2022 KFRW BI-ENNIAL CONVENTION - BOWLING GREEN, KY


SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER

Months of Planning for a Successful Convention Began in January 2022

After attending the NFRW National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the Club President from Bowling Green, Kentucky called President Pam to ask how to put a bid in to host the KFRW Convention in 2022. As instructed, President Jill Nixon and Club Member, Stacey Webb presented their proposal to the KFRW Board of Directors the day after the devastating tornadoes ripped through Western Kentucky. With no internet service and limited cell service, Jill and Stacey presented their plans via zoom. With Board Approval, and by vote, the convention was to be held in Bowling Green on September 9th and 10th, 2022 at the Holiday Inn University Plaza and Sloan Convention Center.

Under the leadership of Convention Co-chairs, Past KFRW President, Helena Pitcock and Club President of the Republican Women's Club of South Central Kentucky, Jill Nixon, planning for this event began in February 2022. Meetings were held on a monthly basis until closer to the convention when meetings were held on an as needed basis.

The decor was gorgeous, and the hospitality was outstanding. If you see one of the ladies in the picture below from our Club in Bowling Green, please thank them for sharing their talents and hosting our convention.

Thank you goes out to the Committee Co-chairs, Committee Members and to those who supported our event in any way.  

Click Here For Pictures of Convention Decor

NFRW President Attends KFRW Convention in

Bowling Green

National Federation of Republican Women President, Eileen Sobjack, and her husband, Don attended our KFRW Biennial Convention arriving in Bowling Green on September 9th. President Eileen attended the LLC Member Luncheon at the Club at Olde Stone on Friday before mingling with our gubernatorial candidates on Friday evening. After hearing from many good speakers, we were entertained by country music artist, Trevor Martin.

Saturday, President Eileen attended our convention and luncheon while her husband, Don went to Holley Fest and breakfast with State Representative Bill Wesley.

President Eileen presented a charter to our newest club, The Liberty Ladies Club in Oldham County and later attended a reception for club presidents throughout Kentucky hosted by KFRW President Pam.

Dinner and reception on Saturday evening was followed by a special ceremony on Sunday commemorating 9/11 led by Pastor and State Representative Wesley.

Thank you for visiting us in Kentucky. We hope to host President Eileen and Don again soon!

Senators Attend Private Reception for LLC Members and are Keynote Speakers for Dinner on Saturday

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Dr./Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), along with Mrs. Kelley Paul, attended a special reception for members of the Lincoln Legacy Circle and their guests on Saturday night before speaking to a filled banquet hall. 

LLC Members had an opportunity to visit with the Senators at the reception while pictures were taken in front of a backdrop made of balloons resembling a US flag.

Senator Blackburn spoke to us about the work of the Senate in DC while the Paul's spoke about socialism.

The speakers were both motivating and cautious about what is happening in today's society. Their words of wisdom from inside the beltway were well received while the crowd of almost 300 people stood to applaud when they ended their remarks.  

Thank you to Senator Blackburn and Dr./Senator and Mrs. Paul for attending our convention. We look forward to hearing from you again soon.

More Pictures of Saturday Evening

Lincoln Legacy Circle Has Highest Number of Members Since Established in 2016


The Lincoln Legacy Circle was established in 2016 in order to raise money for our Republican Candidates. Because of the generosity of our members, our Federation contributed almost $9,000 to Republicans whose names appear on the November 2022 ballot.

In addition, our Circle members were invited to a luncheon and fashion show at the Club at Olde Stone on Friday, September 9th and a private reception with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Dr./Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) on Saturday evening during our KFRW Biennial Convention.

According to our records, we had 75 registered guests for lunch on Friday and 125 for the reception on Saturday evening. Our keynote speaker for the luncheon was Mrs. Teresa Rochetti-Cantrell, author of "Finding Frank" and former mayor of Mayfield, Kentucky (pictured below). Our fashion show was courtesy of Pappagallo with Mrs. Ginger Tomlinson as Mistress of Ceremonies.

A special thank you to Rita Scott, Owner of the Club at Olde Stone for the printing of the agenda and menu along with the decorations at the luncheon. Gratitude is also given to Ginger Tomlinson, Paula Hendricks, Kara Robinson, and Carol Rogers for coordinating this event for LLC members and guests.

More LLC Luncheon Pictures Here
List of Lincoln Legacy Circle Members

Congressman Brett Guthrie and Gubernatorial Candidates Speak at KFRW Convention on Friday Night


US Congressman Brett Guthrie welcomed attendees to Bowling Green in his opening remarks before speaking about his plans as Chair of the House Healthcare Committee when Republicans take control in the November election.

All candidates who had filed to run for KY Governor in 2023 prior to convention were invited to speak to our attendees on Friday evening. Those who attended were, Daniel Cameron, KY Attorney General, David Cooper, Dr. Ryan Quarles, Commissioner of Agriculture, State Representative Savannah Maddox, Mike Harmon, KY Auditor of State and Robbie Smith. Although she could not join us on Friday, former UN Ambassador, Kelly Kraft joined our delegates at lunch on Saturday. Thank you to those who helped make this a great event including Club President Jill Nixon who welcomed everyone to Bowling Green and KFRW President Pam who introduced guests and elected officials.

Pictures from Friday Evening

Country Music Artist, Trevor Martin Performs in the Atrium on Friday Evening


Trevor Martin grew up 63 miles north of Nashville in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Diagnosed with a bleeding disorder at birth, Trevor could not play contact sports, so he began to explore other ways to stay active. It became clear that singing and entertaining were his true passions. At 8 years old, he performed the Jackson 5 song “I Want You Back” with the Orchestra Kentucky, and during that performance he realized that he not only enjoyed the music he was making, but that others enjoyed it as well. In 7th grade he picked up the guitar to impress the girls in his town but discovered that there were so many more doors to open with his music. Influences such as John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Dan + Shay, and Brett Young allowed Trevor to create his own unique musical sound. Thank you, Trevor Martin, for sharing your talents with us at our convention. We wish you much success!


Listen to Trevor Martin music here

Convention Session Convened on

Saturday, September 10th at 8:30 a.m.


Convention attendees arrived for the business session of the convention after a light continental breakfast was served.  Call to order was promptly at 8:30 am followed by our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by US Congressman James Comer (R- KY Dist 1) followed by our invocation and prayer given by KFRW Chaplain, Karen Campbell.  

For more on our convention business, click the link below:

Read more about convention here


Click here for a copy of the full convention agenda


“KENTUCKY FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN

HALL OF FAME AWARD”

 

The “KFRW Hall of Fame Award” is awarded at every convention since 2010. Any member may nominate a KFRW member who has given long and outstanding service to the KFRW. Any KFRW member may nominate a woman for this award by sending a letter of nomination, not to exceed two pages, to the KFRW president.

A permanent plaque will be placed in the RPK Headquarters listing the awardees’ names and a certificate will be presented at the convention. A maximum of three awards may be presented each year and may be awarded posthumously.  

The "2022 Hall of Fame" recipients this year were Mary Lou Blount from Kenton County (pictured above with NFRW President, Eileen Sobjack), Willee Cooper from Christian County and Jerrilyn C. Dyer from Madison County. Congratulations ladies!

Click this link for information on 2022 recipients

Law Enforcement Honored at Dinner on Saturday and President Pam Gives Closing Remarks


Law enforcement professionals are often taken for granted. But it is never too late to thank a police officer for his or her efforts.

On Saturday night, with the help of June Helligrath (Scott County RWC) and State Representatives Bill Wesley and Mike Wilson, local law enforcement from the Bowling Green Police Department, Warren County Sheriff's Department (Sheriff Brett Hightower pictured above) and Kentucky State Police Post 3 were presented with a General Assembly Citation signed by all Senators and Representatives in the Kentucky General Assembly who represent Bowling Green and Warren County. Thank you goes out to the office of Senator Max Wise and Representative Michael Meredith for all of their assistance with this recognition. Another heartfelt thanks to the Color Guard of the Bowling Green Police Department for presenting the colors and Karen Campbell, (Kenton Co RWC) and KFRW Chaplain for singing the National Anthem (pictured below)

At the end of the evening, KFRW President, Pam Roberts gave her outgoing remarks to a full house




President's Closing Remarks

Workshops another Huge Success at Biennial Convention



Some time ago, all KFRW members received a survey asking what they would like to learn more about. With the information received, the following topics were at the top of your list. The topics chosen by the majority of members were, Legislative Platform for the KFRW, Social Media and Technology Messaging and Voter Integrity. The Legislative Platform was led by our very own Federation sisters, Linda Brown (Wayne County) and Karie Lester (WROCK). Messaging was headed up by Kaylee Price (RunSwitch PR) and Gabrielle Summe (Kenton County Clerk) spoke to us about Voter Integrity.

A huge thank you to all those who gave of their time to lead us on these important topics. Thank you to Karie and Linda for putting out the survey and for all the work they did to provide our delegates with informative topics. Thank you to President Pam for coordinating speakers for the convention.


Click Here for Bios of Convention Speakers

9/11 Ceremony on Sunday led by State Representative and Pastor Bill Wesley


State Representative and Pastor Bill Wesley led a small group of us in prayer and a special service on Sunday, September 11th honoring those whose lives were forever changed on that day in history. We were joined by NFRW President Eileen Sobjack and her husband, Don. A special thanks goes out to Representative Wesley for joining us for the entire convention.

9/11 Memorial Service Pictures

Fundraising Hits Record High


It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank those who are listed on the appreciation page pictured to the left for their contributions to our convention. Because of many of our clubs, vendors, ad sponsors and table sponsors, the KFRW had a profit of nearly $10,000 with just over $6,000 raised in our silent auction. A final accounting of our proceeds was not available at the time of this writing. For a complete list of our sponsors, please click the link below:

List of Sponsors Here

IT TAKES AN ARMY

It takes many people to plan an event like the convention. It would not be possible without good leaders.


We would like to thank our co-chairs, immediate past KFRW President, Helena Pitcock (Monroe Co) and Jill Nixon, Club President of the RWC of South Central Kentucky for their leadership.


We would also like to thank the KFRW officers and Convention Committee for their support.


With a heart full of gratitude, we are grateful to Karie Lester for designing our Convention Program cover for the agenda and our convention logo. Karie, your technical skills added another layer of sophistication to our event.

List of Officers and Committee Members

KFRW Members and Associate Members on the Ballot


Our mission in the KFRW is to:


  • Promote an informed public through political education and activity
  • Increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government
  • Encourage and facilitate cooperation and communication among local clubs, their members and the KFRW
  • Foster loyalty to the Republican Party and promote its principles and candidates in all elections
  • Support objectives and policies of the Republican National Committee
  • Work for the election of the national Republican Party nominee.


Thank you to our members and associate members for seeking election to a political office. For a full list of these special people, click the following

For a List of Members on the Ballot, click here!