September BPW Meeting Bumpy But Fun!

From the moment we got the call this afternoon that our meeting was bumped from the private room to the restaurant due to a double booking, I started preparing for a bumpy ride. Mani, the manager was in the hospital for some critical surgery, so there was no way around, but through and forward. We all had to think on the fly. Our first night in the new venue and we were jam-packed into the room with our members and guests. I think we improvised quite well. Many thanks to our understanding guests and for the last-minute technical help with our power point presentation (as the original plan for this also changed) from the New York Grill staff and new member Bilkis Laher! Guests and staff handled it fantastically well. The evening was pumped with positive energy from beginning to end.

BPW Abbotsford President, Arlene Simpson joined me in giving a slide show presentation on The Canadian Federation of Business & Professional Women’s Clubs (BPW Canada) 2016 Convention that was held last month in Calgary, which we both attended. We reported on what we had learned from our time at the convention. Our report had a lot to squeeze into a short time. Womens’ Empowerment Principles, Mentoring Programs, Equal Pay Day, Resolutions and Commendations, Community Relationships with Rotary and Educational Organizations, Schools and Universities, New York Leadership Summit, International Congress in Cairo, Membership Growth were some of the topics covered at national. This year’s convention also marked the Centennial Year of Women’s Suffrage in Canada, as well as 85 years since the start of BPW International.

Service recognition awards from BPW Canada were given out by Langley President, Deanna Evertt, to three of our members for membership, service, and dedication. Hanna Konkin – 60 years, Jill Worobec – 30 years and Barbara Hall – 25 years. We are very proud that they are charter members and mentors in our Langley club. We are so grateful to them for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of women and girls, their families and communities.

Langley President Deanna Evertt honours Charter Member, Hanna Konkin for 60+ years of service to BPW Canada.

Langley President Deanna Evertt honours Charter Member, Barbara Hall for 25 years of service to BPW Canada.

Langley President Deanna Evertt honours Charter Member, Jill Worobec for 30 years of service to BPW Canada.

Part of the presentation tonight included video messages to BPW Canada from Sophie Gr?goire Trudeau and from the Right Honourable David Johnston, The Governor General Of Canada. Both congratulated BPW Canada on the work we have done and continue to do, for the women in our country and communities. It is apparent that BPW Canada has had, and continues to have, an immense impact on Canadian women.

We are pleased to welcome two new members. Bilkis Laher and Tanya Morneau both joined our club tonight and several new guests left with membership forms promising to return next month. The New York Grill & Bistro surprised us with an absolutely delicious chocolate truffle cake and coffee for dessert to thank us for our understanding. We would also like to thank all of our new guests and members for their understanding and patience. Together we all made it work and the bumpy ride turned out to be exhilarating! It was great fun. So honoured to be a servant-leader locally in such a heart-centered group that spans the globe with consultative status with the United Nations and many other associations worldwide.

Next month’s dinner meeting on October 19th, our guest speaker will be Dale Choquette, CPP, DTM ? Master Trainer, Keynote Speaker, Athlete. Her presentation will be ?The Platinum Rule? 4 Secrets to Personal Chemistry and Productive Relationships. Looking forward to another exhilarating event – see you then!