President's Message

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
February 2010

With Valentines Day upon us, I can not help but express my love for our fabulous NAWIC chapter! Every month I am more and more impressed with this organization and the members herein. It seems that nothing is impossible for us when we set our minds to accomplishing a goal.

I love to see one member email a request for recommendations on a supplier to her fellow chapter members, and within MINUTES she has not one, not five, but more than FIFTEEN responses with suggestions on who to use, personal experience stories, and even shared networking such as “be sure to ask for ‘so-and-so’ and tell them to give you a deal.” Fantastic networking is just one of the many perks of being a NAWIC member!

I love to see our members get excited about our group and share that excitement with potential members. It’s no accident that our membership started at 36 in October 2008 and in 17 months we’re already up to 90 members with many more applications pending! Your enthusiasm in sharing the benefits of NAWIC to non-members around you is what entices them to want to become a part of our amazing group. YOU are the best recruiter our organization could ever have!

I love to see brand new members jump in right away and “get their feet wet” at an event. In January we had a booth at the ABC Contractor in a Box event, and new member Marie Benavidez, just days after joining online, was already in attendance, dressed in NAWIC attire, and working the booth and the room talking to fellow industry women about our chapter!

I love this organization, I love this chapter, and I love our members! From my heart to yours, you are all amazing women, and I am honored to know every one of you!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
January 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Who can believe we're already in to 2010? As I look at the calendar and the upcoming months, I see a flurry of NAWIC events quickly approaching. Normally this would cause a chapter President to pack up her bags and run for the hills! However, rather than be nervous or apprehensive, I amexcited for the busy schedule because I have each one of you standing beside me to ensure that our events are going to be the best ever!

But what a schedule it is! At the end of January we will be participating in the ABC Contractors in a Box Event. I hope that each of you will make time to come out and support our chapter, as well as the ABC. This is a great opportunity to spread the word about our growing organization, as well as market your individual companies.

In February our special guest speaker will be Austin Chapter member, Katie Loughmiller. Katie is going to speak on the certifications offered by NEF and trust me, this is a meeting you DON'T want to miss! In addition, like last year, I have special Valentine presents for each member in attendance at the February meeting. (You have to show up to get the goodies!)

Shortly thereafter, our annual Block Kids event is to be held. I am excited to say that we were approached by the 5 grade teacher this year and asked to come hold the event at his new school. What a wonderful job we must have done in the past to be formally ASKED back! Way to go, ladies!

March 7-13 is WIC (Women in Construction) Week. We have some wonderful events planned for that week to celebrate our organization and to bring in potential members. There will be something for everyone, and more information will be coming soon.

WOW that's a full schedule and that's just the next 2 months! How lucky we are, not just to have such a large membership, but to have a membership of ACTIVE participants! I hope that each of you will attend at least one of these events. As you can see, with so much going on, we NEED you!

I hope to see each of you VERY soon!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
November 2009

Happy Thanksgiving! I cannot tell you how thankful I am to be a member of this organization. The San Antonio chapter of NAWIC is already on a roll! We set a goal to reach 80% retention for the year, and we've already accomplished that goal with 86% of last year's membership renewing! We also have two fantastic Christmas events scheduled for next month. First is the industry-wide Construct-A-Kids Christmas Gala on December 3rd to be held at Alzafar Shrine Temple (901 N. Loop 1604), from 6pm to 11pm. Our very own Vice President, Sandee Morgan, is the committee chair for this event, and she is truly doing an outstanding job of marketing NAWIC to the construction industry men and women. In addition, many thanks to the other members of our chapter who are also actively serving on this committee, or who have contributed to the event. I am so proud and impressed with the large representation of our organization among other associations such as ABC, HCA, and ASA.

This event is not only a wonderful opportunity to network and meet new faces in the industry, but there will also be silent and live auctions, raffles, entertainment, and plenty of delicious food and holiday ambiance! Most importantly, this event is designed to benefit the Bexar County Foster Children. Each guest is asked to bring an unwrapped toy. 100% of the profits from the event and every donated toy is delivered to the foster children who are often overlooked during the holiday season. These children are away from home, without family, and wonder if they will be remembered at Christmas. I am proud that NAWIC is associated so heavily with this event.

On December 11 our chapter of NAWIC will be having a wonderful “kick-up-yourheels” Christmas party at the ranch of Terry Urbanczyk. (Thanks for opening your home to us, Terry!) We have delicious BBQ, catered by Bubba's Smokehouse, along with door prizes, and games. Most importantly, this will be a fun and relaxed event to allow us to spend time and laugh with our fellow NAWIC members, and to meet their family and loved ones.

Both events are sure to be LOADS of fun & bring in the festive spirit of Christmas, and I hope you'll make time to go to one (or both!) events.

Gobble, Gobble!


Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
October 2009

Wow! Can you believe we are already in OCTOBER?! Time certainly does fly – especially when you’re in NAWIC.   Once again, I want to thank each and every one of you for putting your faith and confidence in me as your Chapter President for yet another year. I know the commitment that you make to this group with your time, energy and money is great, and I truly hope that I will live up to your expectations.

With the start of the new NAWIC year our chapter set a goal to aim for 80% retention. In conversation with other chapter presidents, it was evident that their membership numbers have dropped due to the economy.   Most were grateful if they had 50% retention in their groups. Would you believe that San Antonio not only hit our goal, but we SURPASSED it?! We ended last year with 81 members, and we’ve had 68 renew (so far – there’s more renewals pending), that’s a retention rate of 84%! Plus, we’ve already had NINE new members sign up! HOLY SMOKES! Have I told you ladies how truly AMAZING you are?! I’m so proud and honored to be President of this chapter.

We’ve had a busy couple of months, and the October Newsletter is packed full of photos and reports from our events. Most importantly, I’d like to bring your attention to two reports submitted by our Convention delegates were included in the October edition of the newsletter.    Convention is such an amazing event, and after spending four days submerged in NAWIC information & surrounded by fabulous NAWIC women, you truly come back on a “NAWIC High”, ready to take on the world. Convention is absolutely one of the BEST experiences, and I look forward to it each year. I hope that you will take time to read the reports and make plans to join us in Louisville next year for the 2010 National Convention and share your own experiences.

As the Fall season draws to a close, take some time to enjoy the changing leaves (in San Antonio they usually go from green to dead-brown) and have a SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween (send me pics if you dress up!).

Make it a Fa-BOO-lous month!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
September 2009

As this NAWIC year draws to a close, I am absolutely blown away by the achievements of our chapter. This time last year I was an overzealous incoming President, and I set what were considered unachievable goals for the year. I aimed high, but I was prepared to give the "close enough" speech at the end of the year. However, each of you accepted those goals and worked extra hard to not just achieve them but EXCEED them! Your enthusiasm for the betterment of the Chapter was so inspiring, that when the nominating committee asked if I would be willing to serve a second year as President, I couldn't help but excitedly answer, "Heck Yes!”

I am positively honored to be the President of our Chapter for a second year. I truly hope that each of you understand how important you are to this organization, and that we would be incomplete without you. In my installation speech I equated NAWIC to a giant puzzle, and explained that if just one piece of that puzzle is missing, then it is considered incomplete and unfinished. Likewise, each of you is an essential piece of the NAWIC puzzle, and when one of you is missing, we are incomplete. This year I hope to focus on doing whatever I can to ensure that each of you feels important and valuable to our chapter, because you ARE!

As the committees are forming, I hope that each of you will volunteer for the committee that you are passionate about, and that you feel you could make a difference in. Our chapter is growing, and with that growth comes new input and fresh ideas. I want you to be proud to be a member of this organization, and I ask that you continue to work hard to make us even better!

As an overzealous second-term President, I have once again set my goals high. I am aiming for 80% retention this year (so please rejoin!); I hope to have 125 members by September 2010 (so bring a friend!); I've asked the membership committee to produce THREE Red Rose Recruiters to be awarded at National Convention this year; I would like 15% of our membership to be "CIT" certified (currently we have 6 members who are); and I want NAWIC to have increased industry recognition. Normally I would be a bit concerned with "biting off more than we can chew." However, one thing that I learned last year was to NEVER underestimate the power of a NAWIC woman, especially if they are from SAN ANTONIO! Therefore, it is with great confidence that I tell you I have total faith in each of you, and I KNOW we will have another successful year thanks to YOUR undying efforts.

Continue to have fun and enjoy this group! Because, if you love it, they will come!

With Valentines Day upon us, I can not help but express my love for our fabulous NAWIC chapter! Every month I am more and more impressed with this organization and the members herein. It seems that nothing is impossible for us when we set our minds to accomplishing a goal.

I love to see one member email a request for recommendations on a supplier to her fellow chapter members, and within MINUTES she has not one, not five, but more than FIFTEEN responses with suggestions on who to use, personal experience stories, and even shared networking such as “be sure to ask for ‘so-and-so’ and tell them to give you a deal.” Fantastic networking is just one of the many perks of being a NAWIC member!

I love to see our members get excited about our group and share that excitement with potential members. It’s no accident that our membership started at 36 in October 2008 and after just 17 months we’re already up to 90 members with many more applications pending! Your enthusiasm in sharing the benefits of NAWIC to non-members around you is what entices them to want to become a part of our amazing group. YOU are the best recruiter our organization could ever have!

I love to see brand new members jump in right away and “get their feet wet” at an event. In January we had a booth at the ABC Contractor in a Box event, and new member Marie Benavidez, just days after joining online, was already in attendance, dressed in NAWIC attire, and working the booth and the room talking to fellow industry women about our chapter!

I love this organization, I love this chapter, and I love our members! From my heart to yours, you are all amazing women, and I am honored to know every one of you!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
August 2009

Here we are in the dog-days of August, and it's hard to believe that another year of NAWIC is drawing to a close. This time last year, I was so nervous about becoming President; wondering if I was going to say & do the right things. This time, I’m not as nervous, but rather, for the goals and visions set forth by this fabulous chapter, and I can't wait to see the GREAT things we are going to accomplish in the upcoming year.

As many of you know, I'm a major shoe-lover (the higher the heel, the better), so naturally,my theme last year was shoebased, “Find The Right Fit.” In my installation speech last year, I wrote a poem encouraging each of you to find YOUR right fit within NAWIC (see poem on page 11), and once again I implore you to do so this year. I want each of you to feel that this is YOUR organization, because YOU are such an important part of who we are, and what we will become. Your involvement allows us to be BETTER than we ever dreamed.

Sandee Morgan has put together a fabulous contest to encourage each of you to quickly renew your memberships (see flyer on page 4). We are aiming for 80% retention this year, and although some might think that the number is a bit overzealous, my response is “You don't know the San Antonio Chapter very well.” It seems that no matter what goal we set forth, you all find a way to achieve it! I hope that each of you will renew your memberships by September 25 – as I can't imagine going forward into a new year without each of you.

Thank you for making this position so much fun. I look forward to “bragging” on our chapter for another year! (Did you know that we are the LARGEST chapter in the entire REGION?! ) Yahoo!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
July 2009

Happy 4 of July! Can you believe we're already in the middle of the year? Time sure flies when you're in NAWIC and you're having fun! Speaking of fun, I want to send a big thank you to all of you that participated in the chapter's First Summer Appreciation BBQ. It was a roaring success (even with the extreme heat!), and I hope that we'll continue to have this event in the future. (Terri, I hope your eyebrows are growing back! Ha!)

We had our chapter elections at the June meeting, and I wanted to tell each of you how honored I am that you've voted me as President for a second term. I realize that each of you invests your spare time, money and hearts into this organization, and I don't take my responsibility lightly. I hope that I will live up to your expectations and that we will have another fabulous year together!

As this is YOUR organization, I hope that each of you will make plans to attend the Strategic Planning Meeting on August 8, 2009, from 9am to 2pm at the home of Celeste Estep. This is your opportunity to help direct our chapter for the upcoming years, as well as share your brilliant ideas as to how we can make our group even better! With currently 74 members in our chapter (holy smokes!), I truly hope we will have a large turnout

and gain new perspective and fresh ideas. Change is a GREAT thing, and we seem to be making GREAT changes in our chapter. As this NAWIC year begins to wind down with less events & functions to attend, I hope that each of you will take some time out for yourselves and your families. I know that many of you sacrifice quality YOU time in order to give to our organization, and I hope that you'll be able to take some time this summer to treat yourselves to something special or fun you deserve it.

As always, thank you for your belief and continued support of our NAWIC Chapter. YOU are the reason we are successful!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
June 2009

The heat is here in San Antonio – and that includes our NAWIC Chapter which is HOT HOT HOT! A large number of our members have been braving the 90+ degree weather to attend various industry functions in order to mingle with the people and “talk up” our ever growing chapter. At present time we are already up to 68 members – AND COUNTING! I have every bit of confidence that we are going to reach our goal of 75 before the end of September, and I couldn't be happier or more proud of each of you. Our membership grows because guests come to meetings to "check us out” – and they end up seeing something that they like & want to be a part of (courtesy of the fun each of you bring!). There's no greater testimony to an organization than to have numerous guests at a general meeting staying late in order to ask for a membership packet & application, and that is what is happening after our meetings. Isn't it so exciting to be a part of such a dynamic group?

I'd like to remind each of you that I need your baby/childhood pictures in by the 25 of this month, please. If you don't have a way to send it through email, you are more than welcome to give it directly to me or snail mail it to me, and I will be VERY gentle with them and give them back to you in pristine condition. This is just a silly little contest – but I still think it's going to be fun. If nothing else it's a nice break from complaining about the heat. (Don’t make me call your mother to get the NAKED pictures!)

As always, please remember that this is YOUR chapter & YOUR newsletter. If you have a wonderful idea of something that you'd like to implement, or even a “one-time” article or thought, please feel free to let me know. I would love to have input from each of you. You are all so creative and unique – this is truly a chapter of amazing women, and I'm so glad to be a part of it.

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
May 2009

Spring has officially sprung, as evidenced by the bluebonnets and the periodic rain showers. Yet, as much as I love the green grass and the chirping birds, I do wish Mother Nature would have taken a day off and spared us the storm on the day of our annual golf tournament.

Regardless, it was a wonderful success, and I greatly thank each of you who contributed your time leading up to the event, as well as those that suffered through the weather and treaded water to ensure the players had a wonderful time.

In honor of the Springtime season, and the numerous “baby bulges” that seem to be popping up everywhere I look, with your help I'd like to run a fun contest in the July issue of the Newsletter. Please send me a picture of you as a baby/child, and we'll have a “Guess This Cutie” Contest. We'll announce the winner at the August meeting, and she will be rewarded with a prize (as well as with our adoring praises). If nothing else, please send me pictures so that Dana Calonge will have SOMETHING to do as she continues to lay on her back in recovery. (Get well soon, girl!)

Additionally, as you send me your photo, please let me know why you joined NAWIC and what you were hoping to get out of the organization. I asked this in the April issue, however, it must have come across as rhetorical since no one responded except one lone member (many thanks to National President Pat!).

So, as Summer quickly approaches and school is ending, consider this your “homework” – and I promise to keep future assignments to a minimum. I'm looking forward to your responses and your cute pictures!

Continue to be FABULOUS, Ladies! You make this organization FUN!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
April 2009

It's hard to believe that we're already into April (I hope you've all completed your taxes!). We've had some very busy months, and the next two prove to be even busier. However, one thing I've learned about our group is that we thrive on numerous activities, and there seems to be no limit to what we accomplish. I was amazed and impressed to see the outpouring of Easter basket donations at our last meeting. At last count, your generosity created over 50 baskets for the Bexar County Foster children! How excited those kids will be to know that someone was thinking of them, and it's thanks to YOU.

This month I would like to pose the question to each of you - "Why did you join NAWIC?" I am eagerly awaiting your responses, as this organization belongs to ALL of us, and we each have an equal voice in the direction it goes. One of the hardest things about being President is believing that you are doing enough, and doing the RIGHT things in the hopes that the members feel satisfied, glad they joined, and will want to renew. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to get out of NAWIC when I first sent in my application. I hadn't been to a meeting, and I didn't know anyone in the group, but I remember hoping that this would be a place where I would "fit in." As women in construction, it's often exceedingly complicated to prove yourself to coworkers and bosses. The saying "women have to work twice as hard as a man to earn half the respect" never seemed more true than when I entered this industry. Discovering that there was an organization filled with intelligent, charismatic women who were facing the same struggles as me seemed to be heaven-sent. I joinedNAWIC to remind me that I amnot alone.

Since joining I’ve learned that not only am I not alone, but I will NEVER be alone. Our relationships surpass the "networking" realm, and become deep friendships. I may have joined NAWIC to feel like I "fit in" but I stay in NAWIC because it’s now become a part of me.

Thank you for everything that each of you do to make this group so successful and fun. YOU are the reason that we are great. YOU make a difference to the rest of us!

On a related note: Robbie & Dana - you are in our deepest thoughts and prayers. We are all believing in speedy recoveries for both of you and we desperately hope to see you soon. Our group is incomplete without you.

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
March 2009

Let me be the first to say, NEVER underestimate the power of a NAWIC Woman! With our membership number quickly approaching 60, we are making quite a name for ourselves within the construction industry, and getting the word out about our organization.

We have numerous events already planned, and I encourage you to check out our Calendar of Events page for more information.

On April 4th we're walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure downtown in honor of our fallen sister, Olga Barnett who lost her battle with breast cancer this past November. We plan to have a HUGE turnout and hope to raise a lot of money to spare others of Olga's fate.

Additionally, in April we're going to Jenks, Oklahoma for our Regional Forum on April 24 - 25. This is a fun event and allows our members to really get to know the women in the chapter as well as meet the rest of the women in the Region (Texas & Oklahoma). There will be educational workshops as well as the business meeting to keep our members up to speed on what the National NAWIC Officers are doing, as well as get ideas from other members in the surrounding regions. This year's theme is "Denim and Diamonds" so we also plan to kick up our heels and have some old fashioned fun while we're there!

On April 27th we will be co-hosting our annual Golf Tournament with the Virtual Builders Exchange. This event is a GREAT time to "press the flesh" with other companies in the industry, as well as kick back and have some fun during the work week.   This year our tournament will be held at the breathtaking Hill Country Golf Club. We still have teams and sponsorships available, so check out our flyer on the Calendar of Events Page. This is going to be a GREAT event that you won't want to miss!

May 1^st is the second Certification Testing date of the year. Many of our members have signed up to take the CIT (Construction Industry Technician) and the CDS (Construction Document Specialist) certifications. These courses are offered through NAWIC in conjunction with Clemson University, and help to build and strengthen your knowledge of the construction industry, as well as strengthen your skills and understanding of the various phases of construction. Please be sure to click on the “Education” link on the home page for more information on these and other courses offered through NAWIC.

On May 12^th & 13^th we are having our first CPR & First Aid course offered by our chapter. This is a new idea presented by the Chapter Safety Committee to promote safety awareness in our chapter. The course is open to any adult who would like to attend, but space is limited – so be sure to register soon!

May 15^th we’re taking a tour of the local Toyota Plant from 12:30pm to about 4pm. This is a free tour, and it should just be a nice break from work, and very few people actually get to see the behind the scenes of a manufacturing plant, so we’re very excited to have this opportunity!

That's just the next two months worth of plans! This is one busy chapter! Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information about any of the events listed, or would like to know how you could be involved in NAWIC.   With all of the events coming up there's something of interest for everyone, and we want YOU to be a part of the fun!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
February 2009

This chapter set a goal to reach 75 members by the end of the year, and with already 49 members we are well on our way to accomplishing that target. This group just doesn't quit or give up on their objectives, and I couldn't be more proud.

As 2009 gets underway we're kicking off the year with numerous events.

On February 20th our annual Block Kids event will be held at Park Village Elementary School. This is our opportunity to present the construction industry to a local elementary school class and then they have the opportunity to compete in a "hands-on" competition to use legos and build whatever their imagination comes up with. We pick a winner and their project goes on to compete in our Regional contest, and if they win, they go on to our National contest. The kids are so inspiring and energetic. It's a wonderful and fun afternoon.

The first week of March is WIC Week (Women In Construction Week) and to kick off the week we're collecting food items to deliver to the San Antonio Food Bank on Saturday, February 28th in the morning. The end of the week we're planning a fun and relaxing evening of wine-tasting at Water to Wine from 4pm to 6pm.

Additionally, on March 11th we have our annual Industry Appreciation Night and we're fortunate enough to have Delaine Mathieu, news anchor with WOAI, as our special guest speaker! This is our annual event where the members bring their bosses, coworkers, families, etc., to thank them for their support and show why NAWIC is so important in the lives of the women they know and love. We will also be presenting the scholarship winners with their checks at this event.

On April 4th we're walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure downtown in honor of our fallen sister, Olga Barnett who lost her battle with breast cancer this past November. We plan to have a HUGE turnout and hope to raise a lot of money to spare others of Olga's fate.

Additionally, in April we're going to Jenks, Oklahoma for our Regional Forum on April 24 - 25. This is a fun event and allows our members to really get to know the women in the chapter as well as meet the rest of the women in the Region (Texas & Oklahoma). There will be educational workshops as well as the business meeting to keep our members up to speed on what the National NAWIC Officers are doing, as well as get ideas from other members in the surrounding regions. This year's theme is "Denim and Diamonds" so we also plan to kick up our heels and have some old fashioned fun while we're there!

On April 27th we will be co-hosting our annual Golf Tournament with the Virtual Builders Exchange. This event is a GREAT time to "press the flesh" with other companies in the industry, as well as kick back and have some fun during the work week.   This year our tournament will be held at the breathtaking Hill Country Golf Club. We are planning for 216 players, so this is going to be a HUGE event that you won't want to miss!

That's just the next three months worth of plans! This is one busy chapter! Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information about any of the events listed, or would like to know how you could be involved in NAWIC.   With all of the events coming up there's something of interest for everyone, and we want YOU to be a part of the fun!

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT

San Antonio Chapter President 2008-2009

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT
November 2008

The San Antonio chapter is FABULOUS! I couldn't have asked for a better group of women. Upon returning from National Convention in Las Vegas, we have installed the new board, held a joint board meeting to "pass the torch," encouraged all our members to renew their membership and had a 60% retention rate, conducted a general meeting with 2 new members and 8 guests, and we've just received notification that 2 more wonderful new members have joined. Needless to say, NAWIC doesn't allow for ANY rest, but I couldn't be happier or more excited about being this tired already!

I am fortunate to be working with the unbelievable women of this chapter. All of our chapter committees were filled immediately (without any begging, pleading, crying, promising-of-first-borns, or bribery!). This group is already so active and energetic that it's really making my job easier.

Sandee Morgan eagerly stepped up to head the membership committee. We've set our goal to reach 75 members by the end of September, and Sandee has started a membership contest to run the entire year, as well as a monthly drawing for a fantastic prize at each meeting for those members that bring a guest. She is really thinking outside the box and I know that with her unique ideas we'll achieve our goal!

Dawn Holmes volunteered to chair the Christmas committee again this year and is coordinating a mystery dinner theater at Dave and Busters. After the overwhelming success of last year's event where seats were limited and we had to turn people away, this year she has reserved the entire room, and we're hoping for a full house of sleuths to try to guess "who dunnit."

Kim Miller, Kari Wirth, and Sandee Morgan are serving on the Construct-a-Kids Christmas Gala committee, and many of our members have already donated terrific auction items. This is a committee held by numerous associations within the construction community, and it's a fantastic opportunity for our chapter to market NAWIC, as well as help provide and deliver wonderful gifts to a group of most deserving children. It really brings to heart the true meaning of Christmas, and I feel so honored that we are a part of something so pure and heartfelt during the holiday season.

This year we're hoping to hold two fundraisers. Our annual golf tournament in partnership with The Builders Exchange of Texas in the early Spring, as well as a "Casino Night" in the early Fall. It's a tall order, but I'm incredibly optimistic that with this chapter of amazing women we'll achieve full success!

Overall, I believe this is going to be a fun and exciting year to be in the San Antonio Chapter of NAWIC, and I'm honored to have been elected to serve as President.

Jennifer M. Swinney, CIT

San Antonio Chapter President 2008-2009