Vol 2008 - Issue 23	March 2008

Post Office Box 23874 Chattanooga, TN 37422

MARCH MEETING

Stress Management in the Workplace - How to Cope and Still Have Fun

Speaker:
Sharon Gilley, M.A., L.P.C
Manager, Organizational Development
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

With over 20 years experience in developing people, Sharon has worked to increase human potential and wellness in a variety of business arenas from the medical to the corporate setting.

Sharon began her career in Chicago, IL, where she worked for Chicago Partners Medical Center as a Licensed Professional Counselor coordinating patient care with physicians and providing counseling services for the clinic’s patient population. During her tenure there, she developed stress management education classes for patients at the clinic as well as group work for her own clients. She used a holistic approach to treatment, making physical, mental and emotional wellness a goal for her clients.

After moving back to her hometown, Chattanooga, in 2000, Sharon joined BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee where she manages Organizational Development. She oversees leadership development programs, enterprise learning and development and the BCBST Stress Management programs.

Her white paper on reducing stress in the workforce ultimately led to BCBST conducting two stress management research studies. Sharon led a team of 25 people from across the company who developed a comprehensive stress management program. She has presented their research at the Work, Health and Stress Conference, Institute for Health and Productivity Conference and the Association for Public Health Conference.

Sharon received her M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science at Valparaiso University. Her undergraduate work was in education at UTC. Sharon is a Certified Professional Coach, a member of the International Coach Federation, the American Institute of Stress, the HeartMath Institute, the American Counseling Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Women’s Leadership Institute, and the American Society of Training and Development. She has served on the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Committee and the board of the Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to women who are rebuilding their lives. Sharon is married to David, has grown children and loves her new role as a grandparent.

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President's Column
By Celeste Friend

Hi Ladies,

Isn’t it amazing how far women have come in these last several years?  This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the passage of HR 5050, the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This bill created and championed by NAWBO members included:

So next time you think that you don’t need NAWBO, consider how you would feel if you had to have your brother, dad, husband, or cousin essentially give you permission to go into business for yourself.  Also, think about the Census Bureau not counting your business as viable simply because it is owned by a female - while the guy two doors down, doing the same exact thing you do, counts.

Changing the subject, NAWBO member, Deborah Levine’s Global Leadership Class is having a session called “The Changing Face of Business”.  NAWBO is the co-sponsor for this and I would like to encourage each of you to attend.  They will explore trends in business ownership and how the global economy is affecting us locally.  It will be at Wally’s in East Ridge on March 27^th from 7:30 to 9 AM.  The event includes breakfast and NAWBO members can attend for a discounted price of $12.  To make a reservation, email Deborah@americandiversityreport.com.

Several of our members have been in the news recently.  Kim Campbell’s Chattanooga Closet Company was a finalist at the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards.  Gail Lindsey earned a trip to China for her achievements with Genworth.  (Did you earn two trips, Gail?  Because I’m available.)  Finally, Heidi Hefferlin’s son, Devon, was the silver award winner of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts’ youngARTS program.  (And as every mom knows, when your child wins something it is even more exciting than winning it yourself.)  Congratulations to all of you.

Have a prosperous month!
Celeste Friend, CFP(r)