News & Upcoming Events

GLENFIDDICH FORUM FOR WOMEN FALL MEETING – Wednesday, October 17, 2007

During the several years we have been sponsoring the Glenfiddich Forum for Women, we have been able to present to our loyal following a series of women speakers who have covered a wide swath of business endeavors: education, women’s leadership, motivational speaking, novelist, to name but a few. Our gathering on October 17 will add another category to our growing list—entrepreneur. We are pleased that Kristina Bouweiri, CEO of Reston Limousine Service, Inc. in Sterling, Virginia, will share her story about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, who has risen to the top with a lot of hard work, astute business smarts, and a few lucky breaks.

The business was started in 1990 by her soon-to-be husband, William Bouweiri, who launched the company with 5 limousines and an office. When she joined the company in 1991 during the depths of a recession, she pushed for a change in business strategy from marketing to corporate clients to going after the wedding market. Soon they were handling 20 to 40 weddings per weekend and the business turned the corner and has never looked back.

Still a family-owned business, the fleet has grown to over 150 vehicles—sedans, limousines, vans and busses—a staff of over 220 drivers and 39 administrators. What is the secret of the company’s success? “Attention to the little things,” Kristina has said, “and a determination to be the best in the business.” Kristina and her staff know the reasons their clients keep coming back—every driver is not only professional, prompt and courteous, but highly knowledgeable about the area.

Following her degree in international affairs, Kristina took a position with OEF International, and as a project manager in the Africa Department, made several trips to Somalia in support of programs to “uplift the status of women in Somalia.” Come hear her share her journey—from helping other women to raise their own self-awareness to becoming a successful entrepreneur herself.

We hope you will join us for this important presentation and discussion.

RSVP by Wednesday, October 10th (seating is limited – 40 maximum) to Melanie Miles (owner and principal) or Wendy at 703-777-3370, or email: feedback@mileslehane.com. And please remember that we need regrets as well as acceptances due to the number of people who want to come hear our Forum speakers.

We look forward to seeing you in October.

MELANIE MILES HONORED

The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society Board of Directors has named Melanie Miles Honorary Lifetime Member of the Society. This honor is in recognition of her many years of selfless giving of time and resources and her endless support of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Recreation Management. A Honorary Lifetime Membership certificate will be presented to Melanie during an awards ceremony held in conjunction with the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show on Saturday evening, November 8 in New York City.