BPW member. We have nine outstanding candidates for our judges to consider, and while only one can take the top prize, we can say they are all winners…as is our community.
That same evening we will recognize the winner of the Upper Keys BPW bi-annual Adult Woman Scholarship. We thank our sponsors throughout the year for their support helping us reach our goal of $2,500 in the scholarship fund. Please thank them for their support the next time you see them at an event.
October is a commemorative month to raise awareness for many causes.
October has been traditionally the breast cancer awareness month since 1985. The Upper Keys BPW proudly supports the cause this year again with a team walking for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” to be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 in Key Largo. We urge you to join this year’s team to raise money for the cause and raise awareness for our organization at the same time.
Remember, this month we ask you to help spread the love of our organization and help us grow the membership. Any new member who enrolls in October will get TWO months of Upper Keys BPW membership FREE. In honor of 100 Years BPW we aim for 100 members by the end of this month.
I look forward to growing our tribe and celebrating this month with all of you.
Supporting Women is just good Business Period
Ilja Chapman
UKBPW President 2018-19
Tel: 305-998-8348
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Cast your vote for Business of the Year & Woman of the Year
Each year, Upper Keys BPW celebrates National Women in Business Month by recognizing one business and one individual member with the honor of Upper Keys BPW Business of the Year and Upper Keys BPW Woman of the Year.
The nominations are in. Members, be on the lookout for an email with the link to the poll so you can cast your vote for one nominee in each category:
Business of the Year
Cruise Planners–Voyage Blue
JOY (Just Older Youth) Center
Keys Advocacy Center Inc., d/b/a
Center for independent Living of Keys
Keys Core Fitness
Upper Keys Marine Construction
Upper Keys Sunset Rotary
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Woman of the Year
Kate Banick
Betsy Baste
Cathy Brewer
Gina Boilini
Ilja Chapman
Jackie Harder
Jill Kuehnert
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Introducing our brand new award category, Woman of Distinction!
Nominations are in for the first-ever Woman of Distinction Award.
Betsy Baste, president, Just Older Youth (JOY) Ink.
Dawn DeBrule, secretary and treasurer, Upper Keys Marine Construction
Judy Hull, executive director, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce
Laura Lietaert, principal, Key Largo School
Joy Martin, broker, American Caribbean Real Estate, Christie's International Real Estate; president and founder, Marrvelous Pet Rescues
Patricia Mull, retired, Mull & Associates Financial Services LLC
Margie Smith, business consultant, Florida Small Business Development Center
Cheryl Meads, councilwoman, Islamorada Village Council
Della Wheaton, owner, Wheaton's Service Center
The Winner of the First Woman of Distinction Award will be announced at the 100 Year's Strong Celebration on October 26th!
Awards are Proudly Presented by
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The specifications and applications can be found on our website. Applications are accepted all year round, and are reviewed on March 15th and August 15th annually. Scholarships may be used for certifications, training classes, or classes and required materials for higher educational degrees. 
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Look for Charlotte & Wilbur at every single Upper Keys BPW Event! Please "feed" their trough with your spare change and help us contribute to the BPW Florida Education Federation. Your contribution will help us continue the legacy of helping women achieve their goals and dreams.
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