CYFEN_Newsletter_April_2018

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

CYFEN NEWS

Cy-Fair Express Network
A League of the American Business

Women’s Association

Inside this issue: Congratulations to our 2018 National Top Ten Nominee,
CYFEN Woman of the Year, and FHPW Woman of Excellence!
Letter from the President ................2
Western Regional Conference ......3
Chamber of Commerce ..................4
FHPW ...........................................4
HAC ................................................5
Hospitality News ..........................6
Women’s Expo .................................7
Member News ................................9

The mission of the American CYFEN is excited to announce that CYFEN’s Woman of the Year for
Business Women’s Association is ABWA is Sonja Hines, FHPW Woman of Excellence is Kim McCully
to bring together businesswomen of and CYFEN’s National Top Ten Candidate is Nicole Travis. We are
diverse occupations and to provide so proud of you!

opportunities for them to help Welcome our Newest Members!
themselves and others grow
personally and professionally through Sara Brown Kristin Gunderson Kristi Howton
leadership, education, networking Be Cool A/C & Heating Gundersons Bookkeeping Hawk Security Services

support, and
national recognition.

(New members joining at end of quarter will be visible on ABWA member list next quarter)

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

Letter from the President “Take Flight” butterfly necklaces for off an amazing event. Not only
completing 5 APEX classes! And she was EXPO held at a new venue,
was reimbursed for the fee-based it was held on a Saturday. We’re
classes. still waiting for the final checks to
come in to see if the move was
March was quite a busy month! advantageous. The theme this
year was Uniting the Community.
Regional Conference was March How fitting that our kick off to EXPO
speaker in March was Chris King,
22-24 in Sugar Land, TX. Ten Founder of the Cajun Army. Our
April 26th speaker was Chrissy
members attended; several for the Bernal, Social Media Expert. We
learned about how not to look like
first time! It was nice to see so many social media newbies. So often,
business people use social media
successful men and women from all outlets in the wrong way, and do
not use the tools that these outlets
over District II. Our Top Ten Woman offer. Facebook allows business
page users to track when,
of 2018, Jessica Smith, gave her where, who, and how viewers
get their information. It’s time to
speech at the celebration breakfast, up our business plans to include
scheduling our marketing on social
and Carol Brace, Candidate for media, and use it properly!

District II VP, opened her campaign In closing, this quarter focused
on finances and marketing our
with her speech. Our March 29th businesses to the best of our
abilities, and recognizing our
luncheon was an extended program members with National Honors.
The “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You”
full of heroism and recognition. theme of ABWA for 2018 really puts
a whole new perspective on our
Chris King, Founder of the Cajun commitment to our members. While
the board works to bring relevant
Dear CYFEN Members, Army, shared how and why the Army programs and opportunities to our
members, our members are more
started, and their role in Hurricane engaged. In the next months, we
will test our performance when we
# B E B O L D B E B R AV E B E Y O U : Harvey recovery. Cathy Conrad accept names for ballots for next
year’s board. Do you want to run
We are one quarter away from a was our second member to receive for a board position? Remember,
be bold, be brave, and be YOU!
new board year with even more the “Take Flight” butterfly necklace Like Nike says, “Just Do It!”

members than last year showing awarded to the first 2 women to Peace Out!

interest in serving on committees complete 5 APEX classes. We ended

and on the board! Yes, next month the meeting with my favorite activity!

we decide who is going to serve We recognized 3 amazing CYFEN

for the 2018-2019 year. As you women with awards. With many

read this, think about what role you members qualified to receive such

would like to take. Be bold, step up honors, only 3 awards were given.

to the plate! Be brave, put fear aside Our FHPW Woman of Excellence is

and know we all have your back. Kim McCully. CYFEN’s Woman of

Be you, and nobody else. As you the Year for ABWA is Sonja Hines.

learn your new skills as you serve, And CYFEN’s National Top Ten

you’ll quickly realize how you can Candidate is Nicole Travis. We thank

apply the new lessons to your own all the judges that had the difficult

business and personal life. task of choosing the best women for

this recognition. Upcoming events

Our February 22nd luncheon was to celebrate our members are the

all about numbers and accounting. FHPW Women of Excellence gala in

Karen Sharp with the Small Business September, and the HAC Celebrating

Development Center taught us Women event in June. Enjoy your

the importance of keeping clean journeys, and good luck to Nicole

financial records, having a business securing Top Ten Forever!

checking account, and hiring a

good tax preparer and bookkeeper. April was our next busiest month

For such a dry subject, we were all with the annual EXPO and all the

engaged and found much of the preparatory activities associated with

presentation humorous. Angela it. Thanks to VP of Outreach, Patty

Altamuro received the first of two Bergfield, and her team for pulling

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

2018 ABWA Western Regional Conference

SUGAR LAND, Texas (March There is no place like having great information that I can bring

22-24, 2018) The 2017 ABWA Regional Conference in your to my business to help me define

National Western Regional own back yard. It was a pleasure my customer and focus. I really

Conference was held at the getting to see my ABWA sisters enjoy every ABWA conference

Mariott in Sugar Land, Texas. from near and afar and getting and always come away with so

ABWA members from various to share different experiences much fantastic information and

areas of the country attended. along the way. It was also fun. (Kristin Severson, AireServ

exciting to see many of our “first- of Northwest Houston)

The ABWA National Conference Timers” experience conference

will be held October 10-13, 2018 and understand what ABWA can

in Augusta, Georgia. do for them and others. The best

take away from conference this

Following are some of our year was getting to understand

CYFEN sisters’ thoughts on the and share amongst our table

conference. group ways to negotiate and win

the deal. Having a diverse group

of women in my table group made

me realize we are each dealing

I was really amazed at the number with our own battles and how
of women ready to lock arms negotiation really is important.
together to help each other grow (Jessica Smith, IberiaBank)

and succeed. I even experienced

it specifically at our table. When

I opened up from a new comers

perspective, everyone was ready

to listen intently and encourage

me to speak out. What a breath I had a wonderful time at the 2018

of fresh air! This was quite a Western Regional Conference.

pleasant surprise! I felt such I volunteered to be on the

encouragement – enough to conference committee, I really

jump up to share our proposition enjoyed getting to know ladies

in front of the whole room! from other regions and check

WHEW!! I have NEVER done in attendees. It was exciting

that before!! And even with a to see what goes into making

MIC! WHAT!?! My family was so the conference a success. I

shocked and I was able to share learned so much this year and

with them that even though I was got so many ideas bring back

a little nervous still, I felt ready to not only CYFEN but into my

and comfortable to give it a shot! own business. My biggest take

For this, I am extremely grateful!! away was working on finding our

I am so thankful that I went to this leagues “WHY” We worked in

conference and I look forward groups and broke down who our

to the next! (Melissa Brotsch, target is, what are their needs and

Gaining Life) interests and what we need to do

to provide that. I think this is such

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

The 2018 ABWA theme “Be “We provide a supportive a Top Ten Forever, I am obligated
Bold, Be Brave, Be You!” is very environment where you can to work as an Ambassador to
appropriate for this year! We grow you!” spread the good news about
had 10 of our CYFEN sisters I truly enjoyed this conference ABWA. I received an Awesome
attend this conference. It was so and was inspired by all the Ambassador Award at the
exciting to have the conference women (and men) that are all meeting.
here in Sugar Land this year. working toward the same goal of The Celebration Breakfast
The keynote speaker, LaVeer building stronger relationships in introduced the newest 2018 Top
Jovel, taught us about “Mastering their league! This year’s theme Ten Women of ABWA speeches.
the Art of Negotiations”. The most of BE BOLD, BE BRAVE, BE And all past Top Ten Women
important steps to a successful YOU is so very appropriate in my were recognized, as well as past
negotiation are to be prepared, own life! This is my year to make National board members. Jessica
plan the conversation in advance, this theme work for me! did a great job on her speech!
communicate effectively and Thank you! (Nicole Travis, Texas The full-day seminar was exciting
clearly and negotiate to achieve Realty Select) as we heard from LaVeer Jovel
the results you are looking for. I teach us the Art of Negotiations.
will use these tips when I need The Regional Conference held It was very humorous and easy
them. in Sugar Land, TX March 22-24 to understand. We were given a
On Saturday, it was all about is the third one I have attended. booklet full of more information
ABWA! Ready, Set, GROW! Each year, I am more and more to help us plan our next
How to sell ABWA and GROW engaged because the material negotiations. The interactions at
your League was the topic for is more relevant to my position. the table were the most
the day! The goals of today’s Conference opened up with the fun.
session was broken down into General Session. We heard Regional conference always has
three sections: (1) to have a candidate speeches for District a component that is relevant to
better understanding as to why II VP and for National Board people on the league boards.
membership recruitment and positions. We were also given This year, regional focused on
growth should always be a first an overview of the SBMEF membership, recruiting, and
priority for our league, (2) how scholarship program and what retention. (Dr. Michelle Becker,
to articulate the benefits/value changes to expect. Shots for Holly)
of an ABWA membership, and Following the General Session,
(3) new tools (Value Proposition, ABWA Ambassadors had a
GAP and BP Guides) to Steering Committee meeting. As
support you in creating a
strong and vital community. CYFEN and WEWEN attendees taking a lunch break.
Our table team was tasked with
filling in the worksheet. We had
to figure out who the target
members are, what are members
needs and interests and who
the future members should be.
We were also able to list all the
products, services, marketing,
sales channels and what our
fulfillment infrastructure was.
Once we had all this information
on the sheet, we were able
to come up with our League’s

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce

CYPRESS, Texas (April 17, Christian School. He spoke transportation.

2018) The Chamber meeting about the growth of Houston

commenced with introduction and surrounding areas and There are 23 miles of METRO

by Chamber President Leslie how all areas are affected in rail stretching from Houston

Martone who then led the Pledge transportation with population Community College to NRG,

of Allegiance and Pledge to the growth. He noted that the current downtown, the Texas Medical

Texas flag. Elected officials were population of Houston that drives Center, University of Houston

recognized. The First Responder in to town every day is equivalent and Old Harrisburg. The Red Line

for the month was recognized to the population of Atlanta. He is as long as the “L” in Chicago.

as Captain Ron Moore of the said that soon it will be equal also There are no rail lines in the world

Jersey Village Volunteer Fire to that of Dallas, Austin, Corpus that actually make a profit. They

Department and sponsored by Christi; Arlington as well. assist with transportation, but

Green River Oil. Elizabeth Hale are not income producing. They

gave a Sound Off announcement One fourth of the one cent tax that are still working out the plans

for ABWA CYFEN’s annual goes to Metro is given back to the for a rail that would run between

EXPO informing every one of the City of Houston for transportation Houston and Dallas, but did not

event date, time, and location. endeavors. Without the METRO have many details to share at

HOV there would be about 2,000 this time.

The speaker for this meeting was more cars on the road every day.

Mr. Sanjay Ramabhadran, P.E. Door prizes were dispersed as

Board Member for Metropolitan There would be a need for about drawn from a basket and the

Transit Authority of Harris County 57,000 more parking spaces to meeting was adjourned. (by

(METRO). Mr. Ramabhadran accommodate cars downtown Diana Saufley, CYFEN Delegate)

was sponsored by Cypress if there were no METRO

Federation of Houston Professional Women

HOUSTON, Texas (April 22, check from CenterPoint Energy and
2018) The FHPW Quarterly Dr. Melanie Brown for $500. Please
Meeting was held on April 22nd see the attached photos for all the
at the Norris Center. This meeting important dates for all the FHPW
was the 4th Annual Vendor events for 2018. (by Nicole Travis,
Festival that showcased many CYFEN Delegate)
members businesses, events
and fundraisers. There were over
20 vendors in attendance with a
variety of different fun items to
promote.

The meeting was called to order
by Gail Prather and the treasurer
report was approved by the
membership.
The Educational Foundation
President, Dr. Sue Bradshaw,
was presented with a donation

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

Houston Area Council

HOUSTON, Texas (April 26, June 6-7 at George R Brown Business Success!” is July 14th

2018) Kenya Williams was Convention Center Access at the Norris Center for everyone

our guest speaker from the www.wbenc.org. to attend. Includes round table

Women’s Business Enterprise coaches with an expert. ONLY

Alliance, (WBEA), in Houston. To start a WBEA application. 40 SPOTS AVAILABLE.

WBEA is under the umbrella of You will need 3 years taxes and Sponsorships needed for HAC

WBENC-Women’s Business financials, identification and and WCW. Networks, Chapters

Enterprise National Council. depending if you are an LLC, and individuals can sponsor.

WBEA is committed to providing corporation or sole proprietor Look on the website for more

our members professional you may need to provide other information.

development, networking, and information. On-site visits are a

learning opportunities through part of the application process.

online resources and regional As a business owner, you can No Excellence in achievement

conferences. Sound familiar. apply at any financial level, apps received from any chapter

They are a certifying entity. even new businesses can apply. because of communication

Some of their activities include: Recertification is annual. issues.

WBEA office Next Tuesday

2-4PM, Refining your capabilities HAC meetings were losing HAC July 27 th meeting will have

statement. money, so HAC is moving to vendor tables. Candidates will be

Norris Center in July. At 816 giving speeches at the meeting.

Training on May 8th networking at Town and Country Blvd. $35 will

expo/ training Private enterprises be meal price. $50 off was offered to any ABWA

who appreciate relationship members who wants to apply for

building vs. public entities who The Women Celebrating Women WBEAcert (toward the application

award contracts based on low event is June 23rd. Emails have processing fee) of $350.00. (by

bid, no relationship. been sent to presidents and Darlene Hadjuk, ProLine Supply)

Awards Recognition Scholarship delegates. www.hacluncheon.

Minority Certification is com is the new website to register

recognized mainly by the private for the event. Early reservations

sector WBEA has a fast track due by 5/14.

certification program with the

City of Houston WBEA can help There was a breakdown in

with WOSB a certification to do communications between HAC

government work. and leagues because a new “The smallest act of kindness
website needed to be created.

There is a Women’s Business Many were not aware of the is worth more than the

Center at the WBEA office to deadline. Notices are however, grandest intention.”

help women learn aspects of on the Facebook feed. This

business. For example, how to is the site to preregister for a – Oscar Wilde

get capital, marketing or to fill out Doubletree Greenway hotel room

WBEA app. Usually for those in for WCW: https://secure3.hilton.

business 1-5 years. com/en_US/dt/reservation/book.

Gear for growth event was

recommended WBEA Expo is Technology Tools for Small

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

CYFEN Chili Challenge

TOMBALL, Texas (March 3, 2018) The First Annual
CYFEN Chili Challenge was held at the home of
Darlene and Ken Hadjuk. Awards were presented to
the participating teams for First Place - Holy Jalapeño
Cookers, Second Place - Cool Hands Cookers
and People’s Choice and Team Spirit - Red Hot Chili
Preppers. (by Cathy Conrad, Action Specialties)

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

10th Annual Cy-Fair Women’s Expo

CYPRESS, Texas (April 28, 2018) The 10th Annual Cy-Fair Women’s Expo was held April 28th at a new location,
on a new day, and with expanded time. The Expo was held on Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Lone Star
College - Cy-Fair Conference Center. The new location provided the 60 vendors and sponsors with a larger and
more open venue. Our top sponsor was Robin Haynes State Farm who provided the beautiful swag bags. Our
other sponsors were Memorial Hermann Cypress, Villa Sport, A Splash of Sass, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of
Commerce, Action Specialties, and Kwik Copy Business Solutions. The Expo also featured a food truck this year.
The Expo continues to grow and innovate to showcase local businesses. (by Patty Bergfield, Cruise Planners -
Cy-Fair)

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

At our February 22nd Chrissy Bernal showed us
luncheon, Karen Sharp “How Not to Look Like a Social
gave us some insight about Media Newbie” at our April 26th
understanding our business luncheon.
numbers.

Chris King of The Cajun Army
shared the Inspirational Story
of The Cajun Army at our March
29th luncheon.

Member News

In March Diana Saufley achieved the Keller
Williams “Home Run” Monthly Award which
consists of getting a buyer contract, listing
contract, and closing a sales contract. Way to
go Diana!

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

IBERIABANK held its 3rd annual community event to help kick off Houston Money Week on Saturday
April 14, 2018. In conjunction with Houston Money Week, a community-wide financial education initiative
that empowers families and individuals to be successful in making financial choices, IBERIABANK
sponsored its annual community event to promote Health, Wellness and Financial Check Ups. Vendors
from the local community also came out to help support the event including our own CYFEN members
Shots for Holly, Shield Bearer and Diana Saufley Properties. Jessica Smith along with her IBERIABANK
team from across Houston participated in activities ranging from logistics, working at community
partner tables, and providing valuable financial literacy information ranging from banking, mortgages,
goal setting, budgeting, and building credit. Overall, the event was a success which included over 60
attendees, 15 units of blood donated and $1500 in cash donations to local non-profits organizations.
(by Jessica Smith, IberiaBank)

Thank you for your support of the
2018 Running for Hearts 5K and Walk!
Proceeds will help Shield Bearer
continue the mission of hope and healing
for families in Cy-Fair and beyond! A big
thank you to CYFEN event sponsors and
vendors Action Specialties, Misfit Design
Group, Amegy Bank, Proline Supply, Aire
Serve of Houston Northwest, Personally
Poetic, Good Moves Properties, and
HBD Balloons! Thank you to all the
runners, walkers, and everyone who
helped spread the word! Together, we
are strengthening our community! (by
Melissa Rotholz, Shield Bearer)

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

On Saturday, April 14th I was blessed to be surrounded
with family, friends, and my CYFEN sisters as I
launched my first children’s book “My Cranky Auntie”.
I have waited so long to make this a dream a reality,
the love & support meant the world to me.(by Angela
Altamuro, Author)

Shots for Holly held their 5th Annual Holly on the Range Fundraiser at Top Golf April 22,
2018. Money was raised to fund operations and pay for flu shots. Thank you to all our
CYFEN sisters for coming to the event. Be on the lookout for more photos and to find out
how much was raised in our next newsletter! (by Dr. Michelle Becker, Shots for Holly)

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

Thank you to the following member advertisers! For more information
about seeing your business card on e-blasts and quarterly
newsletters, contact the VP of Communications.

CYFEN NEWS April 2018 | Vol. 14, Issue 3

Changing
Women’s
Lives…

2017-2018 Executive Board Serving on the Board of
Directors or on a Committee
First Row: Patty Bergfield – Cruise Planners of Cypress – VP of Outreach; Kerrie may be just what the doctor
Saeger – Plexus Worldwide – VP of Programs; Dr. Michelle Becker – Shots for ordered to start you on your
Holly – President; Robin Haynes – Robin Haynes State Farm – VP of Membership;
Sonja Hines – Amegy Bank – President-Elect. Second Row: Cathy Conrad – Action leadership journey! If you
Specialties, LLC – VP of Marketing/PR; Diana Saufley – Keller Williams – VP of are ready and willing to
Communications; Angela Altamuro – Fashion with Angela – VP of Finance; and
Kristin Severson – AireServ of Northwest Houston – Past President. serve your CYFEN sisters,
talk to any of us!
ABWA’s Proud Code of Conduct Patty Bergfield
Expo Chair
1. All members will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the American Business Women’s Debbie Berry,
Association. Stacey Isola
Mentor Chairs
2. Members will not allow their personal beliefs and convictions to interfere with the Rebecca Ward
representation of ABWA’s mission. Hospitality Chair

3. Members will always treat their member colleagues, guests, vendors and sponsors (A new slate of chairs will
with honesty, respect, fairness, integrity, responsibility, kindness, and in good faith. begin August 1)

4. Members will maintain compliance with ABWA National, Chapter and Express Dr. Michelle Becker
Network Bylaws. President

5. Members will not use their personal power to advance their personal interests. Cathy Conrad
Newsletter Editor
6. Members will strive for excellence in their professions by maintaining and enhancing Cy-Fair Express Network
their own business knowledge and skills, and by encouraging the professional
development of other members. P.O. Box 1473
Cypress, TX 77410

[email protected]

Cy-Fair Chapter of the
American Business

Women’s Association

Visit us online at:
www.cyfen.org