One has been a professional watercolor artist, another is a former volunteer firefighter, and yet another was a family cook in Switzerland and thus speaks four languages. One once got stuck in a tanning booth, another makes books by hand. Christmas Carol is one person’s actual middle name, another does not like Valentine’s Day or hearts. Those were just some of the fun facts we learned about each other at the Chapter Connect event on February 6.

“It was an amazing evening connecting with each other in a fun way.  There were lots of smiles, there was lots of laughter,” said Chapter President Gracie Martin.  “It’s evident we are a top-caliber organization; I hope everyone can take pride in their EWI membership.  I want to thank the Membership Committee and everyone who had a part in planning the event, including Linda Allen and HEB who provided an impressive array of wonderful hors d’oeuvres.  I especially want to thank EWI member Susan Hutchinson for hosting us.  The welcoming beauty of her home helped make it a memorable occasion.”

Some 25  firm representatives attended the event designed to welcome new member firms and connect them with veteran members and EWI.  In her remarks to the group, Martin emphasized the benefits to career, connection and community that EWI membership offers.  Networking with businesswomen locally and across the U.S. and Canada can result in solutions to business issues, opportunities for personal career development, increased client base, and involvement in efforts that help others.  These points were brought to life in testimonials from veteran members Virginia Whitham, NavyArmy Community Credit Union; Donna Patterson, CAPTRUST Financial Advisors; and Janet Maxwell, MicroSeal of South Texas.

“We are excited to be able to welcome eight new member firms in 2019, and in the first two months of this year we have already added six new member firms,” Martin said.  “That’s impressive and I hope you will continue to think of other businesswomen and their firms who could benefit from EWI membership.”

Martin recognized new member firms with the presentation of an EWI notebook.  Firms and their representatives who joined in 2019 are: 

  • Alamo Drafthouse, Jessica Cortese
  • American Bank, Cassy Fleming (new 2nd representative)
  • An Elegant Place, Dr. Retta Martin
  • Cutright Communications, Judith Cutright
  • High Touch Technologies, Jessica Neblett
  • Hoffman Hearing Solutions, Carla Hoffman
  • Omni Corpus Christi Hotels, Amanda Campbell (new representative)
  • Stonewater Properties, Cherylyn Boyd
  • Sustaining Member, Gracie De Russe
  • Taylor Cravey Photography, Taylor Cravey
  • ZJZ Hospitality/Embassy Suites, Melody Nixon-Bice

New member firms in 2020 are:

  • City of Portland, Kathleen Weisenberger
  • Farmers Insurance, Stephanie Waterman
  • Fountain of Clover, Jamie Fuentes
  • MicroSeal of South Texas, Janet Maxwell
  • Middle East Market, Liza Leal Hamauei
  • VAP Business Solutions, Valerie Pompa

Also recognized were new member firms since 2015 when the last new member event was held.  Those firms and their representatives are:

  • Inspire Magazine, Holly Lewis
  • MJ Keener Coaching, Marcia Keener
  • Three-Dimensional Development, Debbie Lindsey-Opel
  • Your Personal Best Training Studio, Lisa Wright

Photo Gallery

(use the arrows to scroll through photos – 14 photos)

New Member Firms

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New member firms and their representatives at the Chapter Connect were: Front row, l-r – Cutright Communications, Judith Cutright; MicroSeal of South Texas, Janet Maxwell; and City of Portland, Kathleen Weisenberger. Back row, l-r – Your Personal Best Training Studio, Lisa Wright; American Bank, Cassy Fleming (2nd rep); Stonewater Properties, Cherylyn Boyd; Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, Amanda Campbell (new rep); Middle East Market, Liza Leal Hamauei; and MJ Keener Coaching, Marcia Keener.

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