The EL women kicked-off 2009 at Shuze in South Bethlehem!

First, please allow me to apologize for absent EL communications over the past several months.

As we all are experiencing either first-hand or through a family member or friend, the difficult economy, the recent election, the holidays and beginning of the New Year has changed - seemingly overnight - from normal to anything but.

In addition, the EL group has taken off faster than any of us could have imagined. We are so grateful to each of you for your support and belief in helping our community and each other. We have reached a turning point in our program and are working to make the EL activities align with your personal, professional, and philanthropic goals - so thanks to all for your feedback and enthusiasm as we do just that!

So, in getting back to what I love to do more than anything - connecting with each of you - I wanted to send the first update about our first EL kickoff event held at Jennifer Mann's styling new store in South Bethlehem, Shuze.

The night began with the mixing and mingling of young women who want to make a difference in our community. The event would not have been as successful without the assistance of three of our newest members: Candi Staurinos, Maureen Connolley, and Jennifer Mann. Candi brought exquisite greek food from her parent's diner on Broad Street in Bethlehem, The Mayflower Diner, while Maureen strolled in with a variety of wine for guests to enjoy.

Jennifer has done a beautiful job setting up Shuze for its grand opening celebration in April of 2009. Make sure to subscribe to updates on her homepage which you can access by clicking here.

**NEW MEMBER UPDATE!**
As of today, March 4, 2009, the Emerging Leaders program has 26 members and has raised over $6,900! Thanks to each of you for helping us make a difference in the Lehigh Valley!

Stay tuned for a list of upcoming events - I will get that posted by next week. Also, for those of you on Facebook, remember to become a member of our cause and invite your friends to join us!

Sarah

P.S. I am working to integrate our various communication efforts in to one place and will have a solution for us soon. In the meantime, continue to invite your friends to subscribe to the blog (http://uwemergingleaders.blogspot.com) and, again, look for us on Facebook!