BPW Connection 

April 2023

In this issue: 

President's Message  -- Events -- Opportunities --Member news!

President's Message

One of the best graphics I ever saw on social media was titled “How to support your friend’s small business without spending any money”. It included things like

Share their post.

Shout them out.

Tag a friend.

Write a review.

Post a pic. Etc.

Of course all kinds of businesses and non-profit organizations can use this kind of love online and it’s so easy to do.

What might be a little more time-consuming -- but potentially much more valuable – is supporting each other’s work in real life. Here’s how:

1. Tell your other family and friends about them. In our Upper Keys community, someone’s always looking for a personal recommendation!

2. Give them feedback on their business or programs. Do you see an unmet need in the community that they could fill?

3. Attend their events. From financial information sessions to art classes to energy alignment workshops to fundraisers, our BPW members put on a lot of activities!

4. Introduce them to other people you know who could be potential customers or partners. Maybe you know someone with a specialized skill and another person who could use some help.

And last but not least……

5. Participate actively in next Wednesday’s Networking + Member Expo!

All are welcome to network and to explore local businesses, nonprofit organizations and causes run by the phenomenal Members of the Upper Keys Business & Professional Women (BPW). 

• If you already are a customer or supporter of one of these businesses, come and be a pop-up cheerleader to others that stop by their table.

• If you’ve been curious about one of the kinds of services represented, come and take the time to put a face with a name and ask a few questions.

• If you have either a need or a skill that fits in to a cause, come and introduce yourself and find out more.

• If you’re ready to join forces with another working woman to further your career, come and get connected!

Event details and a full list of Sponsor-Exhibitors are below. I hope to see you there. 

Warm regards, 

Jill

Jill Kuehnert

Upper Keys BPW President

‪(305) 767-3928‬

Upcoming Events!

April 19 Networking + Member EXPO

6 - 8 pm -- Whale Harbor Events, Islamorada  

You’re invited to join our spring celebration of businesses and organizations that empower working women here in the Keys!

The entire community is welcome next Wednesday April 19 for networking AND an Expo of amazing businesses and organizations run by Members of the Upper Keys Business & Professional Women (BPW). 

Online registration closes at 6pm on Weds. April 19

Walk-up admission $30 Members/ $35 Non-Members

Proceeds support our Women’s Scholarship Program.

Thank you to our Sponsors: 

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5:30 pm -- Doc's Diner in Key Largo 

Join Upper Keys BPW members in supporting a good cause! Get your ticket in advance and we'll grab a table to share.

~~~~~~~

8 am -- zoom 

Start your day by sharing something good with fellow BPW members and others in our community!

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11:30 am - 1pm -- Baker's Cay Resort, Key Largo 

The May Luncheon program includes our Annual Meeting for our organization:

• Annual Report
• Upper Keys BPW Board Election and Installation
• Spring Scholarship Awards Announcement

All are welcome to join! Online registration coming soon. 

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And in case you missed it...

Thanks to everyone who came out for a great luncheon on March 15 at the Pilot House in Key Largo, especially

• Event sponsor: MarineLab Environmental Education Center

• BPW Board Directors and other leaders who presented ‘All about Upper Keys BPW’ 

Immediate Past President Suzi Youngberg at the March 15 luncheon (click image to see full album)

Opportunities!

Encourage someone to apply for a BPW Scholarship 

Our Scholarship Committee has been hard at work updating this program over the past few months and we flipped the switch on our new online application form. 

As this newsletter goes out, there's just a few days left before the April 15 deadline for Spring Applications.

If you or someone you know could use a little help in paying for education expenses, check out the details and access the application form here. 

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Get involved with BPW/Florida 

This year the annual BPW/FL State Conference is close to home: Ft Lauderdale June 12-14. Some expenses will be covered for Upper Keys BPW members who would like to participate. 

Changes to the current BPW/FL Public Policy Platform have been proposed for 2023-2024. The new platform is currently being reviewed by local organizations -- including ours -- and will be finalized at the State Conference.

Contact President Jill Kuehnert for more information about either of these topics.   

~~~~~~~~~

Check out openings on our new Community Job Board

The Upper Keys BPW Job Board is a new service to help match employers and employees in our community while raising funds for our Scholarship program and other activities. 

If you're a JOB-SEEKER, you can:

• Apply to open positions directly via the website

• Upload your resume for local employers to view any time

• Sign up for e-mail alerts and be the first to hear when new jobs are posted!

If you're an Upper Keys EMPLOYER, you can:

• Scan the resumes of local job-seekers

• Post job openings at very affordable rates, with discounted rates for BPW members (log in with your BPW website credentials)

• Use the code "SAVE50" for a limited-time 50% discount on the job posting fees!

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Email blast ads to locals.

Got a new location to promote? An event you want to get the word out? Reach our active mailing list of over 400 members and others in the Florida Keys. 

Our E-Blast prices are as follows:

$20.00 - Members

$35.00 - Non-Members

Complete this online form or send us an email to get the process started. 

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To learn more about these opportunities, send an email to BPWUpperKeys@gmail.com or contact one of our Board Members directly.

Member News 

We love celebrating our members' accomplishments!

• Margie Smith started a new job as the Director of Development for Baptist Health South Florida for both Mariners and Fishermens Hospitals! 

• Becky Washam's Sandbar Books celebrated one year in business!

• Lynda Weinstein wrote an application that led the Keys Children's Foundation to grant $115,000 to the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter!

• Bonnie Barnes started a new job as Procurement Specialist with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FIU

Way to go!

~

Renewing & returning members

Glad you're still with us!

• Adriana Cuomo, SouthState Bank, member since 2021

• Lucy Doyle (Given), Holly Given Fund, member since 2018

• Monica Hane, SouthState Bank, member since 2021

• Jackie Harder, Key Dynamics Coaching & Consulting, member since 2011

• Michael Rojewski, Century 21 Circle, member since 2022

New members

Welcome, we can't wait to get to know you!

• Tiffany Alana, All Family Co.

• Anna Capps, Deep Blue Freediving

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Newsletter news!

Access past issues in our Upper Keys BPW Newsletter Archive.

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