Soror Helen Newberry McDowell

 Soror Helen Newberry McDowell celebrated her birthday by going out to dinner with friends, and later that week, by having lunch with Washington, DC’s other one hundred year old and over citizens. When I spoke with her to give her the well wishes from the region on this milestone, she said it was by the grace of God that she continues to live a happy and health life. As we celebrated birthdays together, she welcomed me to the land of the Libras. Soror McDowell wanted to thank her chapter and all other Sorors who sent her cards and called her on her birthday.

Born on September 28, 1903, in Abington, Virginia, Soror Newberry McDowell was the forth of fourteen children of her parents, Samuel and Caroline.

Soror McDowell attended Morristown Industrial School, where her mother taught, and went on to Bennett College. Graduating in 1924 she attended Teacher's College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Soror McDowell then attended Howard University from 1928 to 1931, earning her M.A. in education.                                                                                      

        Soror McDowell began teaching in1925, and after earning her M.A. went on to teach at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. In the 1940s, Soror McDowell bought six houses in Washington, D.C., and converted them into rooming houses for students. From 1949 to1973, the Newberry House was home to many students from Howard University's School of Religion. Soror McDowell also ran a wedding salon out of Newberry House. She began teaching at Phelps Vocational High School in Washington, D.C., in1950, and taught English there until her retirement in 1973. Phelps is an all male school; many of her former students continue to visit her. On a personal note, Soror McDowell taught four of my brothers, all remembering her fondly. When I gave her a message from my brother Carl, she laughed and said she did remember him and to tell him she is looking for a visit from him.      

Soror Newberry McDowell joined Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Gamma Chapter in Washington, DC in 1939. She served on the National Executive Board as National Dean, and has served in almost every position in Gamma Chapter. Soror McDowell continues to attend chapter meetings and as many functions as possible. She is revered and respected by all in her chapter and is the darling of the Eastern Region.

Helen Newberry McDowell has made an art of giving and helping others. Her giving has been influenced by her loving Christian spirit and life long work in the church. By her own admission, she "could have been a millionaire a million times over." But, she chose to share her resources with the thousands of deserving students helped by UNCF each year and recently she felt compelled to assist those devastated by the Katrina Hurricane.

Happy 103^rd Birthday, Soror Newberry McDowell and Happy 67^th Iota Anniversary.

 This article was written to be featured on the National Website in October ’06

By Betty Wilson-Jones, Eastern Regional Director

Being Business Savvy May Save Your Business Deal!

            Every busy business owner has been in this situation at least once in their career. A deal needs to be ‘closed’ fast and there is no time to formally sit down, have the attorneys present, and argue over specific terms for hours on end before a deal is made. Usually, a telephone call and a general understanding of what the parties have agreed to is all that is required. The parties usually move into the next task after the fact and never get around to putting the terms of the contract in writing.

            A contract is an enforceable agreement between two or more parties. The contract contains the promises made by the parties to one another, which is legally known as ‘consideration’. These promises define the relationship being undertaken as well as what happens if the relationship doesn’t work out. If one party fails to act according to their promises, then they have ‘breeched’ the contract and can be found liable for damages. The damages typically equate to what the non-breaching party would have received if there had been no breach.

            With a written contact, as opposed to an oral contract, you can create clause containing language that specifically states the exact terms of your agreement, as you understand that agreement to be. If the dispute ends up in court, the other party is asked if his/her signature is on the bottom, the clause is read and your win. The contact should also contain a clause requiring the ‘prevailing party’ to be reimbursed for their attorney fees and cost. In short, they have to pay your legal bills as well.

            An additional benefit to using a written contract is the due diligence element. It may come as shock, but you will run into less then honest people in business. In negotiating a contract, very specific requirements are put in writing. What if the other party starts squirming? It is probably a pretty good sign they may not be able to meet their obligations. Might that give you pause before you commit to supplying a sizable amount of your product and tying up your inventory? By finding out this information before you start doing business, you save yourself a lot of headaches.

            In summary, even a simple written contract should be a mandatory bullet in your arsenal. Contacts allow you to clearly layout your business efforts, avoid hucksters and act as insurance for your business dealings.

F & P Mind Your Own Business

Research has shown that having a clear, inspiring sense of direction dramatically increases the effectiveness of people in organizations.  Passions about direction engages hearts as well as minds.

§         Do You Have A Documented Vision?

Both immediate and intermediate goals must fit within the framework of a compelling vision to which the firm aspires. If you don’t know where you’re going, any destination will do.

§         Are Your Growth Strategies Driving the Achievement of Your Vision?

Strategies often stray from the overall intended direction of an enterprise. Only constant vigilance and follow up ensure holding the strategic direction targeted in the vision.

§         Do Your Employees Participate in the Strategic Planning Process?

People support what they have helped create. Employee buy-in fuels execution of critical tasks and drives accountability throughout an organization. Otherwise, try fear, drugs, or pixie dust.

§         Is Your Organizational Infrastructure Undermining Your Goals?

Only both vertical alignment and horizontal integration of strategic framework, business processes, organization structure, and workforce capability can deliver Superior Top-Line Results. Consider the challenges of a three-legged race.

http://www.toplineassociates.com/growthstrategies.htm