Welcome to the November 2016 edition of  “The Heartbeat” where you will find information about the Heart of Birmingham Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association and its activities.

November Speaker – Gwendolyn Shores

Each month the chapter presents a topic of interest to the business community.  Our November speaker was as entertaining as she was informative.  Ms. Gwendolyn Shores is an inspirational speaker with a passion for helping people overcome obstacles and making their dreams a reality.  Her topic for the evening was “Paradigms: The Inner Treasures”. She explained that we shape our personal paradigm through our thoughts. Our thoughts are key to changing our paradigm.  She encouraged us to dig deeply into our thoughts and believe we can be successful.  Her powerful personal illustrations of overcoming hardship serves as inspirational encouragement to others.  Her personal belief that “Work without faith is dead” has served her well. It is illustrated in her daily actions and plans.  Each personal accomplishment has become a tool to inspire others. The tool inspires us to change our current situation and achieve the success of our dreams.  With humor and personality, she explains that we become what we believe. Our daily actions reveal what we believe.

Gwendolyn Shores is available to speak to groups and to help training efforts.  She has a degree in Finance and Banking and is currently manager of sales with State Farm Insurance, a Fortune 500 Company.

National Leadership Conference – Chattanooga 2017

The Heart of Birmingham Chapter ABWA sent five members to the 2017 National Leadership Conference of ABWA to receive our “Striving for Best Practices” Designation.  The designation was presented during the awards ceremony. It was one of the highlights of the conference.

The chapters earning awards were presented  their awards on stage.  They received national recognition, were presented in the ABWA magazine and celebrated their accomplishments with ABWA members from all fifty states.  As a smaller and growing chapter this recognition was an honor.  Best Practicing chapters completed a rigorous business plan, presented business relevant topics to members and the public through speakers and programs as well as met the required operating procedures.

Left to right: Nancy Reed, Sheryl Walker, Carol Skelton, Bell Rogers, Sara Cooley

Our members attended various educational tracks during the conference which met their individual growth plan.  Tracks presented members the means to earn an MBA through the University of Kansas,  take the leadership path by attending the “Women as 21st Century Leaders” through Park University and other tracks that enhance your business and leadership skills.  Photos below are from the conference.

Heart of Birmingham members and Birmingham Charter Chapter members

Al Council Meeting ABWA  – November 12, 2017

New officers for the Al Council were elected during the meeting on November 12, 2017.  Our new officers are listed below.

Donna Alexander – Chair – Charter Chapter –

Bell Rogers – Vice Chair – Heart of Birmingham Chapter

Quinzetta McCray – Communications Officer – Charter Chapter

Carol Skelton – Financial Officer – Heart of Birmingham Chapter

Upcoming  Events

December Boston Butt fundraiser – Turn your orders in to Nancy, delivery will be 12-20-2017 just in time for Christmas entertaining.

Speaker for December Chapter meeting – Sandra Girouard  – Entrepreneur  – December 20, 2017 – Tutwiler

Heart of Birmingham Christmas Party – December 16, 2017 Village Tavern – Summit – Bring your Toys for Tots donation

Contributing editors Kristie Curtis and Carol Skelton