BPW Honors MERRILL GARDENS and MELODIE BERRY during National Business Women's Week

by Edwina Wight October 2005 Designed to recognize the achievements of American working women, Business and Professional Women celebrated National Business Women's Week during October 17-21, 2005.

Each president since Herbert Hoover has opened the first day of NBWW with a letter recognizing the contributions and achievements of working women.

NBWW is sponsored by the Business and Professional Women organization for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the achievements of working women throughout history.

The concept of NBWW originated with Emma Dot Partridge, executive secretary of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs from 1924-1927. The first annual observance of NBWW was held April 15-22, 1928.

The original purpose of the week was "to focus public attention upon a better business woman for a better world". Today, NBWW has grown into a nationwide salute to all working women and the employers who support them, as well as an opportunity to spotlight BPW programs and objectives.

Although women have more business and professional opportunities today than they did at NBWW's first observance, the central message from 1928 is still relevant to today's business and professional women.

Wichita Falls Chapter Celebrates National Business Women's Week

This year, several events in Wichita Falls spotlighted NBWW. The week kicked off with a tea at Merrill Gardens on October 17, and on October 18 Wichita Falls Mayor Lynham Lyne issued a proclamation at the City Council meeting naming October 17-21 as NBWW. That same day, an after work networking celebration took place at the Holiday Inn. During the weeklong celebration, the Wichita Falls BPW club also announced its two most prestigious awards: Employer of the Year and Woman of the Year.

Employer of the Year Award, MERRILL GARDENS

During NBWW, the Wichita Falls BPW club named Merrill Gardens as its recipient of the Employer of the Year award. Local employers were considered for this prestigious award based on their recognition of the importance of women in the workplace and their promotion of quality work policies for women and families. Past honorees include Emory Sobiesk, M.D., Evelyn Lucus, CPA, and Joan Riddles Realty.
		From left: Ginger Neese, General Manager and Michelle Hitz, Community Relations Manager of Merrill Gardens, Keli McCord, President of Wichita Falls BPW.

Merrill Gardens is a privately-held company that provides retirement living for seniors. Their facilities were built in Wichita Falls in 1997, where they operate 69 apartments for independent and assisted living residents. Approximately 30 individuals are employed there.

Their newest program, "Active Living", encourages residents to exercise and to track their progress in order to enhance their overall wellness. Merrill Gardens also offers "Anytime Dining" which allows the residents to eat anytime between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Nationally, Merrill Gardens is a family-owned company based in Seattle, Washington, that currently operates in 64 communities across the United States. With 2,700 employees, it is the industry's second largest privately-held company.

The Better Business of Washington named Merrill Gardens the Business of the Year in the large business category last year. They have also been selected as the Family Business of the Year by the Family Business Institute.
	Merril Gardens, Wichita Falls Texas

Woman of the Year, MELODIE BERRY

Melodie Berry was selected by the Wichita Falls BPW club as its recipient of the Woman of the Year award. A 28 year employee with Wilson Office Supply, Ms. Berry treasures the opportunity to know all her customers both on a business and personal level. As a sales account representative, she enjoys attending seminars and sales training meetings in the DFW Metroplex and in Oklahoma City to constantly improve service to her customers.
		Melodie Berry (left) was recognized for her leadership by being chosen as the “Woman of the Year.” She is pictured here receiving her award from Edwina Wight.

Ms. Berry serves her community through a variety of leadership positions. She teaches Sunday School and Bible studies at Floral Heights United Methodist Church. She also participates in the church's sanctuary choir, and sings with The Gospel Messengers, a ministry that sings for assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and churches.

In 2003, Ms. Berry worked on an All Methodist Build for Habitat for Humanity. During the following year, she worked with Wichita Falls BPW on the All Women Build for Habitat for Humanity.

Her other community activities include mentoring through the HOSTS (Help One Student to Succeed) program at the Washington-Jackson Math Science Center and serving as a member of Resource Wichita Falls and the Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry. She also currently serves on the Nominations Committee of the Wichita Falls Founder Lions Club.

Since 1996, Ms. Berry has been a member of Wichita Falls BPW club. She has been involved in numerous ways, including the Eastside Girls and Boys Club committee, Legislative Committee, Scholarship Committee, Scrapbook Committee, Corresponding Secretary / Courtesy Chair, Foundation Committee, President-Elect/ Issues Management and President for 2004-2005.

In bringing great recognition to the Wichita Falls BPW club, Ms. Berry was selected in 2002 as the BPW Texas State Winner in the Individual Development Program. She continues to serve on the Individual Development committee both locally and on the BPW Texas state level, assisting women to grow in their abilities to speak before groups. In all that she does, Ms. Berry demonstrates BPW's motto of "Women Helping Women".

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