Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
President, 2008-2009
The San Antonio chapter is FABULOUS! I couldn't have asked for a better group of women. Upon returning from National Convention in Las Vegas, we have installed the new board, held a joint board meeting to "pass the torch," encouraged all our members to renew their membership and had a 60% retention rate, conducted a general meeting with 2 new members and 8 guests, and we've just received notification that 2 more wonderful new members have joined. Needless to say, NAWIC doesn't allow for ANY rest, but I couldn't be happier or more excited about being this tired already!
I am fortunate to be working with the unbelievable women of this chapter. All of our chapter committees were filled immediately (without any begging, pleading, crying, promising-of-first-borns, or bribery!). This group is already so active and energetic that it's really making my job easier.
Sandee Morgan eagerly stepped up to head the membership committee. We've set our goal to reach 75 members by the end of September, and Sandee has started a membership contest to run the entire year, as well as a monthly drawing for a fantastic prize at each meeting for those members that bring a guest. She is really thinking outside the box and I know that with her unique ideas we'll achieve our goal!
Dawn Holmes volunteered to chair the Christmas committee again this year and is coordinating a mystery dinner theater at Dave and Busters. After the overwhelming success of last year's event where seats were limited and we had to turn people away, this year she has reserved the entire room, and we're hoping for a full house of sleuths to try to guess "who dunnit."
Kim Miller, Kari Wirth, and Sandee Morgan are serving on the Construct-a-Kids Christmas Gala committee, and many of our members have already donated terrific auction items. This is a committee held by numerous associations within the construction community, and it's a fantastic opportunity for our chapter to market NAWIC, as well as help provide and deliver wonderful gifts to a group of most deserving children. It really brings to heart the true meaning of Christmas, and I feel so honored that we are a part of something so pure and heartfelt during the holiday season.
This year we're hoping to hold two fundraisers. Our annual golf tournament in partnership with The Builders Exchange of Texas in the early Spring, as well as a "Casino Night" in the early Fall. It's a tall order, but I'm incredibly optimistic that with this chapter of amazing women we'll achieve full success!
Overall, I believe this is going to be a fun and exciting year to be in the San Antonio Chapter of NAWIC, and I'm honored to have been elected to serve as President.
Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
