June 2017

June 2017
Newsletter
DiD you know…
there are an estimated 1,800 women in Omaha involved in the sex trade and
approximately 50% of them are involuntary?
we DiDn’t either…
make sure you attend this month’s luncheon where you can find out what you
can do to help human trafficking in the community that we work and live in.
Thursday, June 8th, 2017
Champions Run
13800 Eagle Run Drive
11:15-11:45 am—Networking
11:45 am-1:00pm—Lunch & Program
We encourage attendees to please PRE-REGISTER by:
- EMAIL Ashley Smith at livengood@burrow stracts.com
- ONLINE at w w w .w cromaha.com (Buy Now )
- FACEBOOK (Click “Join” for the WCR Omaha Business Luncheon)
** See Details on Page 4 **

WCR Leadership and Contact Information
The Golf Committee is still
accepting raffle & door prizes!
Minimum $25 value
The mission of the Women’s Council of REALTORS ®
We are a network of successful REALTORS ®
empowering women to exercise their potential as
entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
GOVERNING BOARD OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Darla Bengtson ........................ 402-676-2842
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Angel Starks ............................. 402-553-5744
VP OF MEMBERSHIP
Denise Poppen ......................... 402-880-7700
REGIONAL GOVERNOR
Jessica Sawyer ........................ 402-679-8166
SECRETARY
Laura Longo ............................. 402-758-6041
TREASURER
Rachel Pierce ........................... 712-355.2040
PAST PRESIDENT
Crystal Archer .......................... 402-215-5483
PARLIAMENTARIAN & BY-LAWS
Therese Wehner ....................... 402-670-0101
WAYS AND MEANS CHAIR
Lindsey Krenk .......................... 402-415-4358
STANDING COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Brenda Stuart ........................... 402-306-6319
WEBMASTER
Crystal Archer .......................... 402-215-5483
EAT, DRINK, LIP SYNC CHAIR
Lori Bonnstetter ....................... 402-536-0234
EAT, DRINK, LIP SYNC CO-CHAIR
Bridget Vacha ........................... 402-706-6175
GOLF CHAIR
Erin Pearson ............................. 402-560-4170
GOLF CO­-CHAIR & SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR
Denise Poppen ......................... 402-560-4170
HOLIDAY RECEPTION CHAIR
Angela Brant ............................ 402-215-1529
EDUCATION CHAIR
Gabe Kopun ............................. 402-553-5744
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
LUNCHEON RESERVATIONS
Ashley Smith ............................ 402-618-2992
COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
Jen Monjaras ............................ 402-200-8554
PHOTOGRAPHER
Hanna Oltman .......................... 402-619-5555
TECHNOLOGY CHAIR
Amy Dritley .............................. 402-650-8631
HOSPITALITY CHAIR
Carmen Bunde ......................... 402-850-3829

2017 President’s View
Members of the Leadership Team have just returned from the Mid-Year Legislative Conference.
Each time I have traveled as part of the leadership, I am proud of our Women’s Council here in
Omaha! We are fortunate to have had such great leaders in the past that have been forward
thinking, taking our Network into the future.
One of my favorite things is watching other members of our Omaha Network that travel with us
for the first time and seeing their passion and excitement build during the classes we attend. It is
truly about developing and empowering leaders and moving WCR forward.
Some of you may have seen our amazing pictures where we visited several historical sites in our
Capital. Women’s Council is also about relationship building. I absolutely love the members, both
REALTORS® and Strategic Partners, I have had the privilege of meeting and cherish the
friendships I have made.
We are a network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as professionals and
leaders in business, the industry and the communities we serve. If you are interested
in becoming more involved, whether it is on a committee or a member of the leadership team,
please let me know!!
I hope to see you at our next Business Luncheon, June 8th. Please register early!
Make sure you sign up for our annual Golf Event on July 13th. The golf committee has been hard
at work planning another fun event.
Darla Bengtson
2017 WCR President
Nebraska Realty

Rejuvenating Women
Mission: Providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Vision: Empowerment to all survivors of human trafficking to lead healthy, independent
lives.
Rejuvenating Women raises awareness within the community at churches, events, schools,
colleges and universities. Through education, we can take steps toward prevention. They
advocate for victims’ rights as well as offer support to local and state law enforcement and
associated government agencies. They are committed to creating an environment where sex
trafficking no longer occurs. They walk beside the survivors, loving them exactly where
they are in life while helping restore their physical, emotional and spiritual health. With vocational
training, education and redemption support, they assist them in regaining their independent
lives. They protect survivors of human trafficking by providing a safe and compassionate
environment in which they can heal. They have an 18-24 month Restored Wings
program which allows survivors a 5,000 square foot home to live in and receive services to
help them regain their lives.
Who is at risk? Anyone could potentially become a victim of human trafficking. Often
there are stereotypes of victims that are often portrayed as innocent young girls who are
forced into the commercial sex act. Women, men and children of all ages can be trafficked
for sex.
Where does it happen? Human trafficking happens around the world. There are an estimated
30 million slaves in the world today. Trafficking happens in Nebraska as well. There
are an estimated 1,800 women in Omaha involved in the sex trade and approximately 50%
of them are involuntary.
How are the victims controlled? Victims are often manipulated with a combination of
physical violence and affection to instill loyalty. Traffickers will typically control every aspect
of their lives and beat the victim should they not obey.A great deal of psychological
control is given to the trafficker.
If you want to learn more about Rejuvenating Women and how you
can help, please stop by their table at our Business Resource
Luncheon on June 8. They will also be our featured charity for the
golf event on July 13, too.
Please consider
giving at our June
luncheon!
WCR June’s Charity of the Month

Jet Setting and “Building” Relationships!
Habitat for Humanity-Women Build
Leadership Trip to Washington D.C.

We Want to Hear From You! Yes-YOU!!
Did you know WCR has a Hospitality Committee?
Carmen Bunde is at your service if you know of any
happenings pertaining to our WCR friends, be it joyful,
serious, sad, encouraging, etc. Please contact Carmen at
cbunde@pjmorgan.com and she will serve as the voice of
WCR to acknowledge anything that should be with
cards, flowers, etc… whatever seems appropriate. If possible,
share the address of the person or persons being
acknowledged. She looks forward to hearing from you!
Our speaker for May, Julie
Stryker with Protection
Against Crime, was quite
entertaining! She even brought
some goodies for us to
purchase to keep us safe out
there!

Upcoming Schedule
June
June 8th - WCR Business Resource Meeting @ Champions (11:15am -1:00pm)
June 15th - WCR Board Meeting @ OABR (9am-10am) - Open to all WCR Members
July
July 13th - WCR Golf Tournament @ Pacific Springs
July 20th - WCR Board Meeting @ OABR (9am-10am) - Open to all WCR Members
2017 Calendar & Upcoming Events
August
August 10th - WCR Business Resource Meeting @ Champions (11:15am -1:00pm)
August 17th - WCR Board Meeting @ OABR (9am-10am) - Open to all WCR Members
**Check out wcromaha.com to find dates for
Luncheons, WCR Board Meetings, WCR/NAR
Conventions and Special Events.

GO AHEAD, BRAG
A LITTLE …ONLINE
One thing I often hear from folks is “I don’t want to bug my friends with my business” or “I’m not
one to brag about myself” however, I try to remind people daily that
Successful people want to do business with successful people.
This is why you need to share your successes. Reminding your sphere that you are good at what
you do is totally acceptable. That’s probably why they are in your sphere in the first place.
Here’s some ideas of ways to brag about yourself in a successful way:
Post a picture of your closings or completion of transactions
Share reviews or testimonials you receive, make
sure to thank the person giving the review
Post a picture of awards or achievements you’ve
received and thank those who have helped make it
happen
Share when you have completed a goal; personal
or business
Invite others to join you in hitting goals or set a
mission statement into action
“Check In” on social media when you are working
on training or building your business
Keep track of your success. How many people have
you help? How quickly do you solve their problems?
How much business have you been able to refer out?
The SHARE those numbers!
Success is contagious, share it!
Amy Dritley, Marketing Coordinator
Peoples Mortgage Company

REALTOR Membership Application

Affiliate Membership Application

Golf Tournament Sponsorships

Golf Tournament Sponsorships

2017 Strategic Partners
Double Diamond
GOLD

The Year Was... 2016
Each month in 2017 we will be catching up with our past presidents through our
The Year Was...segment. Don’t miss out on getting to know your WCR family!
Name: Crystal Archer
Year WCR President: 2016
1. When did you become a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®? Who
got you involved? I joined in 2011. My mentor, Susan Clark got me involved, she
was the president elect that year.
2. What was the most memorable moment as President of WCR?
Honestly, one thing that will always make me laugh happened in Washington DC when I was
President-Elect. I was traveling with Jessica Sawyer and we had a very memorable hotel
debacle! The room we had reserved wasn’t available because of a water pipe burst. At about
11pm we were loaded into a cab and sent by the manager to what we were assured was a
very “comparable” hotel in a safe area. Luckily we laughed our way through it, but the hotel
was seedy at best! Definitely an adventure that two re-headed gall handled with humor!
3. What do you love most about WCR?
The amazing people never cease to impress me. This group is full of dedicated REALTORS®
and Strategic Partners that are passionate about our industry and community.
4. What charity is the nearest and dearest to your heart and why?
I love the backpack program that Food Bank for the Heartland has. The thought of children
being hungry on the weekend and school breaks has always bothered me. I love that there
is a program out her to help with that!
5. Do you have a bucket list? What would you like to cross off that list or what goal
would you like to achieve in 2017? I w ould love to finish my GRI classes and
start working towards my CRS designation. I also look forward to continue growing my
business by referral.
6. What advice did you or would you give the next Omaha WCR President?
The year will go really fast! Try not to take yourself too seriously, things will definitely go
wrong sometimes. But, luckily most people don’t even notice!
Thank you Crystal for your time as President.