January 2017 Meeting Recap

The January meeting of Professional Women of Statesboro met on Wednesday, January 18th at the Holiday Inn.

During this members-only meeting, members did a SWOT analysis of the organization, brain-storming ideas for this upcoming year. The following is what members came up with:

Strengths (America, with specific input from Valerie Thompson, Kelly Kahley, Leslie Cushner, and Yvette Ledford)

Network
Diverse Group
Quality of members
Time commitment (easy, just one hour per month)
Scholarships given
The members bring value to the group
Content/Programs

Weaknesses

Low visibility (PR/Marketing)
Recruitment, or lack thereof
Not open/inclusive to guests
Membership – new members not knowing veteran members and getting them to join
Attendance
Diversity (educational background & ethnicity)
Networking

Opportunities

Stronger presence/involvement both in the community and within
Raise dues to bring in higher caliber speakers and content
Professional Development
Non-Lunch Opportunities
Networking

Threats

Time (lunch hour)
Involvement
Competition with other organizations
Attendance requirements of other organizations (ex: Rotary)

Solutions (with specific input from Tamara Richards)

Welcome Bag for guests
Big Sis/Little Sis-type program to match new members with veteran members
Attendance penalty
Midyear organization review/survey
Retreat/after-hours/team-building event(s)
Annual Event (service project)
Alternate meeting times
Trade Show where everyone can show off their business

January Member Spotlight was given by Mindy Fair of Arbonne. She spoke with the group about nutrition and handed out samples of Arbonne’s Fizzy Sticks and protein bars. That was followed by our January raffle which Vette Ledford was the lucky winner of a $20 gift card to 40 East Grill, donated by America Minc.

Upcoming Member Spotlights & Raffle volunteers were announced:

February: Carey Melton
March: Mandy Edwards
April: Leslie Cushner
May: Scholarship Banquet
June & July: no meetings
August: Valerie Thompson
September: Kate Channell
October: Krystal DeLoach
November: Kendria Lee
December: Christmas gathering, no spotlight

VP Meagan Johnson told the group about upcoming seating arrangements for the rest of the meetings – tables would be organized around a common topic that people can all relate to (zodiac signs, favorite ice cream, etc.). Also discussed was inviting guests to the February Meeting.

Before adjourning, members announced the following upcoming events & announcements:

Kate Channell – Need Pink Power Volunteers
Elena McClendon – Wedding Walk
Carey Melton – United Way Tasting Statesboro coming March 9
Treasurer Brandi Waters – invoices have been emailed. Discount if you pay before February meeting.

Below are pictures from the January meeting –