CREDIT PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL OF ATLANTA
Prevent Credit Abuse - Promote Credit Education
"Let Your
Light Shine"

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2007

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2007

March,
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February,
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2007

December,
2006

October,
2006


previous
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2006-2007 Year In Review
September:  Seven members participated at the Bridge Benefit held on September 29 at Bethesda
Senior Center in Gwinnett.  Joyce Dove was the coordinator.  Chick-fil-A, Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville,
provided lunch.  There were 52 players and the funds raised will be divided between the National
Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Credit Education Resources Foundation, and CPI of
Atlanta.  There was also an educational display and book sale.

Anthony Stroman spoke on "Maximizing Your Life" at the September 20 meeting with nine members
and three guests in attendance.  New officers were elected, and Tom Newell, Newell Financial
Services, rejoined the association.

Rhonda McKinney and Michele Rocher attended CPI of Tennessee's State Conference in Jackson,
TN, September 21-23.

Carol Neal and Michele Rocher attended CPI of North Carolina's State Conference in Charlotte, NC,
September 14-16.  Carol installed North Carolina's new Career Club officers, and Michele won a First
Timer award.  Workshop topics included "Stress Management in the Workplace" and "Removing
Obstacles to Progress".  

Vice President Anne Hammond hosted the September 13 Board Meeting in her home. Plans were
discussed for Make A Difference Day in October, State Conference, fund-raising events, the North
Fulton extension project and community education projects.

August:  Eight members and three guests attended the August 6 meeting to hear Dr. Cindy Gale
speak on "Seven Steps to Less Stress".

Carol Neal and Anthony Stroman presented the FTC's new Identity Theft presentation "Deter - Detect -
Defend" and handed out educational materials to 22 people attending a Financial Seminar
sponsored by Tom Newell on August 6 at the Pappadeaux Restaurant in Norcross.   Anthony Stroman
gave the presentation to another 25 people on August 9 with the assistance of Anne Hammond.

Chairman Michele Rocher hosted the annual Past President's Social at Pancho's on Buford Hwy on
Saturday, August 11, with six members and two former members attending.

July:  Five members and five guests attended the Summer Social, chaired by Mary  Rangel-Mattox on
July 21 at Chateau Elan.  After touring the winery, attendees enjoyed lunch at the Clubhouse Grille.    
Anne Hammond presented "Eight Habits to Enhance Your Life" to seven members on July 19.

Anthony Stroman presented ten credit education and identity theft prevention seminars in July
reaching 591 people.  In Atlanta he spoke to 10 people on July 7, ten people on July 12, 60 people on
the evening of July 14, six people on July 24 and 60 people on July 28.  He spoke to 175 people at Ft.
McPherson on the morning of July 14 and 20 people in Riverdale that afternoon.  On July 17 he spoke
to 40 people in Stone Mountain and to 150 people at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in Duluth
on July 20.  And he spoke to 60 people at the University Hilton in Charlotte, NC, on July 21.

June:   Anthony Stroman presented five credit education seminars.  In Atlanta he spoke to 15 people
on June 2, ten people on June 9, and 20 people on June 15.  He spoke to 50 people in Ft;
Lauderdale, FL, on June 22 and to 50 people in Miami, FL, on June 23.

Eight members and one guest attended the June meeting held at Equifax in their multi-media room.
Charlotte Maness, CCCE/MPCE, Past International President, presented the program on
"Communication, Communication, Communication" from North Carolina via audio conference.  
Anthony Stroman shared a portion of the DVD he uses in his credit education seminars entitled "In
Debt We Trust", and Carol Neal showed the FTC's new video about Identity Theft entitled "Deter -
Detect - Defend".  Members were also able to view the Public Service Announcement that Carol and
Anne Hammond made for CPI of Atlanta that aired on WATC 57 in May.

Carol Neal presented the FTC's new Identity Theft presentation "Deter - Detect - Defend" and handed
out educational materials at three Financial Seminars sponsored by Tom Newell in June at the
Pappadeaux Restaurant in Norcross.  There were 35 people on June 12, 27 people on June 14 and
28 people on June 18.

Joyce Dove, Anne Hammond, Rhonda McKinney and Rhonda's mother, Joanne McKinney, attended
the International Conference in Portsmouth, VA, June 20-24.  CPI of Atlanta was recognized for
membership increase.

May:  Anne Hammond and Carol Neal gave a talk on "Identity Theft:  Deter, Detect, Defend" to approx.
45 seniors at Clairmont Place in Decatur on May 9.

Seven members and one sponsor were on hand for SpringFest, sponsored by CPI of Atlanta at the
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church on May 5.  There was food, entertainment, 28 vendors and
over 300 attendees and the event raised over $500 for the National Center for Missing & Exploited
Children, the Credit Education Resources Foundation and credit education activities in the Atlanta
community.

Carol Neal spoke on "What's Attitude Have to Do with Leadership" at the May meeting honoring Past
Presidents.

Many thanks to the members for the donations of food for the Atlanta Day Shelter and Johnnie's
House program.  In return, we will receive 10 free PSA's on WATC 57 Atlanta Live.  Anne Hammond
and Carol Neal filmed the commercial on May 1, and began airing the week of  May 11.

April:  Anne Hammond hosted the Board Meeting at her home on April 12.  Eight members and one
guest attended the Membership Meeting on April 26 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  Anne
Hammond spoke on " Handwriting Analysis" and Carol Neal presented a report from the District
Conference.

District Conference Report:

Joyce Dove, Anne Hammond, Rhonda McKinney, Carol Neal, Michele Rocher, and sponsor Janice
Dressler attended the "70th Reunion" Conference of Credit Professionals International of District III &
IV in Jackson, MS, April 20-21.  The first education session was an energetic workshop on attitude
management entitled "Build a Better You" facilitated by Kahne Simmons from the Jackson Regional
Mental Health Center.  Then Joyce McCants, Community Outreach Specialist with the Jackson FBI,
spoke to the group about a new FBI training and awareness program called the Citizens Academy
being provided to the public free of charge, and Special Agent Brian McCarty of the FBI White Collar
Crimes Division gave a presentation on "Fraud Involving Financial Institutions", focusing on real
estate fraud.

At the Memorial Service, Rhonda McKinney accepted a rose in memory of Vera Sue Webb from
Atlanta.  CPI of Atlanta won second place in flyer- type bulletin and third place in mileage.  Friday
evening was a walk "Down Memory Lane" as members donned hats and gloves in tribute to the
original Dixie Council Credit Women's Breakfast Club of North America.  Anne Hammond's slide
show presentation of old photos was a big hit, and Joyce Dove donned her furs and gloves to
entertain with a verbal history of the District and some entertaining stories from past District
Conferences and Georgia meetings.  Corine Jones, CPI of Savannah, GA, was recognized for the
longest membership in the District.  Corine joined CPI in 1952.  Joyce Dove also received a
certificate...Joyce joined CPI in 1957.  Joyce also received the 2005-2006 State President Award for
Communication.  Atlanta members recognized for receiving their certification were Sarah Hill, PCS;
Mary Rangel-Mattox, MPCE; and Barbara Waters, MPCE (renewal).  Rhonda McKinney was recognized
as Georgia Credit Professionals of the Year.  The District Walk-a-Thon "Heart or No Heart" was based
on the popular "Deal or No Deal" television game and raised almost $800 for the Foundation.  
Rhonda McKinney was one of "Howie's girls".  

Past International President Gail Ottinger installed the new officers:  President, Anita Dingledine,
Jackson, TN; Vice President, Diane Radcliff, Charlotte, NC; Secretary, Michele Rocher, Atlanta, GA;
and Betsy Higgins stood in for Treasurer, Tammy Rucker, Gastonia, NC, who could not attend.  
President Anita's theme this year will be "ROOTS", with the oak tree for her symbol.  Her President's
Project is for individuals and associations to report on how they strengthen the roots of their
association by "Retaining and Recruiting" new members, reaping the "Opportunities" of credit
education, sharing the "Optimism" of Credit Professionals, meeting goals through "Teamwork", and
achieving "Success".  Serving on the District level for 2007-2008 from Atlanta are:  Michele Rocher,
Secretary; Rhonda McKinney, Future Planning Chairman; Joyce Dove, Audit Chairman; Carol Neal,
Webmaster and Bylaws Committee; and Anne Hammond, DixieGram Editor.  New District Treasurer
Tammy Rucker will be Georgia's mentor this year.  Next year's District III & IV Conference will be at the
Doubletree Inn in Jackson, TN, April 18-19, 2008.

March:  Credit Education Month!  Carol Neal and Joyce Dove presented "Preventing Identity Theft" to
approximately 100 attendees at the March 8 meeting of the Golden Group at the Greek Orthodox
Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta.

Seven members participated at the Bridge Benefit held on March 10 at Bethesda Senior Center in
Gwinnett.  Joyce Dove was the coordinator.  There were 64 players and the benefit netted $345 which
will be divided between the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Credit Education
Resources Foundation, and CPI of Atlanta.  There was also an educational display and a book sale.

The Credit Education Month display went up at the Windward Parkway location of
Curves in Alpharetta
on March 12 and was there all month, seen by approximately 230 people.  The marketing director was
so pleased with the information provided that she has asked for more information to display in five
other Curves locations.  Rhonda McKinney arranged for a display of educational materials for children
and adults at Manning Oaks Elementary School in Alpharetta, GA.  Michele Rocher arranged for a
display of educational materials at Dr. Stephen Byrne's office in Jasper, GA.

Carol Neal presented a communication workshop on "Finding Your True Colors" for the staff at
Dr. Stephen Byrne's office on March 14.  

Rhonda McKinney tutored a 3rd grade math class at Manning Oaks Elementary in Alpharetta five
times during March.

Eight members and two guests attended the Annual Sponsor Appreciation Night on March 15 at the
Piccadilly Cafeteria.  Janice Dressler was honored as Sponsor of the Year, and Sarah Hill received
her Professional Credit Specialist certification.  

Barbara Waters assisted with an all day open educational session put on by Partners Funding Group
for approximately 50 local loan officers in Las Vegas, NV, on March 15.  She provided information from
SunTrust on obtaining and working with home equity loans.  Glennie Miles put her Credit Counseling
background to good use helping a couple make plans
to reestablish their credit and avoid foreclosure.

Anthony Stroman spoke to approximately 225 people during Credit Education Month including Parent
Meetings on Finances in Georgia on March 1 and March 8, Prosperity Parties in Georgia on March 5,
10, 13, 17, and 19, a presentation to Century 21 Agents in Riverdale, GA on March 14, a Financial
Healing Seminar in Cordelle, GA on March 14, a Financial Destination Bootcamp in Atlanta, GA on
March 17, a Financial Workshop for seniors at Tri-Cities High School in East Point, GA on March 20,
a Building Wealth conference in Illinois on March 24 and at a networking event in Dallas, TX on
March 31.

February:  Six members and two guests attended the February 15 meeting to hear Lynn Hudziak,
Equifax, speak on "Understanding Your Credit and Protecting Your Identity".  New member Anthony
Stroman, Stroman Enterprises, was installed.  Packages for Credit Education Month
were distributed.  

Five members attended the Inter-City Credit Council meeting in Columbia, SC on February 24.  
President Michele Rocher presided.  Carol Neal facilitated the workshop entitled "Grin and Bear It".

January:  Nine members and three guests attended the January 18 meeting to hear Rhonda
McKinney, Equifax, speak on "VantageScore:  The New Standard in Credit Risk Scoring".  Mary Rangel-
Mattox received her Master Professional Credit Executive certification.  At the board meeting that
followed plans were made for Credit Education Month in March and SpringFest in May.

December:  Seven members and seven guests attended the Winter Social at the Piccadilly Cafeteria
on Sunday, December 17.  Program Chairman Michele Rocher provided entertainment with holiday
music, a tree trimming contest, Christmas trivia, and an ornament exchange.  Holiday greetings were
given by Rhonda McKinney, Georgia State President, and Michele Rocher, District Treasurer.

November:  The Orientation Board meeting was held on November 16 at the Piccadilly Cafeteria.  
Parliamentarian Michele Rocher instructed the Board members on their new duties for the coming
year and plans for the Spring Fund-raiser Festival, Credit Education Month, and expansion into North
Fulton were discussed.  The members also got started on their "Let Your Light Shine" projects and
donated clothing and toys for Clayton County Family Services as part of our annual "Angel Project".
 

The yard sale held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on November 4 was successful with
five members on hand.  A great deal of credit education materials were given to attendees and funds
were raised  from the sale of books and other items donated by CPI members that will be donated to
the Credit Education Resources Foundation, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,
and used for CPI of Atlanta's activities.   Thanks to the members who helped and donated to the
project, and a special thank you to Joyce Dove for contributing towards the cost of the CPI table.

October:   CPI of Atlanta hosted a Bridge Benefit on Saturday, October 28, for Make A Difference Day at
the Bethesda Senior Center in Gwinnett.  Sixteen tables were sold, netting over $500.  Proceeds
benefited the Credit Education Resources Foundation and the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children.  The association also provided consumer education brochures to the public at this
event.  Two members staffed a booth at Plaza Fiesta, handing out consumer education brochures in
English and Spanish at this major Latino community shopping spot.  Anne Hammond was in St.
Louis for "Make A Difference Day" activities with the Credit Education Resources Foundation Board.
Sponsor Janice Dressler gave a "weekend out" to a friend from a retirement community.

CPI of Atlanta hosted the Inter-City Credit Council meeting on Sunday, October 22.  Seven members
and one sponsor attended from Atlanta, and there were 17 in attendance overall .  Carol Neal won the
Comer Cherry Award.  Three Atlanta members had perfect attendance:  Rhonda McKinney, Carol
Neal, and Michele Rocher.  Carol Neal installed the new officers:  Michele Rocher, Atlanta, GA,
President, and James Moyers, Charleston, SC, Secretary/Treasurer, using the theme "Grin and Bear
It".  After the meeting Carol Neal presented a workshop on "Communicating with Compassion".

CPI of Atlanta hosted the CPI of Georgia  Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 21.  Atlanta member
Rhonda McKinney was installed by International Second Vice President Esther Brinkley as Georgia
State President using the theme "Stepping Up and Stepping Out", and she was also named Georgia
Credit Professional of the Year.  Michele Rocher was endorsed for District Office.  CPI of Atlanta won
the State Bulletin Award.  Seven Atlanta members and one sponsor attended and there were
twenty-one attendees overall.  The workshop speaker was Wendell Ellington of Equifax who
presented "Team Problem Solving".

The Atlanta Installation and Awards Dinner was held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Roswell, GA, on
Friday, October 20, 2006, with seven members and 10 guests in attendance.  District President Nona
Ellzey, from CPI of Jackson, MS, installed the
new officers using the theme: "Let Your Light Shine":  
President; Carol Neal, CCBE/MPCE, President, Anne Hammond, CCBE/MPCE, Vice President, and
Joyce Dove, CCCE/MPCE, Treasurer.  Sarah Hill stood in for Secretary Mary-Rangel Mattox who could
not attend.  Six members were recognized for Perfect Attendance in 2005-2006. Carol Neal received
Lifetime Membership for 25 years perfect attendance.   Anne Hammond was named Outstanding
Member of the Year and outgoing President Rhonda McKinney was named Credit Professional of the
Year.  


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