Meet professional NASCAR driver Deborah Renshaw heading up the advisory panel of automotive expert women for Ask Patty. The Ask Patty advisory panel of automotive women experts will respond to questions on car purchases, service and other automotive related topics. Ask Patty is what women have been waiting for, a safe place to get advice before they visit their local car dealership.
Women In Trucking (WIT) -- a non-profit organization created to encourage the employment of women and assist in promoting a more female-friendly environment for those already in the trucking industry -- recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and hit a record one thousand corporate and individual members.
"Our rapid growth confirms what we've known all along," said Ellen Voie, WIT chairwoman, "that an association like this was long overdue! With a very active board combined with enthusiastic members we firmly believe we can make a difference in the trucking industry. One of our goals when we started WIT a year ago was to have a thousand members before the end of our first year. We've met that goal, and now we hope to double again within the next six months."
Women in Trucking was officially founded on March 12, 2007 as a means to encourage women to consider a career in the trucking industry, but to also provide a platform to voice the successes and struggles of those women already in the male-dominated field. WIT strives to promote women’s accomplishments and minimize obstacles to their career growth and development.
AutoSuccess Magazine is proud to announce that Susan Givens has been named the publication's new Publisher. Susan has been with Systems Marketing Inc., the parent company of AutoSuccess, since its inception, and most recently has served as the company's Vice President. Since starting with AutoSuccess Magazine, she says has seen the industry changing. "More women are influencing the automotive industry than ever before, it’s an exciting time for both consumer and automotive industry women!"
Susan brings a wealth of experience to her new position. In addition to her experience with the magazine, Susan won the 2007 Women's Automotive Association International (WAAI) Spirit of Leadership Award; is heavily involved with AskPatty serving on its Expert Panel; and has made many alliances within the automotive industry.
I'm thrilled with this opportunity," says Susan. "I'm ready to lead the magazine into a new era of commitment to both our readership and our advertisers. This will result in a win-win situation for everyone involved."
Meet Bonita Stewart who is the
director of the automotive vertical at Google. Stewart is responsible
for leading a national team that develops and manages Google's
relationships with automotive marketers. Stewart is part of the
vertical markets group at Google which are senior industry specialists
who help marketers in specific industries address their unique
objectives and challenges.
Recently she was interviewed by Jodi Harris at iMedia on her predictions. Here is an excerpt:
Harris: Green marketing and reducing oil
consumption seem to be major focal points for the coming year, and the
rise in mobile technology and niche social marketing indicate that that
localization will become a key marketing touchpoint for conveying
brands' positions. What thoughts or best practice recommendations can
you share to help automotive marketers strategize for these big issues
in 2008?
Stewart: First, automotive marketers should
implement localization on two levels -- brand and dealer. Brand
marketers have the unique opportunity today to deliver relevant
messages to their precise target, whether it's a potential hybrid
customer or someone interested in fuel economy, through contextual
targeting. Meanwhile, dealers have the opportunity to geographically
target their products and services, and mobile technology offers the
ability to connect with a dealer during the shopping process. Continue reading her interview on iMedia here: http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/18294.asp
Bonita Coleman Stewart brings more than 20 years of
marketing, technology, and industry expertise to Google, where she
oversees strategy development and execution for the automotive
category. Prior to joining Google, she provided operational and
thought leadership as the Director, Chrysler Group Interactive
Communications for DaimlerChrysler AG. In 2005, Advertising Age
named the Chrysler Group Interactive Marketer of the Year. Bonita also
enjoyed a 10-year career with IBM and co-founded Nia Enterprises, a
web-based company, in 2000.
Bonita is a frequent speaker at numerous marketing
and interactive conferences such as iMedia, eTail, AD:TECH and
Automotive CRM Roundtable and has been quoted in such publications as Automotive News, Advertising Age, Brandweek and USA Today. In 2005, she co-authored “The Fifth P of Marketing,” an article for CRM Magazine.
Bonita has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with
honors from Howard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Detroit Music
Hall and as a board member for the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.
She resides in Birmingham, Michigan with her husband, Kevin Stewart.
Found this interesting Blog Widget and thought is was pretty cool and wanted to share it with women looking for a career change and an automotive career is lucrative and exciting...just ask me or any of our expert 50 automotive expert women!
FREE Auto Jobs and Auto Career Advice. Resume Advice. ASK ANSWER
COMMENT - An open forum to discuss the challenges of finding (and
keeping) the perfect automotive position.
The Car Care Council Women’s Board is pleased to announce that Pamela Krebs, director, advertising and sales promotion, Robert Bosch LLC, is the fourth annual “Aftermarket Woman of the Year.” The announcement was made during the 2007 Women’s Board reception, which took place on Tuesday, Oct. 30, during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nev.
“We are all very proud of Pam and applaud her many years of dedicated service to the automotive aftermarket,” said Katie Noga, Women’s Board president. “We are honored to have her represent all women within the industry.”
Krebs was chosen by the Women’s Board executive committee based on her longevity in the aftermarket, her career accomplishments, her leadership capabilities and dedication to the automotive aftermarket industry.
Join City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and AskPatty.com's Jody DeVere for a Discussion on Careers in the Auto Industry; Plus Enjoy a Morning of Informative Safety Workshops and Special Events.
Event title: Women in the Driver's Seat: An Automotive
Career Event for Women
Location: Center for Automotive Education and
Training (CAET), 15-30 Petracca Place, Whitestone, NY
Timing: November 3, 2007 - 10:30 AM - 2 PM
Keynote Speaker - Jody DeVere
President of AskPatty.com and the Women's Automotive Association
International.
Panelists - Panel members has been asked to talk about their career path
within auto dealerships.
Suzanne Cochrane, General Manager, Helms Bros., Inc. (Mercedes)
Christine DeMartino, Service Manager, Millennium Hyundai
Jeri Gecevich, Controller, Biener Nissan-Audi
Joann Gecevich, Service Advisor, Stevens Ford
There will be car care workshops run by the New York State Dept. of Motor
Vehicles, the New York City Dept. of Transportation, and Toyota.
All are invited for a FREE brunch and chocolate cars will be given away as
well as goodie bags with info about GNYADA, the CAET, and sponsors.
Many car dealerships and automotive industry companies have been invited to meet YOU so bring your resumes. Open to the public , please join us and invite your friends, too!
For your FREE tickets and to get more information about this event contact: Diana - Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association Ph: 718-640-2000 or email women@gnyada.com
Ask Patty sat down recently with Melissa Montisano, General Manager for
Goodyear Brand Light Truck and SUV Tires. Melissa has an interesting
story about her career in automotive and her start in the industry.
Ask Patty: Tell us a little bit about your job. What do you to from day-to-day?
Melissa Montisano: I
am General Manager for Goodyear Brand Light Truck and SUV Tires. My
responsibilities include bringing to market the pickup and SUV tires
that consumers want and need. I am concerned with offering tires that
provide relevant benefits to consumers – such as safety and peace of
mind for SUV drivers, and confidence and toughness for light truck
drivers, so they can take on all-terrain situations. Every day is
dynamic! I typically work on growing the Goodyear brand in this product
segment, enriching our Wrangler and Fortera sub-brand equities, leading
and developing my team, and addressing daily business issues. I am
daily involved in many planning meetings, working with anyone from
marketing, engineering, consumer research, scheduling, communications,
manufacturing and various other business groups.
The Greater New York Automobile Dealer Association is having an automotive career day for the ladies! Learn about the lucrative and rewarding career opportunities for women in the automotive industry, bring your resume and GET HIRED!
Event title: Women in the Driver's Seat: An Automotive
Career Event for Women
Location: Center for Automotive Education and
Training (CAET), 15-30 Petracca Place, Whitestone, NY
Timing: November 3, 2007 - 10:30 AM - 2 PM
Keynote Speaker - Jody DeVere
President of AskPatty.com and the Women's Automotive Association
International
Panelists - Panel members has been asked to talk about their career path
within auto dealerships.
Suzanne Cochrane, General Manager, Helms Bros., Inc. (Mercedes)
Christine DeMartino, Service Manager, Millennium Hyundai
Jeri Gecevich, Controller, Biener Nissan-Audi
Joann Gecevich, Service Advisor, Stevens Ford
There will be car care workshops run by the New York State Dept. of Motor
Vehicles, the New York City Dept. of Transportation, and Toyota.
All are invited for a FREE brunch and chocolate cars will be given away as
well as goodie bags with info about GNYADA, the CAET, and sponsors.
Many car dealerships and automotive industry companies have been invited to meet YOU so bring your resumes. Open to the public , please join us and invite your friends, too!
For your FREE tickets and to get more information about this event contact: Diana - Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association Ph: 718-640-2000 or email women@gnyada.com
AskPatty.com is a young and growing internet marketing company primarily supporting the automotive retail market. We are looking for an experienced marketing/creative director to work full time in our Sarasota, Florida, offices.
This person will develop female-facing marketing campaigns for our dealer base, including self-contained programs that can be delivered by dealership personnel and point-of-purchase materials for use in the dealership; assist with finding and establishing relationships with organizations that can be leveraged to provide mutually beneficial on-site programs for the dealership (e.g. Girl Scouts of America) as well as other programs for increasing female traffic to the dealerships. Employee must be able to recognize and recommend potential up-sell products for our dealers websites.
Candidate will provide coordination of dealership and AskPatty advertising efforts, including working with the dealer's agency to integrate AskPatty into the dealer's media advertising campaigns; developing content ideas and copy for dealership media and eMarketing campaigns; and training and AskPatty Account Managers to work with dealership personnel to deliver programs/products above.
Finally, the ideal candidate must have excellent communications skills, as well as a degree in Marketing, Advertising, or other related field, as well as significant prior experience in developing marketing concepts and campaigns for the female consumer. Advertising agency experience preferred.
If you feel your qualifications fit this description, please contact us at 941-907-4187, or search for our online posting at Monster.com
AKRON, OHIO – Tire Review magazine proudly announces the winners of its 2007 Tire Review Top Shop Award. The Tire Review Top Shop Awards presented by Hennessy Industries seeks to honor the “best of the best” independent tire dealers in the U.S. and Canada.
This year’s Top Shop winner is Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida. The seven-location dealership, owned by Pamela Gatto, has been in business for 35 years. Founded in 1972 by her father, Mike Gatto, the company currently has 70 full-time employees and carries Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Toyo, Michelin, BFGoodrich and Delta tire lines. Gatto’s sees 98 percent of its sales come from the retail side, with tire sales making up 50 percent of its annual revenues.
“My father started this business in 1972 with the simple premise that we don’t sell tires and service, we sell peace of mind and make vehicles safe for our customers,” said Pam Gatto. “It is exciting to win ‘Top Shop’ and know that this premise and our commitment to the community is being recognized and celebrated.”
The
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has elected Annette
Sykora as its 2008 chairman. Sykora is dealer principal of Smith Ford
Mercury in Slaton, Texas, and Smith South Plains Ford, Lincoln-Mercury,
Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep in Levelland, Texas. John McEleney, president
of McEleney Motors, Inc. and Southgate Motors, Ltd., in Clinton, Iowa, was elected as NADA's 2008 vice chairman.
"I
am truly honored by the confidence that has been placed in me by the
board of directors, and I'm looking forward to facing the challenges
ahead," said Sykora.
The
election was held at NADA's board of directors meeting in West Palm
Beach, Fla. Sykora and McEleney will assume office at NADA's Convention
& Exposition, in San Francisco, February 9-12, 2008.
Annette Sykora Chairman-elect
Sykora, a new-car dealer since 1989, is NADA's vice chairman and has
served on the association's board of directors since 1999. She also is
a member of the Industry Relations Committee, trustee on the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation Board and director on the Insurance Trust Board.
AskPatty congratulates Susan Moe, as she makes a move up in the automotive industry. Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES), a nationally recognized secondary school-to-career initiative, has named Susan Moe as Executive Director. In this role, Susan will be responsible for the development of the team, processes, and standards to take the initiative to the next level, enhancing the relationship with key partners and stakeholders to continue educating, and experientially preparing quality young men and women for dealership service technology careers and OEM postsecondary opportunities.
Moe joins AYES with 18 years of experience from Ford Motor Company's Customer Service Division . Most recently, she was the Business Development Coordinator for Ford's Technical Support Operations where she came to know the AYES organization through working to increase the number of interns placed in Ford dealerships and increasing dealer involvement in the AYES program.
"We are excited to have Susan join the AYES team," said AYES President and CEO Larry Cummings. "Her previous experience and overall knowledge of the automotive industry will bring new depth to the organization. We enjoyed working with Susan while she was with Ford and are looking forward to the passion and enthusiasm she will bring to our organization moving forward."
Denise Koeth (keeth) has joined Babcox Publications as managing editor for the company's Tire Review magazine. She will also serve as an assistant editor on Tire Review’s sister publication, Fleet Equipment magazine.
A veteran reporter, Koeth started her career at the Barberton (Ohio) Herald and most recently worked for the Medina County Gazette. She graduated with honors from The University of Akron, earning a bachelors degree in mass media communications.
“We are excited to add such an outstanding journalist to our team,” said Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review. “Denise brings strong tools and a great background to Tire Review, and she is anxious to learn everything she can about the tire industry and the automotive aftermarket.”
AutoSuccess
strives to stay on the cutting edge to help sales professionals reach their
professional and personal goals, and we now have an exciting new tool to do
just that. For “SellingSuccess: The Podcast,” we have been interviewing experts
in the industry and are making them freely available on our Web Site and on iTunes!
We’ve recently interviewed author and speaker Debbie Allen on the importance of
setting goals, and communications expert Patti Wood on how to make an audience
sit up and take notice when you’re speaking. Both Debbie and Patti are writers
for AutoSuccess, and have been interviewed by top publications and broadcast
programs. We’re excited to offer their tips and advice to our audience in a new
way.
Northwood University Senior Tiffany
Nabozny is the first female student to chair the 44 year old Northwood University Auto Show, she credits the hard work of the students for making the show a
success.
"The 2007 International Auto Show has grown to include 100 more
vehicles than last year's show - that's a 25 percent increase in one
year," said Nabozny. "This figure is just further proof of Northwood
students' commitment to successfully managing the biggest and the best
outdoor auto show in the country."
ASK PATTY:
What advice would you give a young woman who was interested in starting a career in the automotive industry?
Tiffany Nabozny:
Sometimes females, young woman especially, can find being in a
male-dominated industry frustrating. I found that a lot of people
didn't take me seriously. However, I took that negative energy and
turned it into a challenge; a challenge to succeed. Don't ever take no
for an answer when you want to succeed and make your dreams come true.
Feed off other people's negative energy and turn that into a challenge
for you to do better. Also progress and move forward. If something is
holding you back, leave it behind, because at the end of the day you
will have to face yourself in the mirror and make sure that you are
proud of who you are. Also remember, never act outside your character
or jeopardize yourself to advance. Your moral character and ethics make
up who you are and make sure they remain when you make it to the top.
During the opening ceremonies of the Northwood Auto Show in Midland, Michigan Friday September 28th, Chip Perry, CEO and President of AutoTrader.com, awarded Tiffany Nabozny with a one year full tuition scholarship to Northwood University. Tiffany was overwhelmed at the podium with gratitude and surprise at the generosity and honor of being selected, her parents, who attended the events, were absolutely beaming with pride over their daughter and her accomplishments.
Pictured left to right; Chip Perry, CEO of AutoTrader.com, Mr. Nabozny, Tiffany Nabozny, Mrs. Nabonzy, Joe Lescota, Chair of Automotive Marketing programs for Northwood University.
I am in Motown, (Detroit) this week and have two great events to honor and support the careers of women in the automotive industry.
Ever think about a career in the automotive industry? Would you encourage your daughter to look at the automotive industry as a career? There is a shortage of young women choosing the automotive industry and the various exciting, lucrative and interesting career choices.
From professional race car driver, being on a design team on a new vehicle to running your own car dealership, there are so many choices and a BIG demand to hire more qualified women. Sound interesting and exciting? It really is.
I will be presenting Lyn St James, professional race car driver and founder of the Women's in the Winner's Circle Foundation, with a professional achievement award at the Automotive Hall of Fame tonight, in my role as president of the Women's Automotive Association International. I will also be participating Friday at the opening of the 44th annual Northwood University Auto Show to support Tiffany Nabozny the show's 2007 general chair.
Northwood University Senior Tiffany Nabozny is the first female student to chair this 44 year old auto show, she credits the hard work of the students for making the show a success.
"The 2007 International Auto Show has grown to include 100 more
vehicles than last year's show - that's a 25 percent increase in one
year," said Nabozny. "This figure is just further proof of Northwood
students' commitment to successfully managing the biggest and the best
outdoor auto show in the country."
Tiffany invited me to take part in the V.I.P. event that will open the show on Friday featuring keynote speaker Dean Eisner, president and C.E.O. of Manheim, and a panel discussion with industry leaders and influencers, including Jamie Power from J.D. Power and Associates; myself, Jody DeVere, President of AskPatty.com and Women's Automotive Association International; Don Reimondo of Affinia Group Inc.; Chip Perry, President and C.E.O. of AutoTrader.com and Darryl Jackson, V.P. of U.S. Sales for Chrysler.
Note: I am so honored to be in such good company on this VIP panel as the only female auto industry representative !
Careers in automotive are not all about getting greasy under your fingernails. Investigate your career options in the automotive sector and encourage your daughters to do the same!
Jody DeVere President www.AskPatty.com www.CarBlabber.com
ASK PATTY:
What is one piece of advice you would give a woman who was interested
in starting a career in the automotive industry and a dealership
specifically?
Annette Sykora: Learn all you can about how the business
works; it is exciting, challenging and NEVER boring. You must have a
tremendous confidence level and love people.
Tough in Texas, Annette Sykora is a small dealer in a small town in west Texas – couldn’t
possibly be wise in how the big guys play in the big city. Guess again.
And it might be easy to brush aside the fact
she is the incoming chairman for the National Automobile Dealers Assn.
She’s probably the token diversity card for NADA, right? Not even close.
If you are a franchise car dealer, this should
matter to you a lot. Sykora is assuming the top spot at NADA in a year
that might end up being one of the most critical in the history of
automotive retailing.
Annette Sykora is third-generation auto dealer and incoming chairman for National Automobile Dealers Assn.
Sykora, during an interview with Ward's Dealer Business at her Smith South Plains Ford Mercury
store in Slaton, TX, shows a lot of confidence, fight and toughness –
all without false bravado.
But there are times she says when she wonders
if she is “equipped” for the job. She talks about the importance of her
faith and says she prays about it “a lot now.”
Her first new car, a country blue ‘91 Ford Explorer, remains her favorite.
But she sometimes feels the need for an
exhilarating drive saying, “If I’m having a bad day, if I can take a
5-minute drive in a Cobra Mustang – it has to be black – then
everything is all right with the world.”
"The Desire, The Drive, The Destination" is the theme for the 2007 Northwood University International Auto Show. The 44th annual Northwood University International Auto Show – being held September 28th through September 30th – features over 450 new domestic and import cars, trucks, vans, experimental, specialty, and recreational vehicles to its over 30,000 annual guests, along with a growing extensive aftermarket exhibit for aftermarket enthusiasts.
Throughout the three-day event, show attendees can indulge in the vehicles of the future as well as reminisce with those of yesterday, during the Sunday Classic Car Show that is all proudly planned and executed solely by Northwood students.
Ask Patty president Jody DeVere is honored to be a member of the Northwood University International Auto Show VIP Panel! She will be speaking to the attendees about her personal career in the automotive industry as well as where the industry is headed. Other members of the panel include: Chip Perry, CEO of AutoTrader, Dean Eisner, President and CEO of Manheim, Darryl Jackson, VP of U.S. Sales for Chrysler, and Don Reimondo, Senior Vice President of Customer Relationship Management for Affinia Group.
Chrysler has jumped on the blog bandwagon with their new Voices of Chrysler blog, edited by Jackie Headapohl. Jackie recently gave an in-depth interview to Diva Marketing Blog and filled us in on the background, history, the why and the where of Voices of Chrysler. We just love all the stuff over at Diva Marketing Blog that we wanted to post some of this recent juicy automotive interview!
Toby/Diva Marketing: Chrysler’s step into an open social media conversation (as opposed to the media only Firehouse blog) sends a strong signal that business at Chrysler will not be business as usual. How will the culture of blogs and social media complement the culture of the “new” Chrysler?
Jackie Headapohl: The culture of The New Chrysler is the same as the old one—scrappy, innovative, risk-taking. The people that work here are passionate and love the car culture. We wanted to start out fresh by opening a conversation with our customers, also passionate people who love our products and cars in general. If we win some new customers over, too, that will be great! Also, even though we’re now a privately held company, we want the world to know that communication remains a high priority.
The Women's Automotive Association International held a So Cal Speed Networking Happy Hour, (think speed dating, but subtract the dating and add smart people and interesting topics) with about 40 auto industry attendees. The attendees who supported the event were a fun and interesting group that exchanged plenty of business cards and did some “A” game networking!
There was tremendous show of support for the WAAI by the many leading auto industry companies represented at the event; Cars.com, JD Power and Associates, Auto Media, MileOne, R.L. Polk, Jumpstart Automotive Media, Autobase, Ward's Dealer Business, Chrome Systems, several auto dealerships, large dealer groups and auto industry suppliers.
The Door Prize, a iPod Nano, was won by Michael Baker, Bob Baker Auto Group CEO, thanks to sponsorship by Cassie Broemmer of Century Interactive!! Dealer Centric Solutions , Inc, was the major sponsor for the event along with associate sponsors Reach Local and Dealer Socket.
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend some time recently with Susan Docherty, General Motors Western Region General Manager. She is an amazing woman who has contributed much to the automotive industry during her tenure at General Motors and by the time our hour was up, I was extremely impressed by the passion and enthusiasm she so clearly demonstrates for what she does.
Susan has spent more than 22 years with General Motors, and currently leads the sales, service, marketing, and distribution efforts for 16 Western states, including Hawaii and Alaska. And even though she currently possesses two undergraduate degrees from the University of Windsor as well as a Sloan Fellow with Distinction with a Master of Science from Stanford University, her origins at General Motors are humble: Believe it or not, she began as a business student working an internship on the midnight shift at the Windsor, Ontario (Canada) transmission plant.
When I asked her how she first became interested in a career in automotive, she said it was simply curiosity. “I had no vision at that point that I was going to enter the auto industry (as a career) but thought that with Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler all producing vehicles in that city, that it would be important for me to understand the industry.”
The Women's Automotive Association International (WAAI), International Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the launch of the WAAI 2007 International Scholarship Program. This scholarship opportunity is available to all WAAI members and their immediate families, and the employees and immediate families of WAAI Sponsoring Companies, who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program on a full or part-time basis.
The International Scholarship Committee wants to make a significant contribution to those individuals currently employed within the automotive industry, as well as to set the foundation for students who are pursuing their education toward an automotive-related career.
Through its generous sponsorship support, the WAAI will award multiple scholarships to honored part and full-time students during the 2007 calendar year. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and the contributions they have made to this important scholarship fund.
If you or a member of your immediate family is interested in applying for one of these rewards, please request an application packet from Mary Wetzel, WAAI Scholarship Director, at mary@tekmodo.net.
All applications must be received by January 31, 2008.
We look forward to hearing from you, and appreciate your continued support of the WAAI.
WAAI International Scholarship Committee, WAAI International Board of Directors
My
best friend in SL, RC Winkler, first gave me a need for speed in Second Life,
when she showed me her Busa motorcycle. I got one as soon as I could and found racers island, which is now my
home track. I met the owners, CharlyM3
Foden and Eddie Matheison, while I was riding my own Busa. They are both two of the best people you will
meet in SL. They maintain this open
track and run things like I would if I could, for the fun of it!! I race in RL, SCCA Autocross, so this was a
natural progression for me to come to SL racing once I discovered it. The best part about ra
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Women In Trucking (WIT) -- a non-profit organization created to encourage the employment of women and assist in promoting a more female-friendly environment for those already in the trucking industry -- recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and hit a record one thousand corporate and individual members. 
