NAPW Norfolk, VA Chapter Committed to Supporting Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads at August Networking Event
Garden City, NY (PRWEB) August 22, 2013 -- Members and guests of the NAPW Norfolk, VA Local Chapter gathered on August 15th for a professional networking meeting at the Holiday Inn Norfolk Airport.
In a show of support for Vice President Cynthia Gossman’s son who has Down syndrome, the group of nearly 30 professional women agreed to form a team that will participate in the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads event, Step Up for Down Syndrome 5k, awareness walk and festival.
The group also hosted two guest speakers, Marie Steward of C&F Mortgage and Lisa DeCoste, Vice President at Stellar One Bank in Virginia Beach.
Norfolk Local Chapter Event & Venue Director Sandra Purvis kicked off the meeting, thanking everyone for attending the meeting.
Chapter President Ivory Morgan-Burton introduced the Chapter’s leadership team that included Vice President Cynthia Gossman, Secretary Dani Feret, Treasuer Amy Kretzer, Social Media Director Molly Gray, Events & Venue Director Sandra Purvis, and Sponsorship Director Lisa DeCoste.
Chapter President Morgan-Burton called forward three new Norfolk Chapter members and officially recognized and pinned them. Guests were then introduced and members were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their companies. The President then made an announcement.
“The Norfolk Chapter has chosen to assist the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads in their efforts,” said Chapter President Ivory Morgan-Burton.
“The group has an event coming up Sunday, October 19th called “Step Up for Down Syndrome,” which includes a 5K, awareness walk and festival. “
The group of professional women agreed to show their support for Vice President Cynthia Gossman’s son who is affected by Down syndrome.
Members and guests in attendance were encouraged to get involved with the event in any way they can, whether it’s by running, walking, attending or donating.
Next, the member presentation was given by Marie Stewart of C&F Mortgage. Ms. Stewart spoke of how she helps members in the community get financing for their homes. Marie has served in mortgages in all types of capacities and is now on the front lines.
“At the end of her presentation, Marie drew some laughs from the crowd as she dug up her horn from the Chapter’s February meeting, when members were given horns so they could ‘toot their own horns,’” said the President.
The guest speaker was Lisa DeCoste, vice president at Stellar One Bank in Virginia Beach. The topic of her presentation was “Know Your Banker – Do’s & Don’t’s.” Ms. DeCoste shared how people sometimes overlook their banker as someone who can be their advocate for their business.
She shared how a banker can be someone who gives ideas to help improve cash flow, to introduce you to other people and business owners, and to be a sounding board for your business. The guest speaker illustrated her points by using examples from her own 26 years of experience.
She talked about how she has helped clients save money both with their banking and in their business and how she has helped clients going through tough personal situations by keeping an eye on their banking for them.
“It was obvious from her presentation that Lisa definitely enjoys adding a human touch to her banking relationships,” said President Morgan-Burton.
The presentation was well-received by attendees. Members and guests commented afterwards about how they never thought of some of the things Ms. DeCoste shared and how they planned to deepen their relationships with their bankers or head over to see Ms. DeCoste at Stellar One.
The meeting was adjourned, and members and guests had plenty of time for networking.
The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is the largest and most recognized network of female professionals. NAPW provides a forum where women can interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower. NAPW Local Chapters allow members to maximize their experience through meetings, networking opportunities, and professional events.
For additional information regarding the NAPW Norfolk, Va Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com
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Jill Wiseman, National Association of Professional Women, http://napw.com, 516-453-6210, [email protected]
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