April’s Tell Your Story ~
comes from WCA member Judy Smith who shares about some of the benefits received of being a member of the WCA.

"Being a member of WCA has not only gained me valuable connections in my career, but meaningful friendships in my life.  I have been exposed to programs and events that are unique and fresh, making WCA membership one of the best values around.  It's a networking group that I feel connected to because I know it's helping me grow, both personally and professionally."

February Testimonial
This month's membership testimonial comes from WCA member Daphne Christensen who shares about some of the benefits received of being a member of the WCA.

"Being a member of WCA has not only gained me valuable connections in my career, but meaningful friendships in my life.  I have been exposed to programs and events that are unique and fresh, making WCA membership one of the best values around.  It's a networking group that I feel connected to because I know it's helping me grow, both personally and professionally."

Thanks for sharing, Daphne!

2007
November Testimonial
This month's membership testimonial comes from WCA member Michele Warnke who shares about some of the benefits received by going to our member luncheons.

“Women’s Chamber Alliance gives me an opportunity to meet interesting new women in the community and network with them.  The luncheons are always very informative with a wide range of topics that impact the community and us.  The luncheon on Broadlawn’s was very informative.  I was unaware how much Broadlawn’s did for our community and the assistance it provided for everyone, not just the uninsured.”

Thanks for sharing, Michele!

October Testimonial
This month's membership testimonial comes from WCA member Devon Wendler Alvord.

"I am always amazed by how quickly fall rolls around.  I have had an amazing year thus far and hope the same for you!   In particular, my business is booming and I attribute a lot of that success to the efforts of the WCA on my behalf.  From the educational monthly meetings to the evening networking sessions, I have been blessed with the opportunity to grow both personally & professionally.  As a member firm of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, I have had the opportunity to network with the business leaders of Des Moines.  In return, our recruiting efforts for our agency continue to improve with the support of our community. 

With my WCA membership, I have surrounded myself with a dynamic group of women.  I am passionate about working with those who are interested in bettering themselves & their community.   I encourage all members to take initiative with getting involved- on whatever level- it is definitely worth it!"

July Testimonial
This month's membership testimonial comes from Stephanie Ganske who shares how committee participation has provided leadership opportunities as a member of WCA:

"WCA has been valuable to me since it has enabled me to meet other professional women in the Des Moines area. Being on the board as Programs Chair has allowed me to be directly involved with planning and decision making. It is a privilege to participate with an organization that is so supportive of women in the community."

Thank you for sharing, Stephanie!

June Testimonial

"I would like to share an example of the value of the networking opportunities available to members of Women's Chamber Alliance:

For several months I had been thinking about cutting back on the 40-hour work week although I wasn't ready to quit working completely.  Since nothing part-time that interested me was available at Bankers Trust , I resigned my position there.  Some might call it "retirement", but that is a term that to me denotes withdrawal, or retreat.  I prefer to call it "graduation" from one stage of life to the next since I still enjoy being involved with the business world.

Soon after I gave notice to BT and was exploring my options, I talked to Madge Cremer, 2006 Past President of Women's Chamber Alliance who works at Federal Home Loan Bank, and she told me about a part-time opening she had heard about at FHLB.  Then, thanks to Marlena Bandurski, past Communications Chair, my resume had been proof-read, spiffed up, printed, and had the addition of her name as a reference. 

I sent my resume on-line for a couple of part-time positions listed in the Des Moines Job Search web site.   Monday following the Saturday I sent my resume on-line, I was contacted by two temp companies.  One of them was Portico.  When I called them back, "Tasha" answered the phone and she said, "Marna!  I saw your resume come through and commented that I knew you from Women's Chamber Alliance"!   Tasha Weir seemed  happy to hear from me.  A few days later, she contacted me about a part-time opening she thought I might find interesting.  She set me up with some on-line tests and an interview, which--surprise, surprise--turned out to be at FHLB for the same position as Madge had heard about.  I interviewed at FHLB with Araceli Villaneuva, whom I also know through Women's Chamber Alliance.  It seemed like the destiny mouse was clicking at my PC the way it all came together because it all fit like pieces of a puzzle!  I left BT Monday, tested on Tuesday, and was hired by Portico for a temp-to-hire assignment at FHLB on Wednesday of the same week. 

Do you think any of this would have come about had I not known these people through Women's Chamber Alliance?  Hmm . . .   I am convinced that had this path not opened up, there were other opportunities I might have explored through fellow WCA members.  This seems like a perfect demonstration of how extremely valuable the friendships and networking one finds through Women's Chamber Alliance can be, and I want to sincerely thank all the ladies of WCA who worked with me and encouraged me through this process.  I'm off on Thursdays now, so I hope to see many of you at future meetings."

Marna Ford
2005 Past President, WCA