EPW - USA

One of the exciting new programs that we learned about this weekend was EPW-USA. Here is a report from one of the members.

EPW-USA is on its way to becoming the Number One national membership organization for business and professional women in the United States.

Yes, it’s new… Yes, it’s in the initial start-up phase… BUT, it’s history and background are built on the potential of “women power” and the legacy of the National Federation of Business and Professional Clubs, Inc. first established in 1919. The mission was then, and continues today, to promote equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

Introducing the Executive Team… Already in place and working diligently to develop the administrative framework for the EPW-USA organization are:

President: Bessie R. Hironimus, Oroville, California

1st Vice President: Trish Knight, Marshall, Michigan

2nd Vice President: Gayle Guthrie, Chicago, Illinois

Secretary: Hilda Kelley Moran, El Paso, Texas

Treasurer: Mary Lou Lowrey, Burr Ridge, Illinois

(Note:For further contact information for each of these individuals, go to the Website at www.epw-usa.org)

All officers are currently serving in an Interim capacity until the first Annual General meeting on September 27, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This meeting is being planned in conjunction with the BPW International North American Regional Conference on Sept. 23 – 27, 2010. More details to follow as they are finalized.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION IN FORMING EPW-USA

When the National Federation of Business and Professional Women, BPW/USA, ceased to forward its membership dues to the BPW International Federal for 5 consecutive years, the International Federation, according to its constitution and Bylaws, had to abrogate BPW/USA from its membership.

Some of the members in the US wanted to continue their membership in the BPW International Federation independently of the BPW/USA. So, members in the Northwest area of the US formed the Pacific Rim Federation, the California and the New York Federations joined as State Federations, and the La Grange-Chicago Club in Illinois and Paso Del Norte Club in Texas also joined the International Federation as Associate Clubs.

The BPW International Constitution requires that a country federation be formed when a maximum number of individual federations and clubs in a country are affiliated. We had reached the maximum number of 5 with the group identified above.

On May 15th, 2009 when BPW/USA ceased to exist as a country federation by merging with BPW/USA Foundation, the International Federation of BPW was able to group its existing 5 members into a new National Federation. By forming this new National Federation (now known as EPW-USA), the BPW International Federation protected the existing 5 clubs and state federations legally and provided the mechanism for additional state federations, clubs and individuals within the USA to join BPW International in the United States.

Since the existing BPW Foundation now owns the trademark of the letters BPW and the name, Business and Professional Women, as well as some of the programs of the former BPW/USA, the new organization was established as the Enterprising and Professional Women / EPW-USA. We now have a brand new organization with a great history, plus a chance to reshape, renew and revitalize. The legacy of Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips who founded BPW International in 1930 is alive and well in the United States and continuing to accelerate in growth.

QUICK FAQs ABOUT EPW-USA:

Ø Who is EPW-USA?

It is a country federation and a member of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International).

Ø When was EPW-USA established?

On June 6, 2009, the BPW International Board unanimously voted to accept EPW-USA as the new country federation in the USA.

Ø Is this new name protected?

Yes, there was an immediate filing with the USA trademark and patent office for a new name called Enterprising and Professional Women along with the letters, EPW-USA. The letters BPW have a trademark protection within the United States thus requiring the new name of Enterprising and Professional Women. However, outside the United States, the organization is known as Business and Professional Women USA.

Ø How many members are in the new organization?

As of June 2009, there are 637 members. The breakdown is as follows: California Federation – 324; New York State Federation – 165; Pacific Rim International State Federation – 100; LaGrange-Chicago Associate Club – 26; Paso del Norte Associate Club – 22.

Ø Can an individual join EPW-USA?

An individual may join EPW-USA providing there is no State Federation or a club in that area. Individual members will remain as such until there are 5 individuals in an area, then they are grouped into a Club.

Ø Can a club join EPW-USA?

A club may join EPW-USA if there is no State Federation already affiliated with EPW-USA. Once there are 3 clubs associated in that state, they are grouped into a state Federation.

Ø What are the dues for EPW-USA?

The dues are $35.00 for an individual membership. This amount is a combination of $20.00 for EPW-USA and $15.00 for BPW International dues. EPW-USA dues are due January 1 – March 31st and cover the one year period of Jan 1st – Dec 31st .

Ø What are the benefits of joining EPW-USA?

Participation in:

a) A membership driven organization that advocates for women’s rights locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally;

b) the continuation of a legacy that seeks to raise the visibility of women at all levels in business and the professions - economically, socially and politically;

c) involvement with a powerful international network of 90 countries on 5 continents and representation at the United Nations.

The invitation is extended – the door is open – please join us and become a member and encourage others to join the new and exciting, Enterprising and Professional Women’s organization. For further information and contact resources, please go to the Website www.epw-usa.org


IFBPW is not a member of this organization, but wanted to give you the information.