PWC takes to the greens.On Monday, May 24, Professional Women in Construction (PWC) will host the first of its biannual bi·an·nu·al adj. 1. Happening twice each year; semiannual. 2. Occurring every two years; biennial. bi·an all-day golf outings for 2004 at the Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, New York For other places with the same name, see White Plains (disambiguation). White Plains is a city in south-central Westchester County, New York, about 4 miles (6 km) east of the Hudson River and . The event also marks the 10th year anniversary of the events. In 1994, when PWC launched its coed golf outings, it was breaking into unchartered territory. Until then, construction industry outings were virtually an all-male venues--in an industry dominated by men. Who would show up to a golf event hosted by a women's business group? A decade ago, developing golfing skills for business were not high on a career woman's list of priorities. Yet, when PWC Vice President Theresa Vigilante vigilante n. someone who takes the law into his/her own hands by trying and/or punishing another person without any legal authority. In the 1800s groups of vigilantes dispensed "frontier justice" by holding trials of accused horse-thieves, rustlers and shooters, and , herself a longtime long·time adj. Having existed or persisted for a long time: a longtime friend; a longtime resident of Detroit. longtime Adjective golfer, first proposed the idea, her aims were largely pragmatic. "I love the game and I know from personal experience that it's a great way to combine business with pleasure. I thought it would be a great boon for our members if they could attend a golf outing through PWC--and not have to rely on the men's organizations, where they sometimes felt unwelcome" she says. "We knew we were taking a page out of the 'old boys' notebook on 'How to Succeed in Business,'" says PWC President Lenore Janis, who remembers greeting Vigilante's brainchild brain·child n. An original idea or plan attributed to a person or group. brainchild Noun Informal an idea or plan produced by creative thought Noun 1. with some skepticism. "But 'pioneering' has always been part of what PWC is about. Hosting coed golf outings seemed like a natural progression for us." The outings caught on quickly--though initially with PWC's male members. "We were lucky to get a handful of women at our first outing," says Vigilante. The word spread quickly and women players--from first--timers to novices to serious goiters--began to sign up. A surety An individual who undertakes an obligation to pay a sum of money or to perform some duty or promise for another in the event that person fails to act. surety n. company even paid for golf lessons for a couple of their saleswomen. "The percentages always vary. We've gotten as high as 40% women," says Janis. Janis expects the popularity of the events to continue and grow. "Ten is still young," she says. " Many new members jump on the golf bandwagon band·wag·on n. 1. An elaborately decorated wagon used to transport musicians in a parade. 2. Informal A cause or party that attracts increasing numbers of adherents: and there is a phenomenal growth in interest. We're ready and waiting for it." For more information on the May 24 golf outing call 212.486.7745 or visit www.pweusa.org. |
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