President's
Letter
Angela Marshall Hofmann
WIIT President
I am proud to report as outgoing WIIT President that 2005-2006 marks another
successful year for our organization highlighted by new and innovative section
programming and strong membership resulting in strong net revenues. I am proud
to say that our chapter not only served its mission of engaging the Washington
trade community, but also was a leader in engaging our umbrella chapter of
OWIT.
The well-deserved credit for our continued success goes to the members of
our leadership team - our Board Members, Officers, Committee and Section Chairs.
Thanks to their hard-work and dedication, WIIT continues to fulfill the goals
of the organization. Although the actual number of events was down slightly
from last year, attendance at each was overwhelming, and in several instances,
such as with the Technology and Export Controls Section and International
Finance and Export Promotion Sections, attracted more non-members than members
- ultimately leading to new memberships. We also had sell-out participation
for our port tours and look forward to continued "non-traditional"
venues for events. I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to
Eugenia Iankova Ross, Vice President of Programs, who after years of guiding
our eleven sections through Brown Bags and WIIT-Wide events, will be passing
the baton this year. Her acheivements in managing, supporting, and bringing
to fruition hundreds of programs have made WIIT programs some of the best
Washington has to offer. Thanks as well to the support of our President-Elect
who served in the role as liaison between the Sections and the WIIT Board
on programming topics.
With respect to events, this has been a banner year. We kicked off a hot summer with an ice cream social saluting the "Women of the USTR," later hosted the OWIT Board Meeting and reception at the South African Embassy saluting Futhi Mtoba, of Deloitte South Africa, and enjoyed a wonderful evening of networking at the Embassy of Bangladesh this Spring. The highlight of the year certainly go to the 4th Annual Winter Gala and Silent Auction held at the Embassy of Switzerland (complete with the first snowfall of the year), where we enjoyed fondue, chocolates, and raised over $4,000 - a record - for the WIIT Charitable Trust. The WIIT Special Events Committee will wrap up an extraordinary year on June 5th, when they will host our 19th Annual Luncheon celebrating 2006 WIIT Woman of the Year, U.S. Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln.
Under the guidance of Loretta Schmitzer, VP for Professional Development, WIIT's Professional Development programming continues to meet the interests of our members at a variety of stages in their lives and careers. Events included everything from smart money tips (investing and financial planning), to seeking opportunities to serve on a corporate board or take an overseas position, to simply making the most of a WTO ministerial. Without a doubt the Career Night was a hit for all participants and our junior WIIT members continue to blossom under the guidance of all the wonderful women who have volunteered to serve as mentors.
My personal joy in serving as WIIT President this year, has been working with our members. I have the deepest regard for the women and men, who make this organization not only a group of likeminded individuals, but a real network of incredibly talented students, professionals and others seeking a new path. This year, WIIT membership, stayed fairly constant with a slight decrease in membership resulting in a total of 458 as of May 2006. Our Corporate Membership remains very strong with 11 corporate members -- 5 Gold members, 1 Silver, and 5 Bronze - each actively participating in WIIT. Corporate members have also provided invaluable assistance in programming, often offering their offices and resources for events. We look forward to continued success of this program. Revenues were strong with May financials reflecting $55,000 in the bank and final numbers to be reported after the Annual Luncheon.
Finally, it goes without
saying that any success goes to those who often do not seek the limelight.
For that reason, I would like to thank Molly Gamino, my assistant, who has
been my shadow-president the entire year, always making certain that the train
is on time and always volunteering to keep this entire organization going.
Thanks to Nicole Bivens Collinson, my President-Elect, who helped me manage
through maternity leave and a hectic work schedule. Thanks to Robin and Chris
at Alliance Management for keeping our books in order and webpaged updated.
Thanks to Barbara Linney, who I will miss as my daily speed-dial, for her
sage advice and institutional memory. Thanks to Rebecca Miller, past president,
who passed on a wonderful legacy and guided me through the year. Thanks to
everyone responsible for elections, membership, newletter, calendaring and
public relations. And, finally, to my husband, a great WIIT member and fantastic
support.
In summary, WIIT is in a very strong position financially and programmatically.
I thank you for the honor of serving as President and leave you in very capable
hands under the leadership of Nicole Bivens Collinson, our new and returning
Board members, our in-coming slate of Officers, Committee and Section Chairs.
Good luck and may you continue to pass the torch of inspiration, dedication, and friendship to your WIIT community.