Pam's POV

It’s here – National Volunteer Week – April 21-27

April 22, 2013 · Filed under Events, EWGA, Women · Tagged National Volunteer Week

We all wear so many hats on a daily basis. We are business professionals, parents, community leaders, caregivers, sports enthusiasts and yes members of the EWGA. There are over 1400 members who volunteer their time to EWGA activities across the association annually.

As the leader of the Association Headquarters team, I tip my hat and extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your passion for the organization is commendable. You see, the EWGA has been in existence for over 22 years because of volunteers who work tirelessly at the community level to make your experience in this organization great.

So as we salute our volunteers this week, ask yourself, how can I help. Can I donate an hour or two of my time to help my chapter? Could I offer to assist with registration at an upcoming event? Think about what type of help your chapter might need in the next few weeks in recruiting new members.

Members love sharing their stories about what belonging to EWGA has done for them and their lives. What impact has the EWGA had on yours?

Please tell us!

In just a few short weeks, we will be recognizing a long time volunteer of our organization with EWGAs highest award, The Nancy Oliver Founders Award, at the Empower ’13 Conference in Hilton Head.

In fact, this years’ honoree was one of the original 28 women who attended the very first golf clinic in West Palm Beach. Her name is Penny Hulbert Larsen.

Since 1991, Penny has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with the association starting at the chapter level, the regional level and then on the Association Board of Directors including Treasurer, and President of the Board. She has represented EWGA at national golf industry events and continues to be a great ambassador for EWGA.

Congratulations Penny!

There are so many women doing extraordinary things for this wonderful organization. Lisa Lifer, Janet Mallon, Janis Luce, Dori Smith, Maggi Braun and Diana Gats are all award finalists this year for their long term volunteer service. Congratulations Ladies!

So this week, think about what your interests are and how you might be able to give back by volunteering. You can make a difference in someone elses’ life or you just may meet someone who will make a difference in yours!

Let’s celebrate National Volunteer Week by thanking those that are giving back on so many levels!

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A Bostonian’s View from Florida

April 16, 2013 · Filed under Events, Women · Tagged Boston marathon

Even though I live in South Florida now, Boston is my home. I refer to it as my home all the time. We all have roots and I am proud to say that mine are in Massachusetts.

Yesterday’s tragedy; a senseless act of violence, on a day celebrating freedom and independence, struck me to the core.

We mourn for the lost lives and pray for the hundreds injured. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. When tragedies occur, everyday heroes emerge. It was encouraging to hear and see on the news those who offered their phones, homes and blood donations. While this cowardly attack on innocent people marred the celebratory events of Patriots Day, the city of Boston is strong. We are strong. And I am so proud to call Boston my home.

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Recognition for Performance is Always Gratifying

March 27, 2013 · Filed under Events, EWGA, The Golf Industry, Women · Tagged Stacy Lewis, Tiger Woods

Stacy Lewis poses for photographers as she poses next to the championship trophy after winning the LPGA Founders Cup golf tournament on Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Stacy Lewis won the LPGA’s Founders Cup and took over the #1 position in Women’s Golf. Her journey, dedication, work ethic and challenges she overcame are well documented. Congratulations Stacy! You handled yourself with poise, grace and an uncanny ability to maintain your professionalism for your work, even under the most trying of circumstances. You are a great role model for both young and old. Your recognition and respect for the Founders of the LPGA was heartwarming, your performance was extraordinary and your philanthropic contribution to LPGA-USGA Girls Golf was symbolic for the future of women’s golf.

Tiger Woods reclaimed the top spot in golf with his victory at Bay Hill this week. As he repeatedly shares with the golf media, he’s worked really hard to get his game back to where he is confident to win. And win he has. Dedication. Perseverance. His strong work ethic and commitment deliver yet again.

These achievements are significant in golf and certainly make headlines. And so do many other stories about individuals who have success stories to share.

Last week I had the honor of attending The Commonwealth Institute’s annual event recognizing the Top Women-Led Businesses in Florida. A diverse range of business leaders were recognized for their contributions. The common themes for achieving success from honorees that day, including myself, were being dedicated to the job you love, work hard at what you do, you are the “CEO” of your career and certainly never give up.

Golf is the Ultimate Business Connector

In my comments to the 200+ businesswomen present, I stressed the importance of golf being a connector. It offers players a relationship building skill that opens doors. Opens doors to business opportunities, to spectacular venues, opens doors to what you are really made of – and by this I mean personal qualities that define who you are and how you translate your image, actions and abilities in real life. It defines your character.

Relationships are born on the golf course. So regardless of who is teeing it up, there is always a degree of success that can be achieved in a round of golf. So, kudos to the newly crowned world’s #1 female and male golfers! And to those of us who revel in what the sport of golf provides to us both personally and professionally, it’s gratifying to be recognized for connecting women to learn play and enjoy golf for business and for fun.

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March 8th is International Women’s Day – Let’s Celebrate!

March 8, 2013 · Filed under EWGA, Women

Annually on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. How will you celebrate?

EWGA has touched the lives of over 100,000 women in its short 22 year history. What inspired you to join this organization? Was it to learn how to play golf? Meet new people? Build a solid network of connections? Compete in golf events?

Whatever your specific reason, EWGA enriches women’s lives. We have a presence in all major cities across this country, in Canada, Bermuda, Italy and now South Africa.

While our association is based around the sport of golf, it is so much more far reaching and impactful. What is your story? Have you helped another EWGA member? Have you been supported by your Chapter or another EWGA member? Who have you touched because of your ties to this organization?

On this celebratory day, introduce a friend or colleague to the association. Share your passion!

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22 Years with EWGA

February 27, 2013 · Filed under EWGA, The Golf Industry, Women

This lovely blog was posted by Susan Bairley about EWGA. Please follow the link to read an outsiders blog about the EWGA.

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A Season of Reflection and Giving

December 11, 2012 · Filed under EWGA, Women

During this season of celebration, reflection and gratitude, so much is written about the kindness and giving of others. As 2012 marked the 21^st year of EWGA, I want to thank a very important group of individuals that have been a key part to enriching the lives of over 100,000 women since our humble beginnings. The volunteer leaders of the EWGA.

As leaders we are looked upon as confident role models; the “face” of the EWGA in all that we do within our communities and among our members. We possess the ability to positively impact change; either directly or indirectly. Even the seemingly smallest things can make a tremendous difference to another individual.

When I reflect on the 21 year history of the EWGA, the role volunteers play carries a great deal of responsibility and requires positive energy and enthusiasm and above all an unequivocal belief in EWGA’s core values and vision to enrich women’s lives through the game of golf. And what better time is there in golf than now to showcase and share all the great things the EWGA offers women. With EWGA, you can aim for your goals and then swing past them!

So, when the calendar turns to January and 2013 is upon us, there’s 12 new months for us to share our passion and welcome even more women into EWGA!

This is a tremendous gift we all possess.

May we all be blessed abundantly with friendships, success and good health! Happy Holidays!

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PGA Grand Slam and EWGA

November 14, 2012 · Filed under Uncategorized

Splendid scenery. Bubba. Padraig. Keegan. Webb. Spectacular golf. Bermudian Hospitality. Fabulous Sunshine. And new beginnings for EWGA in Bermuda. The 30^th PGA Grand Slam of Golf offered the backdrop for all of this and so much more.

Just last month, 24 U.S. EWGA members traveled to the island of Bermuda for an EWGA On Course event at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The action packed agenda included a welcome reception hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism under the direction of the Honorable Wayne Furbert, Minister of Business Development and Tourism for the island at an oceanfront location that left one breathless by the captivating scenery. That was just the beginning of our five day visit which also included golf at Port Royal Golf Club where the PGA Grand Slam was played, meeting many of the EWGA-Bermuda members who are so excited and energized to be a part of the EWGA (Kudos to their leadership team who have set the record for being the fastest growing EWGA Chapter with over 100 members in just six short weeks!); watching the four champions up close for two days on the course demonstrate why they are the best of the best and having the opportunity to attend the Champions Dinner where each Champion shared insights into their lives which was very special. And did I mention that I played in the Pro Am and was paired with Keegan Bradley for 6 holes! A memory that will last a lifetime.

And of course, congrats to Paddy for winning the PGA Grand Slam! While he may have been quoted as saying, “the wins don’t come around as often as you think” as a last minute replacement for the injured Ernie Els, the trip for Paddy from Dublin to this idyllic island was well worth it! And we were able to enjoy it all!

To view pictures of this wonderful occassion, follow this link.

To join EWGA, follow this link.

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