THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE MERCER CHAPTER OF NJAWBO!

The Mercer members were invited by our Chapter President to participate in a contest to write an "About Us" page for our new website.  Who better to tell our website visitors "about us" than the members themselves? The winner was announced and her submission was read at the 8th Annual Pamper Yourself Holiday Party on December 7, 2006.  We extend a warm thank you and congratulations to Linda Principe of Linda Principe Interiors, LLC.  Her words and invitation to join our organization are as follows:

As you enter a meeting room filled with members of the NJAWBO Mercer Chapter, you will notice one thing for certain – the warmth and camaraderie of the women in the room will envelop you and draw you in.  It could be a dinner meeting, held each month at the Harrison Conference Center in Plainsboro.  It could be a breakfast gathering held bi-monthly at a diner, which provides an atmosphere of intimate discussion and sharing.  Or it could be a marketing roundtable, where ideas are spawned and information is freely exchanged for the sole purpose of furthering each person’s business.  A prospective member open house will introduce you to enthusiastic members and to the nuts and bolts of the organization.

At a Mercer meeting, you will meet women who own many diverse businesses – accountants, attorneys, financial planners, travel agents, business coaches, marketing professionals, website designers, home furnishings businesses and retailers, to name a few.  These are women who have been in business for 20 years or 20 days.  They are women who are excited to see each other and connect, as you witness their arrival at each meeting.  Women who are happy when September rolls around to resume the connection.  Women who want to make a difference in the community by giving back to others.  Dynamic, successful women who want to grow their businesses and do it with the support of other women.  Women, together, who represent the whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

As a long-time member of NJAWBO since 1989, this organization, and the members, have given me so much.  I’ve made life-long friendships and relationships with women I’ve met through my involvement.  I became a team player by volunteering on numerous committees through the years.  I added a vast network of businesswomen that I can refer and use when I need their services.  I gained confidence and leadership skills.  I found support when I was ill.  I’ve met women who truly care about each other’s success and are always there to listen, whether you’ve had a good day or a problem with a client.  I’ve been honored to meet NJ governors, assemblypersons and political individuals making a difference in Trenton.  I’ve learned, and continue to benefit from, new tips and techniques to further enhance my business.  I leave a Chapter meeting invigorated and vitalized, ready to conquer my next business challenge.  I’ve been recognized with awards for my volunteerism and commitment to NJAWBO.  And I have received business and many referrals for business.

I can say unequivocally that my business wouldn’t be where it is today without my participation in NJAWBO.  And I can assure you that every Mercer Chapter member will tell you similar stories and their feelings about the Chapter will echo mine.  Whatever you give, you will receive back ten-fold.

I encourage you to join us for a meeting or two and see what this terrific Chapter is all about.  You’ll see how it can positively affect you as well as your business.  When you leave that meeting room, one thing is certain – you will be impacted by the members of the Mercer Chapter of NJAWBO.

Again, thank you, Linda!
Best Regards, Lynn McDougall
Mercer Chapter Immediate Past President