News/Announcements

MBW member Sgt. Julie Asmus chats with Senator Amy Klobuchar

Willmar Business & Professional Women member Julie Asmus mixes it up with Senator Amy Klobuchar. Check out the senator's web site......... http://www.amyklobuchar.com/101-reasons-for-change.html

Congratulations Laura Pardo -- Three Rivers Business Woman

http://www.pressnews.com/articles/2010/06/24/champlin/2cp24womenaward.txt From Champlin Community News & Voice..."Pardo was honored for her enterprising initiative as a business owner giving back to the community. Pardo owns Kai Salon in Champlin and is a member of the Three Rivers Business Women's organization, which recently recognized her for making a difference in Champlin. She is the recipient of the first-ever Women Making a Difference award from the group."

Tobacco Research Participants for U of M Study

The U of M is looking for research participants regarding tobacco use. They are looking to recruit women age 45+ for a quit smoking study which also includes relaxation and exercise. This research study will offer state of the art treatment in smoking cessation free of charge and will provide financial compensation to participants. This is an opportunity to help motivated women quit smoking. Older women are generally less likely to be motivated to quit smoking due to concerns about weight gain, stress and changes in mood among others. Researchers at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the University of Connecticut, have received funding from the National Institutes of Health to address this issue. The REST (Relaxation or Exercise for Smoking Treatment) Study aims to assess the impact of using exercise or relaxation during smoking cessation in post menopausal women. This study provides an opportunity for participants to receive state-of-the-art treatment for quitting smoking. "There is a greater risk of lower bone density and subsequent fracture in postmenopausal women, especially smokers," says Dr. Sharon Allen, site principal investigator. "Exercise has been shown to have beneficial influence on smoking cessation, including helping to minimize weight gain, alleviate negative mood symptoms and counteract bone loss. Relaxation is thought to help reduce stress, a big factor in smoking cessation." The study is recruiting about 300 postmenopausal women who are at least 45 years old and who are generally in good health and motivated to quit smoking. This is an opportunity for eligible women to receive supportive behavioral counseling and the medication varenicline (sold under the trade name Chantix). Subjects are randomly assigned to a supervised group program where they will learn how to use exercise or relaxation techniques during their smoking cessation efforts. "The most beneficial aspect of this study is that everyone receives maximal treatment for smoking cessation at no cost to them." For more information about this study please visit www.TobaccoResearch.umn.edu/REST.htm or call 612-624-5439. Additional information can be found at http://www.cancer.umn.edu/news/releases/2010/0525RESTstudy.html Contact Pam Werb, 763-449-0504, pwerb@aol.com

MBPWF Announces Grants at MBW convention!

At the 2010 Convention of Minnesota Business Women -- their sister organization - Minnesota Business and Professional Women's Foundation -- announces grants. Congratulations to these worthy organizations who aspire to help women succeed: 1. Bemidji -- Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. 2. Willmar -- Ridgewater College. 3. Grand Rapids -- Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. 4. Crystal -- Herzing College. 5. Mankato -- YWCA Elizabeth Kearney’s Women Leadership. 6. Minneapolis -- Women Achieving New Directions Women & Women in Transition. 7. Plymouth -- Minnesota School of Business.