The Building of a Board

Just in case I haven’t made it abundantly clear already, being recognized by the Women in Business Committee of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce earlier this year has been a huge privilege and boost for the Crown Jewel Club. Through MBWIB and the 2008 conference, at which we received the Heart & Soul Award, the contacts that have been made are off the charts.  The more women that learn about our unique program, the more that want to become involved. As a result, our Executive and Advisory Boards have benefited tremendously, including the additions and contributions  of many new crucial members.  

More specifically, it is though Women in Business that I became acquainted with Kathleen Terry, who immediately volunteered her assistance.  Now, as Vice President of the CJC Board of Directors, she’s my right-hand woman. In her day-job, she helps start-up businesses with organization and teamwork. With CJC, she has helped us build a stellar Board of Directors, and has taught me so much about assembling and leading such a board. It is an auspicious beginning for Crown Jewel Club’s fourth year!

New Board Member, Debra Lauzon

I’m always amazed at how one thing leads to another and then to another, until everything is interconnected in the most wonderful way. Our new board member Debra Lauzon, an attorney with Lauzon & Euler, is a case in point. Back in 1998, she founded the Women in Business () Committee of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBWIB). Earlier this year, I was touched and humbled when friend Kathy Reiker nominated me – and MBWIB named me – as the Heart and Soul Honoree at the annual Women in Business conference (incidentally, the next conference is scheduled for April 19, 2009 – you can find out more and register here. It was one of the best things that’s ever happened to the Crown Jewel Club – a huge door opened wide.

To make a good thing better, not only did Debra come to our year-end party for Crown Jewel club graduates, but she brought her daughter, Marie, who happens to play basketball at Mira Costa High School. And not only did Marie come, but she brought many of her teammates, who volunteered to help out at the party. Today, Debra oversees our sponsor-a-girl program, among other Board duties. I am so grateful that she and other talented women have lent their talents and time so generously to the Crown Jewel Club.

LINKS for above story, FOUR total:

Debra Lauzon:

Women in Business:

MBWIB Conference

Mira Costa High School:

Good News!

There are so many wonderful things I want to tell you, but one of the more exciting things is that we will be receiving a grant from the Good News Foundation on October 4.  This is the non-profit organization formed by four news anchors inLos Angeles to recognize and support good works in the community.  I’m really excited about being involved with these wonderful people and know the press coverage is going to be fabulous.  Stay tuned.