June 2009

Dues One of the changes created by the recent merger is that BPW USA dues are expected to be paid this year and will be transferred to the new organization. Members may request a refund proration of dues from BPW USA it must be in writing by the member and received by BPW USA by June 15, 2009. They will be considered after all expenses have been paid. The below Refund letter should have the members personal address on it not the Burlington BPW mailing address.
This will be discussed at State Convention and into the next year.

March 2009

Vote to Continue the Mission of BPW VOTE TO CONTINUE THE MISSION OF BPW

In order to continue the vital work of BPW/USA on behalf of working women, the BPW/USA Board of
Directors voted in favor of a merger with BPW Foundation on Tuesday, February 17. In today’s economic climate when many are forced to close their doors, this action will ensure that the mission and work of BPW/USA will continue. In addition, it will preserve the BPW brand, visibility, and reputation.

After carefully evaluating four restructuring options put for by the Task Force the BPW/USA Board of Directors determined that the appropriate business decision is for BPW/USA to merge with BPW Foundation.

It is now up to the members to vote on the proposed merger and plan. To help members understand what a merger could mean and to ask any questions, a second round of webinars are scheduled March 28 and 30 and April 2. In addition there is a special page on the website that has relevant information and documents about the merger and how the recommendation was made; there is a Quick Link on the Member Center homepage (you must log in to access this information).

BPW members, now have a unique opportunity to make a dynamic contribution to the history and
future of Business and Professional Women, by uniting the two organizations. Watch for your voting materials, and be sure and vote for the continuation of our mission.

Following a potential merger, membership in State and Local Organizations would not change. State and Local organizations would carry on the business of their organizations with emphasis on state and/orcommunity activities.

To assist in the transition to autonomous organizations, BPW/USA has appointed experienced members to a State and Local Organization Transition Issues Task Force. This task force is ready and willing to begin assisting State and Local Organizations.

BPW/USA will continue its operations and programs through July 1, 2009 at which time if a merger is approved by the membership, the work of the mission will continue through BPW Foundation.

The missions of BPW/USA and BPW Foundation are inextricably linked. In this economic climate, it is critical that we unite by consolidating our assets to further promote workplace equity for workingwomen and their families. As workingwomen, we must understand that it is good business to combine our respective strengths toward the fulfillment of a shared vision.

A merger with BPW Foundation will ensure that the work of both organizations will continue and
expand in a fiscally sound manner. BPW members’ ongoing support of BPW/USA as we complete our
programs, and your support of BPW Foundation will guarantee efforts to empower working women to achieve their full potential and partner with employers to build successful workplaces.