SWAN Hill Business and Professional Women (BPW) welcomed a new president at their annual general meeting (AGM) last month.
The AGM, held via zoom, was chaired by Marie Schlemme who congratulated outgoing president Susan Knight on the past two years and welcomed incoming president Vickie Merritt.
Ms Merritt said she was excited to take on the new role as president after being with the club for seven years and holding membership the past two-three years.
"I first became interested in the business meetings and I really enjoy the guest speakers," Ms Merritt told The Guardian.
"The women in the group are very supportive and always helping each other. They are up-front with local issues and broad-minded.
"When I was asked to be vice president, I knew it was a commitment and to one day step up to be president. I'm looking forward to a bit of mental stimulation and updating the BPW website."
The trained school teacher said she was looking forward to "bringing a new spin on things" after hosting her first "yellow" zoom meeting as president.
"The international BPW colour is yellow and as we can't meet in person, I thought we could make and wear yellow face masks and each have a yellow cupcake," she said.
"We had 22 members at the meeting, it was great fun and a great way to start my turn as president."
Ms Merritt said while COVID-19 had changed the way associations operate this year, the restrictions had not deterred the Swan Hill BPW.
"We are a pretty determined bunch, if there is a suggestion we just jump on board and we get business done," she said.
"I have lots of ideas for the coming months, I find I am using my skills from teaching to make things fun and implement changes."
Other office bearers elected at the AGM included Fiona Hawley (vice president), Chris Plant (treasurer) and Lisa Thompson (secretary). Helen Watkins was welcomed as Swan Hill BPW's newest member.
Caroline Bayliss from Green Onions was the guest speaker for the evening.
Ms Bayliss owns and operates an organic grocery store in Melbourne and sources a variety of her produce from the local growing area. She spoke on the challenges and joys of running a business in a pandemic.
The next BPW zoom dinner meeting will be held on September 9 with unit manager of Mallee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit Swan Hill Trish Polglase as guest speaker.
