Did you get that email?

We live electronically it seems. Generally, we complain about all the email forwarding, the spam, the junk, etc., and we are tempted to skip over things or save them for later. Well, this week, if you missed or skipped any emails, you may be out of the loop.

For example, BPW/Ohio Lobby Day has been postponed. I sent the following email in regards to it. It said, "it is with much disappointment that I send this email. Before further plans are made and expenses incurred, I wanted to let you know that the Policy and Action Day for BPW/Ohio to be held in Columbus on March 10, 2009 will be postponed. I say postponed but in all likelihood it will not be rescheduled during this BPW calendar year i.e. prior to July 1, 2009.

After making many plans including flight arrangements, dinner plans, hotel plans, etc., Lilly Ledbetter advised us that she would not be attending as she was receiving an award in Rome Italy. She would not return to the US until the 9th and felt that coming to OHio on the 10th would be too much. Please be aware negotiations started to bring her to Ohio in August of 2008. You should also be aware that her attendance was confirmed directly with her. We were not working through third parties so there was no communication errors. Please note that she did not contact us to cancel. It was only when Penny called her to give her the flight confirmation numbers and information last week that she disclosed that she would not be available.

After overcoming the initial shock, Penny and I have discussed many options, advised the Executive Committe of the situation and determined that it would be in the organizations best interests to delay the event. I would also note that it currently appears that BPW/Ohio will incur no loss of revenue or expenses as a result of this decision as most had not been inccured yet and others were refunded. All reservations will be returned to the members with a letter of explanation.

As a result, the following email was sent, "It is with much disappointment that I send this email. Before further plans are made and expenses incurred, I wanted to let you know that the Policy and Action Day for BPW/Ohio to be held in Columbus on March 10, 2009 will be postponed. I say postponed but in all likelihood it will not be rescheduled during this BPW calendar year i.e. prior to July 1, 2009. The Ohio State budget is currently on the front burner, important legislation that we have been following has not yet been reintroduced therefore likely diminishing our advocacy opportunities, etc. Many considerations have gone into this decision including the fact that some members have already dedicated themselves to the event and missing work. While I regret cancelling or delaying an event, I regret more wasting valuable time. Therefore, I think our mission and efforts better served by cancelling the event on March 10 and looking for other opportunities to establish an advocacy presence in Columbus. I sincerely regret any inconvenience and unmet expectations. Should you have any questions oor concerns, please contact me directly. Thank you for your understanding in advance. "

If you have not logged on, you probably also missed the BPW/USA emails about our future. There were several but this one summarizes, "As most of you know, during a meeting by webinar this past Tuesday, February 17, the BPW/USA Board of Directors voted in favor of a motion that BPW/USA merge with the BPW Foundation effective July 1, 2009, and authorized the Executive Committee to negotiate a merger plan for adoption by the Board of Directors and the members of BPW/USA.The BPW/USA State and Local Organization Transition Issues (SLOTI) Task Force has been formed to assist the states and locals with the transition process that will be necessary due to the fact that many services, not the least of which is dues processing, will need to be performed by the states and/or locals when there is no longer a national membership organization. The members of the Task Force are:Susan Parsons Reed, Chair - BPW/NJ and BPW/PAKathy Beals - BPW/ILDiane Davis - BPW/ORCorvette Kowalski - BPW/LADebbie McCaffrey - BPW/VA and BPW/PAJudy Mechura - BPW/AZ and BPW/MNHolly Morey - BPW/MN.

I am in the process of composing an electronic letter to the Board, etc. as there are many questions. BPW/Ohio has been in the long range planning process mode for over a year. Do not panic. The above actions DO NOT in any way impact the current goings on of BPW/Ohio or its locals. It does not in any way affect the April Leadership training, YC/ID competitions or Conference. Once the letter is composed, it will be distributed and posted here. Your patience is appreciated.