October 2019

Join the Upper Keys BPW at our monthly meetings, the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

BPW Connection | October 2019 CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

October is National Women's Small Business Month.  Upper Keys BPW is celebrating women in business all month long!  The celebrations will culminate in a Grand Celebration on October 26th!  We've published this newsletter a little earlier than normal to give you a chance to learn about all the great happenings coming up!  Keep reading for more details about each individual event or click the link and RSVP. RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT ONE OR MORE EVENT- CLICK HERE! KEEP SCROLLING! This publication is also a little longer than usual so be sure you keep scrolling to see all the great information packed into it!  You don't want to miss any of the amazing and exciting news, because there is a lot happening at Upper Keys BPW! 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 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                Woman of the Year               Kate Banick Betsy Baste Cathy Brewer Gina Boilini Ilja Chapman Jackie Harder Jill Kuehnert 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 CLICK to read more about this new award and the distinguished judges. 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

bpw|CALENDAR MAKE PLANS NOW TO CELEBRATE WITH THE UPPER KEYS BPW IN OCTOBER! October 4: Kickoff the Month! Sunset Cruise with Ilja!  Hosted by your local travel adviser, Ilja Chapman, on board the Key Largo Princess. Free appetizers and cash bar. $25 per person ($5 of each ticket goes to BPW Adult Scholarship Fund.) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. October 12: Change your nails at Mandara Azul. Appts starting at 11:00 am. CALL Adela, 305-522-5855 or Tania: 305-890-6667. 99198 Overseas Highway, Suite 1 in the median. Proceeds benefit Adult Scholarship Fund. CLICK TO RSVP. October 16: Sip & Shop at Anthony's Ladies Apparel Key Largo! Proceeds benefit our Adult Scholarship Program.  Shopping, raffles, food, wine and fun!  98200 O/S Hwy, Key Largo. CLICK TO RSVP. October 18: First Anniversary Party at Cirque Salon Studios of Key Largo!  Join us as we celebrate one year in business with Cirque Salon, learn more about our Membership Drive, sign up for the Bra Walk and more! Light apps, wine, and "Pink Cocktails!" 101401 O/S Hwy, Key Largo (Publix Plaza, upstairs.) CLICK TO RSVP October 20: Key Largo Bridge Bra Walk!  American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Key Largo, starting at Gilbert's Resort. 107900 O/S Hwy, Key Largo. 8:00 AM. Join the UKBPW Team and walk with us! CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR TEAM. October 26*: 100 Year's Strong Celebration! Evening Event. 6:30 PM-9:00 PM. Woman & Business of the Year Awards, Woman of Distinction Award! Scholarship presentation!  Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort, 103800 O/S Hwy, Key largo. (*NOTE--ADVANCE PAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT.14.) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. October 16: Sip &

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM BPW MEMBERS DURING OCTOBER: In addition to all the great events in October, some of our member business owners are offering specials to honor women during the month, either one day or all month! Be sure and take advantage of these special offers! Time Out Magazine - Julie Johnson, owner operator. 305-289-3936 Cell: 305-481-2614 Email: thetimeoutmagazine@gmail.com Business Card Ads Offered for ONLY $85/each ($150 Value!) with part of the proceeds going back to Keys BPW Organizations! Theresa Sutter Virtual Assistant - 786.361.5404 How tech improves your financials and your business.  Call to set up appointment for 3-hour consultation. Proceeds benefit Upper Keys BPW Adult Women’s Scholarship Fund! Jackie Harder Key Dynamics Coaching - 305-942-3591 Special “lazer” life/career coaching. Call to set up 30-minute appointment. $50 fee supports Upper Keys BPW Adult Women’s Scholarship Fund! Paula Farr Paula's Skin Care -                386-527-2075  10% Off ALL Services during the month of October! Suzanne Gleason Zero Dress Code - 82205 O/S Hwy, (305) 664-0800   15% of Sales during Sip & Shop Oct. 19 1-5 PM go to Key Largo Bridge Bra Walk! Contact us if you are offering and specials or discounts, or hosting any events in honor of Women's Small Business Month and we'll help you promote it! bpwupperkeys@gmail.com

Have you registered for the 100th Anniversary Celebration Party?  Deadline to register is October 14th!  Registration is required, and you will not be allowed in without a pre-paid registration.  Don't miss out!  Seating is limited so reserve your space now! We will be awarding the Woman and Business of the Year, the Woman of Distinction, the winners of our Adult Scholarship for this period, and more!   Special thanks to our sponsors so far:  Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, Doc's Diner, Key Dynamics Coaching & Consulting and Theresa Sutter Virtual Assistant. Sponsorship opportunities still available, click here to learn more. Click here to make your reservation and read more about the event, including our amazing Key Note Speaker!  100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON OCTOBER 26TH  BUY RAFFLE TICKETS! "Off the Rock" Vacation package  We will be drawing the lucky winner for a 2 night stay at the St. Petersburg Hilton Carillon Park in our special "Off the Rock" drawing at the 100th Anniversary Party on October 26th! Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. CLICK TO Purchase raffle tickets now, then join us on October 26th to find out if you win!

Local governments to issue proclamation recognizing Oct 20-26, 2019, as National Business Women's Week The Upper Keys BPW, will be receiving a proclamation from Monroe County and the Village of Islamorada recognizing National Business Women's Week, as October 20-26, 2019. The definition of proclamation is: public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance. Proclamations will be presented by: Deb Gillis, Mayor of The Village of Islamorada at the Village Council Meeting, Thursday, October 10th at 5:30 PM at Founders Park.   Sylvia Murphy, Mayor of Monroe County at the County Commissioners Meeting, Wednesday October 16th at 9:00 AM in Marathon.            Click to read the proclamation                Gina Boilini accepting proclamation in 2013 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS Please help us welcome new and renewing members! NEW MEMBERS: Kara Biery, Good Health Clinic   Annie Hagen, Fish For Holly RENEWING MEMBERS: Dawn Wiggins, Dawn Wiggins, LMFT PA  Amy Pierson, Centennial Bank-VP Commercial Loans Ask us about the benefits of being a member! CELEBRATE WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS THIS OCTOBER! October is National Women’s Small Business Month. “National Women’s Small Business Month is a time to recognize and applaud the talented, dedicated and driven women whose entrepreneurial spirit helps drive our nation’s economy forward,” said Carla Harris, Chair of the National Women’s Business Council. Join the Upper Keys BPW in celebrating Women in Business throughout the month of October!  If you're a woman business owner, send us your story!  Let us know what you and your business are dong to support women during October and we'll share your story on our Facebook page to over 900 followers. Email your story and pictures/logos to Suzi at suziyoungberg@gmail.com.  Here are a few interesting links and resources you might enjoy! https://www.kabbage.com/blog/why-october-is-the-perfect-month-for-women-in-small-business https://www.sba.gov/blog/sba-celebrates-october-national-womens-small-business-month https://www.assuredhealthcare.com/speaking-of-healthcare/national-womens-small-business-month   Join the Upper Keys BPW Team and walk with us in the Key Largo Bridge Bra Walk, supporting the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in the Florida Keys! CLICK to Join our Team or Make a Donation           OCTOBER 20TH AT GILBERT'S RESORT KEY LARGO REGISTRATION STARTS AT 8:00 AM, WALK AT 9:00 AM We will be announcing and awarding the recipients of the Fall 2019 Adult Scholarship Awards at the 100th Anniversary Celebration on October 26th! (click here for more information) APPLY FOR AN UPPER KEYS BPW ADULT SCHOLARSHIP The Upper Keys's BPW Adult Scholarship program is about women helping women!  Apply for the Upper Keys BPW Adult Scholarship and the UKBPW-Holly Given Memorial Scholarship. 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.   For more information, or to download the application, click the button below.    Sending an E-Blast to Upper Keys BPW email recipients is a great way to get your message out. Members and non-members alike are invited to use this forum for events, specials, sales and general advertising.  Let the Upper Keys BPW help you spread the word about your business! Our E-Blast prices are as follows: $15.00  -  Members $30.00  -  Non-Members $50.00 - Political Proceeds from E-Blasts go toward our Adult Scholarship Fund. Simply send us your message, along with your name, business name and billing information to:        BPWupperkeys@gmail.com Connecting our Upper Keys Chapter to BPW Florida BPW/FL Florida Federation of Business & Professional Women's Club Inc. State Conference 2020 Mark your calendars now for the 100th Conference! June 11-14, 2020 Saddlebrook Resort, Tampa Registration Begins February 2020 Advocacy America was founded on the principal of equality for all and derives its strength from individuals working together for a common good. This Public Policy Platform is BPW/FL’s blueprint for our work in respect, justice, and equality for working women.  CLICK to read the official BPW/FL 2018-2019 Public Policy Platform. Member Resources On the BPW Florida website you can find wealth of information about our organization and we now encourage all members to take advantage of the resources. Log in at https://bpwfl.org/members-only-documents/ BPWInsider Congratulations BPW/FL on their E-Newsletter, BPWInsider. There is a lot of good information and the first issue gave a shout out to the Upper Keys BPW as their Highlighted Local Organization!  We thank them for their recognition and their leadership!  To read the article CLICK HERE. Breast Cancer Scholarship Fund BPW/FL proudly administers a Breast Cancer Scholarship Fund, which provides $250 scholarships for men and women fighting breast cancer. Through a legislative advocacy program as well as monetary support to breast cancer patients, BPW not only makes a positive impact on the present, but on the future as well. Any BPW/FL member in good standing may request a disbursement for any person, regardless of BPW membership, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, in accordance with the approved guidelines. Members should visit the Members-Only Login  section of the Florida BPW website. CONTINUE THE LEGACY - GIVE TO BPW FL EDUCATION FEDERATION 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. The Education Foundation of the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (Education Foundation of BPW/FL) was organized in 1965 as a 501(c)(3). Its purpose is to make available to young women an opportunity to pursue higher learning. The concept was originally realized by building scholarship houses for women on Florida state university campuses. Scholarship houses provide “a home away from home” for female students who have a demonstrated financial need and outstanding academic records.  CLICK TO LEARN MORE.  You Have A Friend At BPW... Have you seen our new brochures and business cards?  Thanks to our Marketing Committee, we have materials that our members can hand out to prospective members!  The attractive brochures even have a membership application right inside! And, we have business cards for all members to take and use -- the front has our general contact information, and the back has a place for you to write your contact info and says "You have a friend at BPW." Be sure to pick up some of the brochures and business cards at the next meeting and start handing them out so we can grow our membership!           Upper Keys BPW Board of Directors 2019-2020 President Ilja Chapman 305-998-8348 Ilja.chapman@gmail.com President Elect Suzi Youngberg 305-393-6830 suziyoungberg@gmail.com Vice Presidents Jackie Harder, Development 305-451-9295 jackie@key-dynamics.com Victoria Leonard, Hospitality 305-304-2458 victoria.leonard@fkec.com Treasurer Theresa Sutter 786-361-5404 theresasutter@gmail.com Secretary Wendy Coffman 305-896-4451 wcoffman@centerstatebank.com Directors Jordan Budnik (Development) 404-434-1997 jordan@keepthemflying.org Cynthia Gneiser (Hospitality) 305-323-6968 cynthiag@fsclaimsadj.com Contact your Upper Keys BPW Chapter: bpwupperkeys@gmail.com   or   info@upperkeysbpw.org P. O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL  33070 Facebook • Twitter • LinkedIn Unsubscribe