A Letter from the President
By James P. Dunigan, President of the Union League of Philadelphia
Published in The Union League of Philadelphia Banner Magazine
Dear Fellow Members,
One of the wonderful things about the League is that I always get a chance to learn something new. September was no exception. I was honored to be invited to the 20TH Anniversary Celebration for the One Percenters Club Table. Shame on me, but I did not know much about the One Percenters except that they were one of the 16 club tables. So I set about to catch up on my history.
The woman behind the idea for the One Percenters was Laya Martinez. She joined the League in 1993 and enjoyed the welcoming spirit of the League. Club tables have been an integral component of League life and Laya felt there was a lack of a women-only table where dynamic, entrepreneurial women could gather and share their common interests and friendship. In 1998, with support of seven other members, Laya approached Edward Toole, then chair of the club tables with the idea of a table made up solely of women - a novel idea at the time. The idea was accepted and in August 1998, the One Percenters Club Table was official. The founding members were Laya Martinez. Shawn Kent, Judith Rifkin, Frances Pierce, Cynthia Wollman, Karen Lawson, Annette Gardner, Diane Semingson. Elizabeth Capellini and Faye Heller. The purpose of the One Percenters Table is to afford professional and/or entrepreneurial women who hold positions of responsibility in their professional lives the opportunity to connect, network, share experiences and to support the interests of The Union League of Philadelphia.
Another question that is often asked is where did the name originate? Turns out, it is purposeful. Laya wanted the name to reflect the members' philosophy and achievements. Inspired by her observation that one percent of the population moves the world forward, she chose the name - One Percenters. Laya, thank you for making it happen. To all the members, congratulations on your 20TH anniversary and thank you for the vibrancy you bring to League membership. With your theme of, "Building Lasting Relationships," you are a shining example of all the League stands for.
Another interaction I would like to pass along is when I passed another member in the hallway around lunch time outside Founders, she said, "can I get frequent user points? I have been here every day this week. This is my spot! It is the best place to meet people." I thought that was a very nice thing to hear and a great description of the League. I hope it is your "spot" as well.
In past Banner letters I have written about the continuing work on the Strategic Plan. Well the committee is completing its work and we are ready to take the wraps off. Please take note in the Banner of Town Hall meeting dates in October when we will review and discuss the plan with members. The plan will provide a roadmap for the future of the League. I invite you to attend one of the meetings.
In addition, the Bylaws Committee is also completing its work on the amended and restated Bylaws. They are being reviewed and approved by the Board and will be posted and circulated to the members in anticipation of a vote at the Annual Meeting in December.
It is difficult to believe the Holiday season will be upon us shortly. There are plenty of opportunities to have your celebrations at the League. Please check out the Banner for all the activities the League has to offer. Also, as the seasons change and you are putting together your shopping lists be sure to include some Union League merchandise. There is an outstanding selection to choose from at all the locations and through the Online Gift Shop.
The calendar is packed with many activities. I look forward to seeing you at the League.