July 27th, 2001

First and foremost, I would like to thank PBWC Board of Directors for the vote of confidence you have shown me by electing me as your new President. I will take every opportunity to continue the path of continuous improvement that my predecessors have so successfully accomplished.

One of our objectives this year is to continue to build on the successful launch of our website. We would like to build out the channel to provide information, resources and other tools to our members. It is our hope that the new website will promote and become a virtual community for the members of PBWC and visitors. I encourage each of you to use the site as a tool for identifying resources for your personal and professional development. The site has a wealth of information and links, including a mentoring program. I'd like to encourage each of you to participate, particularly as a mentor. This is your opportunity to offer positive support to other women. Participating in the mentor program is very rewarding and a positive experience for you and all the women you will be helping. Your experience and knowledge is a great resource and would be invaluable to the many women currently struggling to find their place in corporate america. If you share our commitment and goals to improve the lives of other professional women we encourage you to join us by completing an application.

Another objective and focus is on working more closely with our newly developed Advisory Committee...they bring a tremendous amount of resources, knowledge and guidance. We will continue to provide opportunities to interact with them and get their invaluable perspective and participation in shaping PBWC.

Going forward, I would like to focus on leveraging further our opportunities to partner with other organizations to bring more and diversified programs and tools to women. We must work together to develop new bonds both professionally and socially to explore and expand the possibilities for PBWC.

I commit to you that as a Board we will continue to look for value. It is a team effort and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us this year, in any capacity, large or small. The more the merrier!

Finally, some food for thought… "The long span of the bridge of your life is supported by countless cables called habits, attitudes and desires. What you do in life depends upon what you are and what you want. What you get from life depends upon how much you want it -- how much you are willing to work and plan and cooperate and use your resources. The long span of the bridge of your life is supported by countless cables that you are spinning now, and that is why today is such as important day. Make the cables strong." -- L.G. Elliott

Best regards, Janet Lamkin