Greetings TEMPO Madison Sisters and Happy October!
I love the month of October. I’m a little surprised in my declaration. I really do love the transition we go through this month, moving from the start of fall in September to now seeing leaves change their color and feeling the crispness in the air as we move more fully into the season. I know it will soon be cold but with a sunny clear day like today it seems like we can fend off winter for a while.
October marks the beginning of our official celebration of TEMPO Madison turning 40 years old! It was in this very season, in the fall of 1981 that TEMPO of Madison, Inc. was formed. It was the brainchild of three women who decided they needed to do something about the phenomenon they had observed, namely, that most women, regardless of talent, competence, or position, were outside the Madison area power structure. The need was seen for an organization to break down barriers and to integrate women executives into the fiber of Madison while partnering with the institutions and leaders that were directing Madison’s future.
Today TEMPO Madison members represent diversity in background, experience, and leadership. They lead in every sector of the business community as well as non-profit organizations. Our members started 150+ for-profit businesses, employ nearly 21,000, serve on 153 for-profit and 1,487 not-for-profit boards of directors and volunteer 17,000 hours a year—all while raising more than 450 children. Ladies, we are a force, and we have our founders to thank for the enduring sisterhood that continues today.
By now, you’ve probably seen our emails and posts about our upcoming 40th Anniversary Kick-Off event. All TEMPO Madison members and their guests are invited to our celebration on October 27th at the Edgewater Hotel. We will get a chance to re-connect with one another, meet our newest members, network and socialize. We will be adhering to current COVID-19 safety protocols. Our program will feature a panel of four past TEMPO Madison Presidents representing each of our past decades. Our goal is to raise funds for our TEMPO Madison Scholarship Program which annually provides needs-based college scholarships. Please show your support of TEMPO Madison and its mission to nurture the next generation of women leaders by attending this event! Tickets are on sale now and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. I believe it’s a safe assumption, (sigh), that most of our members have had some personal connection with breast cancer and its impact on our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Consider taking a moment this month to thank someone, whether it be a friend, healthcare worker or one of our exceptional breast cancer support or research charities for their help and support to someone whose life was impacted by this disease.
With this month acting as our kick-off to 40 years, it hints that we’ll be celebrating all year long. Look for announcements about other events, especially our big gala in October 2022, when we’ll come together again to cap-off what will be a joyous and eventful year of looking back and moving forward.
With gratitude,
Elaine Rich, TEMPO Madison President