As Christmas fast approaches and holiday spirit begins to trickle into our homes, our offices and our hearts, I find myself in a constant state of gratitude.

Gratitude for the many blessings I have been granted this year. A lot of transition and upward growth that I am very thankful for. It has been an incredible year and another year where I am extremely grateful for my friendships and the connections I have made with others. Especially with CAWEE members. I want to thank each and every one of you.

For your desire to learn, to grow and to share your connections and knowledge with others. It is that spirit of harmony and cooperation that makes our association so strong and so unique. It is why we continue to grow and attract likeminded successful women.

I hope you will take a moment over the next few weeks to consider an extraordinary woman in your life. Now nominate her for our annual CAWEE ExtraOrdinary Women of the Year Awards being held in March. The nomination deadline is fast approaching so visit www.cawee.net to download a nomination form.

It is on that note that I would like to honour our very own ExtraOrdinary woman, Marilyn Ryder of Kestrel Management. For four years Marilyn has run front line customer care and back office support for our association. Myself, the Board of Directors and the members would like to thank Marilyn for her tireless support and dedication. We hope her time with us has been fun and productive and wish her many successes in the new areas she is off to pursue. Thank you Marilyn.

I’d also like to take a moment to introduce Jenny Faucher of Managing Matters. Jenny is new to CAWEE but not new to association management. We are excited to have Jenny join us and are looking forward to having her as a member of our team.

Ladies, I’d like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season with your friends and family. May your cooking be delightful, your family and friends be close by and your hearts filled with love, joy and laughter. And best of all, may you look forward with renewed hope for what’s going to be an amazing year ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Judy Smiley
Your President