At a high energy luncheon on Thursday, July 9, the Network of Enterprising Women (NEW) awarded its 2009 scholarship awards to local recipients. Members of the women's professional networking group had been raising money throughout the previous twelve months in order to grant this financial assistance to deserving young women in the community.

The July monthly meeting gave an example of one such fundraising effort, an auction that benefits the giver and the receiver. Gecko Tours and the Bali Room donated a beach-themed basket with a tropical-inspired wrap, basket-weave tote, woven beverage carrier, and more tropical delights. The donation was auctioned off, leaving a delighted winner and re-stocking the scholarship fund for 2010.

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, a female student must plan to major in business (accounting, finance, business management, economics, etc.) and demonstrate need for financial assistance. She should have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, have been accepted to a college or university, have demonstrated a strong work ethic, and exhibited strong leadership citizenship characteristics through participation in extracurricular activities. In her application process, she will submit an essay that addresses the question, "What businesswoman do you most admire and why?"

The NEW Scholarship Committee members presented the checks to the 2009 recipients at the July 9 meeting. Besides making the selections, these members had also represented NEW at each recipient's high school awards ceremonies.

The 2009 scholarship recipients were

After the recipients were honored, the organization moved to its standard meeting format, which is both inspiring and practically helpful for all members and their invited guests. During the N.E.W. luncheons, each woman has 30 seconds to present her business to the rest of the group. These presentations are a tremendous business networking tool that highlights the group's mission of supporting and empowering each member. In addition, however, the presentations are interspersed with the camaraderie and laughter that keeps N.E.W. members enthusiastic and inspired.

For more information, visit www.NetworkOfEnterprisingWomen.org.