An EWI Birmingham Overview

The Birmingham Chapter of Executive Women International® was established in Birmingham, Alabama on October 26, 1960 with Marie Ingalls being the first president. A significant number of the charter firms are still active supporters of the chapter. These firms are:

• Adams & Reese/Lange Simpson
• Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company
• Coca Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
• Energen Corporation
• Ernst & Young, LLP
• SouthTrust Bank, NA
• Vulcan Materials Company

The Birmingham Chapter has always been a strong and active chapter with many accomplishments to its credit. The Birmingham Chapter has brought hundreds of EWI® members to Birmingham by hosting an annual meeting and convention, as well as a number of regional/area conferences. The chapter has supported EWI programs throughout its history. We sponsor the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST), which awards scholarships to adults at transitional points in their lives. The Scholarship program, or in our chapter named for one of our Corporate Presidents, The Glenda Burson EWISP, awards scholarships to high school juniors. The international philanthropy project promotes literacy.

The Birmingham Chapter has had two Corporate Presidents, Glenda Burson (1995-96) and Jo DeMoll (1974-75). Our chapter chartered the Huntsville Chapter in 1992 and has assisted Montgomery in starting a satellite chapter in January, 2003.

We presently have 64 firms on roll with 78 representatives, 26 sustaining members, 2 life and 2 honorary members.

In 2001 for the first time in our history we were able to meet the requirements (76 member firms) to send 4 delegates to the annual meeting.

The Birmingham Chapter holds monthly meetings throughout the year. The meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of each month as follows:

• Business meetings are normally held in March, June and October, with October being the Chapter's annual business meeting at which Officers and Directors are elected. At the business meetings, committee reports are given and matters requiring a vote are brought before the membership.
• During regular monthly meetings the format varies, but usually includes a speaker who may select from any number of subjects -- motivational, educational, inspirational, etc. A meeting might also be held at a cultural location or a museum, for instance.
• The annual Firm Recognition Event is usually held in July. This meeting is where we honor our firms and executives. Executives, representatives, spouses and guests are formally invited and encouraged to attend. At this meeting, the Chapter recognizes an outstanding Firm whose contributions throughout the year have enhanced the Chapter. The Jo DeMoll Representative of the Year Award is also presented to the Representative who has exhibited exceptional dedication to the Chapter.
• The annual business meeting, at which Officers and Directors are elected and installed, is held in October. This is a critical meeting at which the membership votes on the budget for the coming year and on other matters. Although the focus is on business, this meeting is held in a festive location and is very enjoyable.