I want to thank all the Missouri Members who attended the State Conference and participated in our votes regarding Missouri's future. You were all wonderful, willing to discuss and willing to vote your conscience.
Thank you for running the race with me this past year, for your determination to continue with the State Federation we love and your willingness to be a part of this great change. With the mindset of the Missouri members, I feel sure that we will be able to have our Federation, Generation to Generation as we follow our new President Angie Moran's 2009-2010 theme.
Sharon Lee Mangan,
Past State President Missouri Federation BPW, INC.
1927 E. Cardinal St. Springfield, MO. 65804
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Letter from Sedalia President Elect about State Conference
Dear BPW Member:
As your incoming President, I attended the State Conference this past weekend along with several other members of our local - Marla, Nancy, Della, Carolyn, Cindy and Linda. We learned a lot from our State Board about the merger vote and about how the State organization plans to move forward. I wanted to pass on to you the information we learned this weekend.
First, you have the opportunity, and the right, to vote on whether you think that BPW/USA should be allowed to merge with the BPW Foundation. You must cast your ballot by May 5. The actual ballot reads as follows:
I direct my proxy to vote FOR the Federation to be governed by the current District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act “New Act” and FOR the approval of the Plan of Merger between the Federation and the Foundation.
OR:
I direct my proxy to vote AGAINST the Federation to be governed by the current District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act “New Act” and AGAINST the approval of the Plan of Merger of the Federation and the Foundation.
Second, on Saturday, April 25th, by an overwhelming majority, the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. voted to dissociate itself from BPW/USA, effective June 1, 2009 and to discontinue the use of all related logos, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and signature programs currently controlled by BPW/USA and/or the BPW Foundation. The State Board, the regional directors, and the BPW members that attended the conference are very excited about the future of the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. The Board is looking to reinvent and to rebrand the Missouri group to be bigger and better than ever! The programs we have used from BPW/USA will no longer be available for our use, but the Missouri Board will be creating new programs that will help us to continue to educate, train and inform ourselves and others. We will be able to continue to provide mentoring and networking opportunities for area women.
Third, if you have paid your dues for the 2009-2010 year, you can ask BPW/USA for a refund of the national portion, but don’t hold your breath to receive the same. Actually, they should have already notified you if you are eligible to receive a refund.
Fourth, there will be a new dues structure. There will be NO National dues. State dues were approved to be $35 for general membership, $20 for student members and $40 for members-at-large. Sometime after May 1, there will be a notice coming from the State board with regard to the dues.
Most importantly, DO NOT pay anything to BPW/USA. If you have been billed, please disregard said billing.
We are ready and willing to accept the challenge of moving forward. We will be looking to you for ideas on programs for our use locally and on the State level. We can do this! Please join me for an exciting year of change!
Dianne Simon
President-Elect
Sedalia BPW
As your incoming President, I attended the State Conference this past weekend along with several other members of our local - Marla, Nancy, Della, Carolyn, Cindy and Linda. We learned a lot from our State Board about the merger vote and about how the State organization plans to move forward. I wanted to pass on to you the information we learned this weekend.
First, you have the opportunity, and the right, to vote on whether you think that BPW/USA should be allowed to merge with the BPW Foundation. You must cast your ballot by May 5. The actual ballot reads as follows:
I direct my proxy to vote FOR the Federation to be governed by the current District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act “New Act” and FOR the approval of the Plan of Merger between the Federation and the Foundation.
OR:
I direct my proxy to vote AGAINST the Federation to be governed by the current District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act “New Act” and AGAINST the approval of the Plan of Merger of the Federation and the Foundation.
Second, on Saturday, April 25th, by an overwhelming majority, the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. voted to dissociate itself from BPW/USA, effective June 1, 2009 and to discontinue the use of all related logos, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and signature programs currently controlled by BPW/USA and/or the BPW Foundation. The State Board, the regional directors, and the BPW members that attended the conference are very excited about the future of the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. The Board is looking to reinvent and to rebrand the Missouri group to be bigger and better than ever! The programs we have used from BPW/USA will no longer be available for our use, but the Missouri Board will be creating new programs that will help us to continue to educate, train and inform ourselves and others. We will be able to continue to provide mentoring and networking opportunities for area women.
Third, if you have paid your dues for the 2009-2010 year, you can ask BPW/USA for a refund of the national portion, but don’t hold your breath to receive the same. Actually, they should have already notified you if you are eligible to receive a refund.
Fourth, there will be a new dues structure. There will be NO National dues. State dues were approved to be $35 for general membership, $20 for student members and $40 for members-at-large. Sometime after May 1, there will be a notice coming from the State board with regard to the dues.
Most importantly, DO NOT pay anything to BPW/USA. If you have been billed, please disregard said billing.
We are ready and willing to accept the challenge of moving forward. We will be looking to you for ideas on programs for our use locally and on the State level. We can do this! Please join me for an exciting year of change!
Dianne Simon
President-Elect
Sedalia BPW
Message from Sedalia BPW President
Dear BPW Members:
Personally I do not wish to support or condemn BPW/USA or the leadership. I believe they have fallen short in the futuristic planning where our finances are concerned. However, I also believe that the unforeseen state of the global economy has had an impact beyond their control. The decreased number of members paying in dues, the loss of sponsors for conferences due to a reduced number of members attending, and the expense of trying to save our organization are just a few areas that have had a major impact on the budget.
As for the merger of BPW/USA and BPW Foundation, I do not believe that the heart, the body of this organization being its membership has been given adequate consideration. If we are expected to pay – we want a say!! (A vote) There have been too many questions that have received vague or no answer at all. The presentation of the planned merger left too many if’s.
Members of the Missouri Federation attending State conference this past weekend voted overwhelmingly to disassociate ourselves from BPW/USA. Missouri and its membership are strong, energetic and intelligent. We will be stronger, more effective and more efficient standing on our own. We have the resources available and the responsibility to continue to work toward a better future for all human beings everywhere particularly where women are concerned. We should lead others by being a positive example.
We have been given the right under the merger plan to disassociate ourselves with BPW/USA. I believe that we should see to it that the states that wish to remain a part of a national organization have that right as well. Therefore, I will vote to approve the merger knowing that the wishes of the Missouri members to disassociate have been met and we will now be able to move forward on our own while allowing others to proceed in a direction they see is in the best interest of and in accordance with their the wishes of their members.
I am disappointed at the national level of our organization but I refuse to use time and energy that could be put to better use than on being angry. It is time for Missouri to turn the page and move forward!!!!
Marla Franklin
President
Sedalia BPW Local
Personally I do not wish to support or condemn BPW/USA or the leadership. I believe they have fallen short in the futuristic planning where our finances are concerned. However, I also believe that the unforeseen state of the global economy has had an impact beyond their control. The decreased number of members paying in dues, the loss of sponsors for conferences due to a reduced number of members attending, and the expense of trying to save our organization are just a few areas that have had a major impact on the budget.
As for the merger of BPW/USA and BPW Foundation, I do not believe that the heart, the body of this organization being its membership has been given adequate consideration. If we are expected to pay – we want a say!! (A vote) There have been too many questions that have received vague or no answer at all. The presentation of the planned merger left too many if’s.
Members of the Missouri Federation attending State conference this past weekend voted overwhelmingly to disassociate ourselves from BPW/USA. Missouri and its membership are strong, energetic and intelligent. We will be stronger, more effective and more efficient standing on our own. We have the resources available and the responsibility to continue to work toward a better future for all human beings everywhere particularly where women are concerned. We should lead others by being a positive example.
We have been given the right under the merger plan to disassociate ourselves with BPW/USA. I believe that we should see to it that the states that wish to remain a part of a national organization have that right as well. Therefore, I will vote to approve the merger knowing that the wishes of the Missouri members to disassociate have been met and we will now be able to move forward on our own while allowing others to proceed in a direction they see is in the best interest of and in accordance with their the wishes of their members.
I am disappointed at the national level of our organization but I refuse to use time and energy that could be put to better use than on being angry. It is time for Missouri to turn the page and move forward!!!!
Marla Franklin
President
Sedalia BPW Local
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Missouri Passes Resolution to Disassociate from BPW/USA
At the Missouri State Conference today, the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. overwhelmingly passed the following resolution:
That the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. disassociate itself from BPW/USA June 1, 2009 and discontinue the use of the BPW/USA, BPW/MO, BPW Local Organizations, BPW (standing alone) and all other names, Logos, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and signature programs currently legally controlled by BPW/USA and/or the BPW Foundation.
Members of the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc, was incorporated in the state of Missouri in 1938. Our attorney's legal opinion is that we can continue to use our incorporated name without infringing upon the BPW trademark registered by national on January 6, 2009.
Our members are excited about the opportunity to develop programs and rebuild our organization to meet the needs of Missouri workingwomen.
That the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. disassociate itself from BPW/USA June 1, 2009 and discontinue the use of the BPW/USA, BPW/MO, BPW Local Organizations, BPW (standing alone) and all other names, Logos, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and signature programs currently legally controlled by BPW/USA and/or the BPW Foundation.
Members of the Missouri Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc, was incorporated in the state of Missouri in 1938. Our attorney's legal opinion is that we can continue to use our incorporated name without infringing upon the BPW trademark registered by national on January 6, 2009.
Our members are excited about the opportunity to develop programs and rebuild our organization to meet the needs of Missouri workingwomen.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A Vote Against the Merger
I have read all the papers and heard a lot of talk on the merger. I really enjoyed reading this blog which let me know that others were thinking what I've been thinking. So when the vote came out, I voted against the merger. I believe that this is in the best interests of the state federations and thus the locals.
I know that our long history cannot be taken away and most of us have put on enough YC and ID programs that we can easily enough set up a new one if necessary. But I do not believe it will be necessary as I think that they will be for sale to either anyone with a certain dollar amount or the highest bidder in some cases. I can live with that and I can also live without anyone from national telling my state and local what we can and cannot do -- like the world will end.
Thanks for the place to express my feelings.
Glenda Smith, Rushville IN local
Past State President IN, 1997-98
and all the jobs in between and after
I know that our long history cannot be taken away and most of us have put on enough YC and ID programs that we can easily enough set up a new one if necessary. But I do not believe it will be necessary as I think that they will be for sale to either anyone with a certain dollar amount or the highest bidder in some cases. I can live with that and I can also live without anyone from national telling my state and local what we can and cannot do -- like the world will end.
Thanks for the place to express my feelings.
Glenda Smith, Rushville IN local
Past State President IN, 1997-98
and all the jobs in between and after
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
To Merge or Not to Merge
I just finished reading Linda Fisher's comments and want to say I agree wholeheartedly with her reasoning. I was appalled to think that not only would I still have to pay $40 to use the BPW name, but I still, in my opinion, don't get much back. Now, if they had said, $40 per state or local, I might be willing to vote in favor. But ever since I heard that not only would we still need to pay $40 per person, but my voting rights were going to be taken away.
National tells us the biggest problem facing BPW/USA today is member retention; what makes them think this "alternative" is going to retain members? Or even more important, grow our membership at the local level.
In today's economic times, when people have to choose between a roof over their heads, clothes on their back or food in their stomach, this proposal is unrealistic.
Carolyn Gilg, Michigan
National tells us the biggest problem facing BPW/USA today is member retention; what makes them think this "alternative" is going to retain members? Or even more important, grow our membership at the local level.
In today's economic times, when people have to choose between a roof over their heads, clothes on their back or food in their stomach, this proposal is unrealistic.
Carolyn Gilg, Michigan
BPW/USA Email Does Not Sway Local President Elect
Today, we all received an email from BPW-USA with regard to voting process. This email again explained why they want us to vote "Yes":
"A Plan of Merger was approved by the BPW/USA Board of Directors and the BPW Foundation Board of Trustees. Adoption of the Plan of Merger ensures continuation of the BPW/USA mission, heritage and legacy through BPW Foundation. A “yes” vote for the Plan of Merger allows for the continuation of BPW/USA’s mission. Members will have the opportunity to work with their State and Local Organization leadership in choosing to enter into a license agreement with BPW Foundation. A “no” vote for the Plan of Merger will eliminate any and all opportunity of choice and ultimately means dissolution of BPW/USA and our mission. Choosing to merge and choosing to enter into a license agreement with BPW Foundation are two separate decisions with the license agreement decision to be made at a later date by the State Federations and/or Local Organizations."
As incoming President for Sedalia BPW, I want to share my viewpoint. I have been a member of Sedalia BPW since 2003. I have always thought that the National dues were too high. Each year, the amount of the dues made me question my renewal in BPW. The fact that the officers of BPW/USA were not good stewards of our dues and have financially ruined the national organization just infuriates me. And the fact that these officers will stay with BPW and now become Trustees of the new BPW Foundation tells me that I do not want to vote for this merger. Another reason I will not vote for the merger was the announcement by the BPW Foundation that they would not be giving any national scholarships because they had given $500,000 to the BPW/USA to help them pay their bills. I thought the money that had been donated to the Foundation was to be used for charitable purposes. How is helping BPW/USA stay afloat a charitable purpose?
I will not vote for the merger. Sedalia BPW can stand on its own or with the Missouri BPW in the event they do not approve the merger. We can, and will, continue to empower workingwomen to achieve their full potential!
Dianne Simon
President Elect
Sedalia, BPW
"A Plan of Merger was approved by the BPW/USA Board of Directors and the BPW Foundation Board of Trustees. Adoption of the Plan of Merger ensures continuation of the BPW/USA mission, heritage and legacy through BPW Foundation. A “yes” vote for the Plan of Merger allows for the continuation of BPW/USA’s mission. Members will have the opportunity to work with their State and Local Organization leadership in choosing to enter into a license agreement with BPW Foundation. A “no” vote for the Plan of Merger will eliminate any and all opportunity of choice and ultimately means dissolution of BPW/USA and our mission. Choosing to merge and choosing to enter into a license agreement with BPW Foundation are two separate decisions with the license agreement decision to be made at a later date by the State Federations and/or Local Organizations."
As incoming President for Sedalia BPW, I want to share my viewpoint. I have been a member of Sedalia BPW since 2003. I have always thought that the National dues were too high. Each year, the amount of the dues made me question my renewal in BPW. The fact that the officers of BPW/USA were not good stewards of our dues and have financially ruined the national organization just infuriates me. And the fact that these officers will stay with BPW and now become Trustees of the new BPW Foundation tells me that I do not want to vote for this merger. Another reason I will not vote for the merger was the announcement by the BPW Foundation that they would not be giving any national scholarships because they had given $500,000 to the BPW/USA to help them pay their bills. I thought the money that had been donated to the Foundation was to be used for charitable purposes. How is helping BPW/USA stay afloat a charitable purpose?
I will not vote for the merger. Sedalia BPW can stand on its own or with the Missouri BPW in the event they do not approve the merger. We can, and will, continue to empower workingwomen to achieve their full potential!
Dianne Simon
President Elect
Sedalia, BPW
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