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Ivy Society Hosts “Business Golf 101” Seminar for Northern Virginia Alumnae

	Hilary Fordwich discusses the benefits of hitting the links at a recent Northern Virginia Ivy Society event.

Want to grow your business? Build your network? Seal a deal that’s long been in the works?

According to workplace consultant and business-golf expert Hilary Fordwich, you’d better hit the links. This was the message that Fordwich (who, through her business development consultancy Strelmark LLC has worked with executives from such organizations as Microsoft, Unisys, and the American Red Cross) delivered to 34 McIntire alumnae April 11, 2008, at a seminar titled “Business Golf 101.” The seminar, held at Argy, Wiltse & Robinson P.C. in McLean, Va., was organized by the Ivy Society and hosted by Mary Karen Wills (McIntire ’82) and Sarah Marchetti (McIntire ’06, M.S. in Accounting ’07). Fordwich and Wills are colleagues who share a love of golf and have spent time together on the course. “Without their relationship this seminar would not have been possible,” says Laine Welch, Assistant Director of Development. “This event is a testament to the power of women’s networks.”

The Ivy Society is dedicated to promoting networking, mentoring, and philanthropy among women students, alumnae, and friends of the McIntire School of Commerce. The society’s mission is to support women enrolled in McIntire; to create a stronger bond among McIntire alumnae; to provide a setting for meaningful interaction and the sharing of experiences, opportunities, and ideas; and to highlight the importance and impact of women’s philanthropy.

Ivy Society programs take place in Washington, D.C.; New York City; Charlottesville; and Richmond, Va. “Moving forward, we are excited to expand our reach,” Welch says. “We welcome ideas from alumnae interested in spearheading Ivy Society efforts in new locations.”

The Ivy Society is devoted to giving in many ways. “This event is a great example of the reciprocal relationship we have with our alumnae—opportunities for learning, networking, and mentoring add value to our alumnae, and it is only through their support both financially and as volunteer leaders for McIntire that we can continue to offer these opportunities,” says Welch.

Welch says that the society also aims to examine philanthropy from a broader perspective. With this event, Fordwich and McIntire alumnae raised $580 for the First Tee, she points out. The mission of the First Tee is to impact the lives of young people in the Washington, D.C., by working to provide affordable access to golf facilities for those who have not had exposure to the game and its positive values. “Supporting community organizations such as the First Tee opens doors and contributes to our overall purpose of connecting women to each other and their communities while reconnecting with McIntire School of Commerce,” Welch says.

Fordwich, a 9-handicap golfer who has competed in the U.S. Women’s Southern Amateur Tournament for the last three years, told her enthusiastic audience that golf was a tool they couldn’t afford to ignore. “Men make deals, forge valuable relationships, and negotiate deals on the golf course,” Fordwich told the group. “Business golf is one of the best developmental tools out there, and all too often women neglect this powerful tool.” Fordwich’s presentation examined the relationship between the business world and the golf world. Participants learned the rules of the game, golf etiquette, how to avoid the most common golf blunders, and how to use judgment and discretion when approaching business on a golf course. “The seminar was appealing to golfers of all levels—from novices to experts,” Welch says.

Fordwich also sang golf’s praises as a means for connection between spouses and family members, encouraging mothers to take golf lessons with their children and wives to share quality time on the course with their husbands.

“The connections that are established on the golf course become a business bonding experience that lasts a lifetime,” Fordwich said. “In the four hours that it takes to play a round of golf, you can establish a relationship that is equivalent to spending four months or sometimes four years working with someone, serving on a board, or being involved in a charity. You can learn things about people on the golf course that help you decide if you’d want to work with them, if you’d want to hire them, or if you’d want to do business with them.”

“Business Golf 101” is just the start of a whole host of activities in the works from the Ivy Society, says Welch. “We really want to help McIntire women connect—McIntire alumnae offer one another a wonderful resource for both personal and business growth.”

Upcoming Ivy Society events include a “Women in Finance” dinner, to be held May 29, 2008, at the Liberty Tavern in Arlington, Va., and a Women’s Golf Stroke Clinic at Birdwood Golf Course in Charlottesville, Va., to be held the second week of June.

If you have questions about the Ivy Society or about upcoming Ivy Society events, please contact Laine Welch at 434-243-1180 or laine@virginia.edu.
 

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