Bonham -- A new slate of leaders ceremoniously stepped into prominent roles Monday to guide Texas Business Women of Bonham for the next year.

On hand to explain the responsibilities of each office and present each officer with a beautiful flower was Glynell Sewell, one of the guiding forces behind the development of the local chapter of this statewide organization.

Winnie Money and Mrs. Paul Campbell founded the local chapter of what was then known as Business and Professional Women in the 1950s.  Interest dropped off in the decades to follow until a determined group of ladies led by Mary Ann Williams, Glynell Sewell and Elizabeth May reestablished the organization to empower women to succeed professionally, as well as on a personal level.  Williams was elected president in 1980 and Sewell was elected president in 1981.

"BPW was my passion for so many years," Sewell told the group. "Then, I retired and I missed it."

Sewell stressed the importance of goals.

"A goal properly set is a goal partially reached," she remarked. "Write them down and look at them often."

Sewell told the group that accomplishing worthy goals doesn't happen by leaps and bounds, but by determined steps along a planned route.

"By the mile, it's a trial," she emphasized. "By the inch, it's a cinch."

Sewell acknowledged the valuable leadership of outgoing president Myrtis Williams.

"You did a very good job, Myrtis, and I know the entire club appreciates it," stated Sewell as the audience applauded.

Tammy Skidmore Rich will serve as president of Texas Business Women of Bonham this year and Sewell described to new president as "a true leader" that the club was fortunate to have at the helm.

Dean Skidmore congratulates her daughter, Tammy Skidmore Rich, the new president of Texas Business Women of Bonham.

Taking a cue from Sewell, Rich also asked the members to think about the value of goals and hard work.

"My slogan for the next 12 months will be 'Focus on the Goals, not the Struggle'," Rich remarked. "Most often it is how we define success that determines whether we are able to enjoy the journey as much as the final goal. We are a group of women who have come together in this club. Obviously, we have goals and want to better ourselves at our jobs, better ourselves in the community, better ourselves as individuals, and that is what this club is all about."

(L-R) The new president-elect, Sharron Cox, is inducted by former club president Glynell Sewell.

The very capable slate of officers that will step forward with president Tammy Skidmore Rich to guide Texas Business Women of Bonham over the next 12 months include Sharron Cox, president-elect, 1st vice president Ruth Ann Moore, 2nd vice president Kristi Taylor, secretary Lori Ruff, and treasurer Judy Teller.

(L-r) Tammy Skidmore Rich, president; Sharron Cox, president-elect, Maria Hix, sitting in for 1st vice president Ruth Ann Moore; Kristi Taylor, 2nd vice president; Lori Ruff, secretary; and Judy Teller, treasurer.

Texas Business Women of Bonham, Fannin County, Texas would like to invite anyone interested in becoming a member to attend their monthly meetings held the 2nd and 4^th Monday of each month at the American Bank of Bonham, Elizabeth May Room from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  For more information about joining you may contact Tammy Rich, TBW president, at 903-583-7486 Monday through Friday.

Guests attending the Texas Business Women luncheon stand behind the organization's new officers.