GOLDEN NUGGET GOLDEN DOME NEWSLETTER FOR AND ABOUT

GOLDEN NUGGET GOLDEN DOME NEWSLETTER FOR AND ABOUT PROFESSIONALS Golden Dome – 37 Years of Excellence Golden Dome Chapter No. 1230 of the America Business Women’s Association Chartered - April 1972 Atlanta, GA S. Diane White, Newsletter Editor 1735 John Calvin Avenue College Park, GA 30337 404 -209 -1185 / 404 -281 -4074 sdwhite 57@ymail. com Vol. 1 – Issue No. 13 August 2010 The President’s Message Hello Golden Dome, It is with heartfelt appreciation and humility that I send this first message to you for the 2010 -2011 ABWA Fiscal Year. Words are inadequate for me to express my feelings as we begin this awesome journey together. Videssa Woods When I look at the overall ABWA theme for this year “LEADING WITH VISION” it is impossible for me to visualize a person without a vision. We all have a vision of our lives, which encompasses our dreams and gives us the picture of fulfillment. When we permit others to dicker with our vision, the distorted result can cease to inspire and motivate us. Perhaps we aspire to become the scientist who develops a cure for sickle cell anemia or cancer; if we succumb to another’s exhortations instead, we are bound to failure and thus have cheated ourselves of our dreams. As your elected leader, I promise to remain focused on the fact that we continue to “CELEBRATE THE SUCCESS” as we “Bridge the Gap and Lead with Vision”. We have a fantastic year ahead of us and it is my desire to Lead with the Vision that has been set for us and not to allow others to reduce the scope of our vision. Love to each of you, Videssa A. Woods President In This Issue: President’s Message. . Cover Minutes of July 12 th. . . 3 -4 5 Speaker’s Information. . . 6 Atlanta Area Council Luncheon. . 8. 9 Kudos/Birthdays/Bereavement. . . 10 Agenda/Invocation/Mission. . . 2 Reminders / Code of Conduct. . Insurance/Financial Info. . 7 2010 -11 Committee Chairs. . . .

Meeting Agenda Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Golden Dome Chapter “Leading with Vision” Meeting Agenda August 2, 2010 Networking INVOCATION 6: 00 pm – 6: 30 pm Call to Order Videssa Woods, President Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance/ Mission Statement Welcome Unison Launa Bacon, Vice President Introduction of Head Table Videssa Woods, Pres. New Member Installation Videssa Woods, Pres. Grace Willie Mae Hood DINNER Introduction of Speaker Eunice Carter Rosemary Willingham BUSINESS MEETING Reading of July Minutes Treasurer’s Report Marlena B. Coggins Approval of Outreach Proposal (School Supplies) Benediction Adjournment The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Bessie W. Poole Approval of Standing Rules/Code of Conduct Door Prizes Lord in the quite of this hour, we come to thee for wisdom and for power, to view Thy world through only love-filled eyes; to grow in understanding; to be wise and sure to see Thy guiding light; and thus to know each other as Thou knowest us. Amen MISSION STATEMENT Announcements Correspondence August 2010 Sarah Mobley Carrol Walker/Joyce Rowe Garrett Unison BENEDICTION O, guiding spirit, guardian of our days, be with us as we go our separate ways. Help us to feel those thoughts that lift and bless. To know a closer bond of friendliness, to see Thy beauty, always everyday, translated into living, this we pray. Amen 2

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 July 12 th Meeting Minutes Golden Dome Chapter Monthly Meeting Minutes – July 12, 2010 The monthly meeting began with a networking session from 6 -6: 30 pm at the Paschal’s Restaurant at Castleberry Hill located at 108 B Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. The July 12, 2010 meeting was called to order at 6: 40 pm by President, Eunice Carter, and the Invocation, Pledge Allegiance, and the Mission Statement were said in unison. Madam President, Eunice Carter welcomed all the members and guests. She followed by introducing the members of the Executive Board and our Program Chairman. Our Program Chair, Mrs. Marlena Coggins introduced our Speaker of the Month, Mrs. Geraldine Edmonds Dodson. Mrs. Dodson is a Licensed Property/Casualty Insurance Broker, and she has specialized in Contracting & Procurement for the U. S. Government, ten years in banking, finance, commercial insurance, contract development, and administration. Also, she has sixteen years in employee relations and five years in fundraising in higher education. Currently, she is helping to do a survey in the community and working as a spokesperson for Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home. She is a graduate of Morris Brown College. Mrs. Geraldine E. Dodson’s topic: How do I Prearrange and Plan out my Funeral? Now is the perfect time to start Planning for life’s events. Mrs. Dodson stated that planning out our loved ones funeral or your own is one of the hardest things a family member has to face. She is August 2010 conducting a survey to determine how members of our community plan for the death of a loved one. She offers help to improve their service by pinpointing what is most important to each family. There services include: Pre-paid funeral planning, service merchandise, caskets, urns, cremation, memorials, and an insurance policy that cover all the expenses. Preplanning enables a person to create a personalized celebration of one’s life and will allow your family and friends to focus on remembering and honoring you. The funds used to establish a policy are not taxable, and you receive about a 3% interest rate. Also, the policy they offer is affordable depending on each individual desires, and they are transferable. If there are left over funds, they may be returned to the estate. A person may establish a policy as long as they are under the age of 90 years old. Insurance coverage is provided by National Guardian Life Insurance Company. The cost of funerals varies depending on what you want. Cremation and memorial services are more economical. One important things she explained is that the funeral expenses and the cemetery vault (Plot for burial) are two separate costs, however; they provide assistance with both. She encouraged everyone to take the first step and start planning to help make life a lot easier for their family. The members received the information very positively and were very interested. There was a question and answer session. She was applauded for her candid and informative presentation. Mrs. Dodson was presented a plaque from Golden Dome by Mrs. Marlena Coggins, and a photo was taken for our scrapbook. President Carter recognized the Member of the Month, Mrs. Carrol J. Walker. Currently, Carrol is the Business Manager for Wilbanks & Bridges Law 3

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 July 12 th Meeting Minutes (cont. ) August 2010 corrections to the Treasurer’s Report, and it will be filed for audit. Golden Dome Chapter Monthly Meeting Minutes – July 12, 2010 (cont. ) Firm and is the owner of C J Walker Office Management Services, LLC where she is a consultant for several law firm and small businesses on legal building systems, technical equipment purchasing, software selection and training, policies and procedures and general office management organizational techniques. She has worked in the legal field for thirteen plus years. Prior to working the legal field, Carrol worked for WPBA Channel 30 (PBS) as a Master Control Engineer, on-air telethon anchor, and became the Assistant Public Relations Manager for the PBS station. Later she joined a larger PBS station, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and worked a total of thirteen years in Broadcasting. Carrol attended San Antonio College and St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She received additional studies from De. Kalb College with an AS Degree in Radio-Television Broadcasting in 1984. Carol is a full-time student at De. Vry University pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Business Technical Management. She and her husband of 29 years are the proud parents of a wonderful daughter and son. Dinner: The Grace was stated by Eunice Carter and dinner was served. Business Meeting: The minutes of the last meeting were viewed from the newsletter and there were no corrections. A motion for the approval of the minutes was made by Carrol Walker and it was seconded by Jenelle Brooks Wilson. The minutes will be filed as printed. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was given by Bessie Poole, Treasurer. The Beginning Balance: $5, 332. 76; Credits $766; Debits $1, 370. 64; and the Ending Balance $4, 728. 12. There were no Correspondence: Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Rowe Garrett summarized the following correspondences: The Alabama Council ABWA will host a workshop, speaker, networking, and lunch on Saturday, August 7, 2010 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Wynlakes Golf & Country Club located at 7900 Wynlakes Boulevard, Montgomery Al. The cost is $50 for ABWA members and $60 for non- members of ABWA. For more information contact: Jill Farris at 334270 -2063 or her email is: Jill. Farris@knology. net. Also, you may see the following website: www. abwa. org and click on Membership, then Council and type in Alabama for the State (Enter), and Alabama website will come up and Click on Meetings, then August 7, 2010 and complete the registration form on line with all details. Crabapple Charter Chapter is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair and 5 K Walk/Run for Education on September 25, 2010 from 10 am – 2 pm. It will be held at Mill Spring Academy located at 13660 New Providence Road, Milton, GA. Registration before August 16 is $25; after August 16 the cost is $35; children 12 and under are free, registration for children begins at 9 am. Registration begins at 8: 30 am for adults. For more information, check: www. ABWACrabapple. Health. Fair. com There was no other business or announcements. There was no raffle and door prizes given out. Mrs. Margaret Williams stated that she will bring the door prizes back for the August 2, 2010 meeting. Madam President announced that the members may remain and continue to eat their foods after the Benediction was stated in unison and adjourned at 7: 40 pm. Launa B. Bacon Recording Secretary 4

Reminders / Code of Conduct Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 August 2010 ABWA’S Proud Code of Conduct CHAPTER NEWS & NOTES! ATTENTION! Dear Golden Dome Members: Please note that all National and Local Chapter Dues must be current in order for you to participate in chapter activities. You must pay for your meals each month to be considered present. YOU HAVE NO VOTE and NO VOICE, IF YOU DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR MEAL. Please check with our Hospitality Chair if you have any special dietary and nutritional needs. If you do not want to eat your meal, that late in the evening, you may ask for a to-go-box. Parking is FREE and the meal cost is $21. 00 person. 1. All members will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the American Business Women’s Association. 2. Members will not allow their personal beliefs and convictions to interfere with the representation of ABWA’s mission. 3. Members will always treat their member colleagues, guests, vendors and sponsors with honesty, respect, fairness, integrity, responsibility, kindness and in good faith. 4. Members will maintain compliance with ABWA National, Chapter and Express Network Bylaws. 5. Members will not use their personal power to advance their personal interests. 6. Members will strive for excellence in their professions by maintaining and enhancing their own business knowledge and skills, and by encouraging the professional development of other members. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ Monthly Meetings 1 st Monday night of each month 6: 00 pm – 8: 30 pm Paschal's Restaurant @ Castleberry Hill 180 B Northside Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30312 6: 00 pm – 6: 30 pm – Networking Meeting begins at 6: 30 pm Executive Board Meeting Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 6: 00 pm Bethel Village 500 Richard Allen Blvd Atlanta, GA 30331 404 -699 -5665 WIN. . Step into the future with ABWA 5

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Speaker’s Information August 2010 Rosemary Sims Willingham Having lived my entire life in the city of Atlanta, GA, it has given me numerous blessings, like strong ties to my family who have instilled in me the importance of quality education. As the oldest of four girls, I learned responsibility and leadership at a young age and taught my sisters by being a positive role model. In addition, my friends have provided great support in all my endeavors as a young professional in the business community. It is my turn to "give back" to the community by serving in any capacity I can help women to lead better lives. Married to Walter Willingham we have two daughters, Arnetta Giles and Toya Riley and a beautiful granddaughter Nyna Rose Riley. Over the years, I have always tried to stay positive, involved and feel passionate about giving back. Therefore, volunteered at several women's shelters including My Sister’s House and Abernathy Shelter for Women; worked with the Dress for Success Program; volunteered at Bonterra Nursing Home, Grady Health Care and many outreach programs through Zion Hill Baptist Church ministries and American Business Women Association. I am an active in ministries at Zion Hill Baptist Church, currently serving as president of the Courtesy Guild Ministry, member of Evangelism and Missionary Ministries. My work in the business arena began at the Ivan Allen Company in 1969 where I remained until 2001 when a National Office Products Company acquired the company. It has been a pleasure to provide services and products to numerous Atlanta businesses over the years. I continued to work in the industry building customer relations and helping companies find the right products for their offices. I currently made a career transition with Mass. Mutual Brill Financial Group, where I am still building relationship and helping others. Currently I am an independent broker representing several Fortune 100 companies in the insurance and financial industry. I am a broker for insurance for the following insurance products; term, whole life, critical illness, final needs plans and long-term care insurance products. A national member of the American Business Women’s Association as well as a member of the Golden Dome Chapter and has severed as president of the Southlake Chapter and vice president of Atlanta Downtown Express Network (ADEN). I have served in many capacities on various committees and chaired their respective Executive Boards. Honored to have served on the Formation Team of the Southlake Chapter and once its chartered I became the 1 st Vice-President. Also served as 2004 -2005 Corresponding Secretary, 2006 Treasurer and 2007 Vice Chair of the Atlanta Area Council became Council Chairman 2008. Always striving to broaden my knowledge and educational horizons in preparing for a world of change, I enrolled at Atlanta School of Business and completed courses at Clayton State College, Atlanta Technical College, and Dale Carnegie Sales Course for career growth to obtain current workplace knowledge. I have participated in numerous other certified programs offered through ABWA. Graduate of Shorter College, B. S. in Management cum laude. I am currently enrolled in graduate program for general counseling at Capella University. This has truly led to a career path to help women to lead in all aspects of their lives. However, we cannot lead until we are servants at heart. It is an honor and pleasure for me to serve as 2008 Council Chairman of Atlanta Area Council of ABWA and most recently selected as Woman of Year by an outside panel. Atlanta Area Council consists of more than thirty chapters and express networks in metropolitan Atlanta. Selected as 2008 Unsung Heroine by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Atlanta is a community award I will always cherish. As Chairman of AAC, I have help women to strive for leadership roles in their communities and workplace, with the knowledge we can only be great when those we help, helps another from lessons they have learned. We should all strive for greatness.

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Insurance / Financial Assistance Information August 2010 7

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Atlanta Area Council Delegate’s Report August 2010 AND A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!!!!!!!!! The Annual Atlanta Area Council July Luncheon began with a very informative morning session which was presented by our “FOREVER TENS” – Richie Morris – Hidden Hills, Barbara Christian Campbell – Hidden Hills, Marcita Scharnhorst – Douglas County Charter Chapter, Dr. Maggie Mercer – Douglas County Charter Chapter and our very own Marlena Coggins was very enlightening and informative for those of us in attendance. They provided insight into obtaining National Top Ten. Some “Winning Edge” pointers provided were 1) Stay Committed, 2) Community Involvement, 3) Write your own story with enthusiasm, 4) Join Civic Organizations and 5) Never stop learning. This session was ended by a question and answer period which climaxed with the question “Why are the retired members not included in the number of those eligible to run for National Top Ten? ” The panel was unable to provide an answer but promised to seek out the answer. The Luncheon celebrating our District One Vice President, Anne Pasquini was a grand success. Attendance was up and this made for a very good presentation. The District 1 Vice President candidate Christine Wright presented her candidates’ speech to the national candidates, topic “How to Utilize WIN to Impress Women to Join ABWA” which was to the point and quite timely. There were so many dignitaries from around the country present that you would have thought it was in honor of Stephen Bufton, himself. We were graced with the presence of two of our National Officers – National President, Casey Coven and National Secretary-Treasurer, Lynn Drowne. A large number of past and present District Vice Presidents were in attendance and helped to make a grand celebration. Anne was presented with a beautiful gift (Lead Crystal Vase) from the July Luncheon committee members, headed by Christine Mann. A very special recognition was given by Anne Pasquini to her parents which were very touching and heart wrenching for her as well as those of us in attendance. Special recognition to past PAACC Patricia Malone was done and a group photo was taken of the committee with her photo in the center. Ms. Pasquini advised us that she and Christine Mann attended the recognition luncheon held in Warner Robbins wherein Patricia Malone was inducted into the Women of Aviation Hall of Fame. There was good news provided by Atlanta Area Council Chair, Janice Trusdale Harris who announced that due to the great participation at the Atlanta Area Council Annual Workshop they were able to give out two (2) one-half registrations to ABWA National Leadership Conference; Ms. Roshon Thomas was the alternate recipient. Videssa Woods 8 Atlanta Area Council Delegate

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Sharon Preston-Harris Professional Development Sherry Mallory Publicity 2010 -11 Golden Dome Committee Chairs August 2010 Tomyko L. Levi Membership Rosemary S. Willingham Programs S. Diane White Newsletter Patricia Smith Hospitality Willie Mae Hood Rainbow Lena Reid History/Scrapbook Carroll Walker & Joyce Rowe-Garrett Fundraiser/ Ways & Means Barbara Turner & Jenelle Brooks-Wilson Outreach 9

Kudos / Bereavement Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 August 2010 August Member of the Month HAPPY BIRTHDAY Helen Storey – August 12 Sonya Lowe – August 28 SICKNESS & BEREAVEMENT Barbara Turner Joyce Garrett’s sister Jenelle Sweeney Head past on Sat. , July 24 th and was funeralized on Sat. , July 31 st at Higher Hope Ministries. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Our Website is Up www. goldendomeabwa. org Have you made plans to attend the It is still a work in progress. Take the time to look at it and let Vice President Launa Bacon know what you think. 2010 National Women’s Leadership Conference Chattanooga, TN October 28 -30, 2010 Full Registration Fee - $479. 00 Hotel Registration Deadline October 5, 2010 Room Rates - $149. 00 per night 10

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Golden Nugget August 2010 Notes 11

Vol. 1 - Issue No. 13 Golden Nugget August 2010 The first gold rush in U. S. history did not start in California in 1849. It was 1828, when gold was discovered in a part of the Cherokee Nation, known today as Dahlonega, GA. The town gets its name from the Cherokee Word, talonega, meaning golden. A U. S. Branch Mint opened there in 1838, pumping out $6 million in gold coins – over $100 million in today’s dollars. This gold was used to build the Dome on the State Capitol and thus our Chapter was named “Golden Dome” after the State Capitol. Golden Dome Chapter No. 1230 c/o S. Diane White, Newsletter Editor 1735 John Calvin Avenue College Park, GA 30337