If you have approached downtown Winston-Salem from Highway 52 South recently, you might have noticed a billboard with a very unique message.  While I do not normally notice roadside advertisements, this one has managed to capture my attention during my drive home in the evening.  In fact, I actually look forward to the inspiration it gives me each day.

The billboard contains a photograph of Winston Churchill, fingers thrust in the air in his famous "V" for victory sign, along with a simple but potent message that says, "Never, never, never give up." 

Now I for one must admit that not all of my days in the office reap the results that I would like.  The same can be said of my personal goals, which can also be elusive.  

And, admittedly, throwing in the towel when faced with frustration and lack of results can be tempting, and even necessary and prudent when the path is clearly blocked.  But "giving up" - I don't like the sound of that!

So how do you determine the difference between a justifiable change of course, versus a retreat in the face of frustration?  That is something for each of us, as professional women, to discover and decide each time we are faced with challenges that leave us short of our goals and aspirations.  

So what does this billboard advertise anyway?  There is no company brand visible, no pitch for you to purchase a product.   Another simple phrase appears beneath the "Never, never, never give up" message:   "Commitment.  Pass it on."  Now that's something that sounds good to me!

Cathy Howe, 2008 PWWS President

Jenni's Walk of Hope on April 26th

Jenni's Walk of Hope raises money to support melanoma cancer research with the American Cancer Society.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th at Bermuda Run Country Club in Advance.  Participants can run or walk a one-mile or three-mile course in the morning and there is an 18-hole golf tournament in the afternoon.  There will be children's activities and other entertainment.  Registration information is available online at JennisWalkOfHope.org.

Through the previous three events Jenni's Walk of Hope has donated approximately $50,000 to the American Cancer Society.  Many local businesses and individuals have already committed to making the 2007 event possible with their generous donations.  The organizers hope that by raising skin cancer awareness, people will schedule yearly exams and research will continue in the prevention, detection and treatment of melanoma.

The registration fee is $25.00.  Early registration assures participants of a t-shirt and water bottle.  The golf tournament, to be played at Bermuda Run Country Club, is $65 per person or $250.00 for a team of four.

For more information on melanoma, visit www.cancer.org.

Gail Williams, N.C. Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist and President of THERAPEUTIKS, INC., has been in practice for over 30 years. Her bodywork specialties include Myofascial Release, Lymph Drainage Therapy, Swedish Massage and Aromatherapy.

Her gift for the March PWWS drawing is a free Digital Pulsewave Analyzer screening for one lucky person. Currently Gail is scheduling appointment times for a DPA screening on March 15th to be held at her home located at 2811 Nantucket Court in Winston-Salem. You can read more about the DPA machine below. Call Gail at 336.794.0130 for more information or to schedule your personal DPA screening appointment.

Digital Pulsewave Analyzer Reading

The DPA provides information on arterial wall stiffness and determines the biological age of arteries in less than 3 minutes. This FDA approved, user-friendly, non-invasive device uses a finger probe to observe the changes in pressure, blood flow, velocity and profile throughout the whole pulse wave.

The DPA reading provides:
- Early detection of arterial wall stiffness
- Biological age of arteries
- Information regarding efficacy of treatment choices - A tool to monitor the arterial wall response to lifestyle changes / reduction of cardiovascular risk factors

Way to go Judie!

Judie Holcomb-Pack recently received a Strong award from the YMCA of Greater Winston-Salem for her work as chair/co-chair of the Scrabble Tournament for the past three years.  The Scrabble Tournament benefits Literacy Initiative, which is part of the Community Outreach branch of the YMCA.

Franchise Expo
March 7 & 8

The Entrepreneur's Source will be sponsoring a franchise expo in Raleigh, NC on Friday and Saturday, March 7 & 8, 2008.  Please spread the word to anyone who may be interested in exploring the wide variety of franchise options available, and also to anyone who may be interested in franchising their business.  Interested and curious individuals should contact Meg Marion of The Entrepreneur's Source, by msm_esource@bellsouth.net or by phone at (336) 712-9980, for more information and/or to register.

The Business Leaders Breakfast
March 10

Business Leader Media (formerly BIZlife Magazine) offers powerful presentations that feature regional leaders who address the Triad business community on some of the hottest topics in business.  Join us March 10 for an inspirational message from Mindy Bloom, Development Director at Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem.  We'll meet at the Piedmont Club (200 W. 2nd St., W-S) from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.  A full breakfast is included in the $20 registration fee ($12 for members).  Email events@businessleader.com to register.  Seating is limited, so don't wait!

Reminder:  We need to collect all items prior to the meeting so we'll have them for set-up and display.  If we don't have yours yet, please contact Brandy Clontz at 406-5614 or email Brandy at: bclontz@triad.rr.com to arrange for pick up prior to the meeting. 

If you haven't pledged anything, it's not too late to contribute an item. 

You will have a chance to bid on the following items (and lots more) at our next meeting.  Remember to bring your checkbooks (or cash) as we will not be able to process credit cards for this event.

Examples of some items up for auction: Several pieces of jewelry, a variety of gift baskets (something about wine and chocolate!), art, laptop case, jewelry box, silk scarf, and gift certificates for yoga, estate planning, photography, copy editing, carpet cleaning, Hanes Mall, sales coaching, Curves, PWWS membership, golf, and so much more than we have room for here.

Happy bidding!  And thanks to everyone for supporting this very worthwhile endeavor!

P.S. Our Valentines were received with big smiles and warm hearts!  Thanks for taking the time to reach out to some folks who really appreciated our friendly thoughts!