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As we enter a new year, it's custom to say farewell to the year we leave behind. 2006 has been an exciting year of venture capital investments, executive shake-ups, and manufacturing growth. Many in our FEWnet community have embarked on their own adventures with career moves and promotions, weddings and births, vacations and retirements. To honor these events, we have added a Members on the Move section. We encourage you to let us know of personal news you would like to share with other FEWnet members for future editions of Just Dessert.

Back by popular demand, you will see this month that Karen's Corner has returned with some food for thought as we try to navigate through our careers. When not seeking advice from those around us, many FEWnet small group members are turning to books to light a path and so we have also added a section to highlight What Members are Reading.

If you're unable to commit to one of our monthly small groups, we do highly recommend that you make time on your schedule for our Annual FEWnet party. With over 200 financial women on hand, each year brings interesting speakers, a fantastic wine selection, and new friendships that strengthen throughout the year. Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, June 7, at the DoubleTree Hotel. More to follow in coming months!

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Shannon Hendricks

Shannon Hendricks is the Senior Vice President of Finance at Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., a leading professional services firm that specializes in reinsurance administration and asset recovery. Paragon is a member company of Benfield Group Ltd., the world's leading independent reinsurance intermediary and risk advisory business.

A Minneapolis native and alum of the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Shannon began her career at KPMG before taking a position with one of her clients, Allianz, which would last for the next 15 years. She later moved into various progressive finance roles with Cigna and Shelter Corporation. Shannon was excited to join Paragon in September 2006 during a high growth period and continues to be impressed by the leadership and company culture that celebrates success.

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Read about hot topics from this month's FEWnet small group discussions.

• Succession planning is critical but is it a priority?
• Corporate holiday gifts go beyond traditional cash bonuses.
• Internships: A launching pad for students and a smart move for employers.
• Tips for email organization and utilization.
• The growing popularity of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

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12: The Elements of Great Managing is the self proclaimed long-awaited sequel to the bestseller, First Break All the Rules. Backed by The Gallup Organization's study of ten million employee and manager interviews spanning 114 countries, this book gets to the core of how to create and sustain employee engagement for all companies, large and small.

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Looking back...

...I really didn't like myself in corporate America. I was more interested in keeping my job by pleasing my boss than really adding value by being the confident, talented, and insightful person I could have been. Of course, it is intimidating at times to be oneself, but in the end, the company with the most active brains will win. Now that I have learned a thing (or nine) over these past 13 years as an entrepreneur, I have some advice for those who are still in corporate America.

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Annual FEWnet Party

Our annual FEWnet party will be held at the Park Place DoubleTree hotel on June 7, starting at 5:30 pm. Join your fellow FEWnet members for a memorable evening of networking, wine tasting, fellowship, fabulous hors d'oeuvres, and a compelling keynote speaker. Look for more information in the coming months but be sure to mark your calendars today - you won't want to miss it!

New FEWnet Small Group

We are in the process of launching a new FEWnet small group in the North Metro. If you're a Manager or Controller looking for an opportunity each month to discuss industry trends, get advice on workplace situations, and share best practices with likeminded women in the northwest metro, this group is for you! Please contact Melissa Mlakar at mmlakar@certespros.com or 952-345-3437.

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Jana Sweet, Director of Finance and Human Resources at GFK Custom Research Inc., welcomed a baby boy, Romeo Alexander Sweet, on December 7. Congratulations!

Shannon Hendricks joined Paragon Strategic Solutions this fall as the Senior Vice President of Finance. Best of luck to Shannon in her new role!

Monique Durda tied the knot and is now Monique Morton. She and her husband, Scott, enjoyed a fall wedding followed by a Hawaiian honeymoon. Warm wishes to the newlyweds!

Kathy Schuerman has recently joined Otto Bock Healthcare U.S. as the Controller of U.S. Operations and Shared Services. Congratulations and best wishes!

Peggy Muehlberg is now Director of Finance at St. Paul Travelers. All the best to Peggy!

Introducing, Mary Zadach! Mary Blatherwick, Controller at Coloplast Manufacturing U.S., recently married Paul Zadach and marked the occasion with a honeymoon trip to the eastern Caribbean. Cheers!

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Certes Financial Pros is a financial placement firm specializing in providing professionals to Twin Cities' companies needing project, interim staffing, and permanent hiring support. Whether you have a temp or temp to perm need, Certes Contract is here to help with a wide variety of high level professionals to ease your team’s workload.

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