The Iowa Federation of Republican Women held its biennial convention “A Salute to the Veteran”– featuring a prodigious line-up of speakers, award presentations to members, recognition of outgoing officers, and installation of new leadership – at the Sheraton in West Des Moines on Saturday, Octobber 12.
“The enthusiasm and high energy felt from IowaFRW members from around the state was contagious at our convention,” said Gloria Mazza, Clive, IowaFRW president, who chaired the event. “It was evident that these women are ready to hit the ground to work to get Republicans elected.” Mazza has served as president for 2018- 2019 and will continue to serve on the Federation’s executive committee as immediate past president for the 2020- 2021 biennium. The IowaFRW extends sincere appreciation to Mazza, for her leadership, mentoring skills and wisdom throughout her term
Special guest Ann Schockett, president-elect of the National Federation of Republican Women from New York, said, “Together and only together, we move like a well-oiled machine and get things done.
But as Mario Andretti said, ‘If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.’ So, who’s ready to go full throttle in 2020? To do that, every member and every club in every state is going to be critical for success!”
Mazza passed the gavel at the end of the convention to newly elected president, Barbara Hames-Bryant, Cedar Rapids. “Our incoming national president has set the tone for the Federation for the next two years with her Mario Andretti quote,” said Hames-Bryant. “Here in Iowa, the eyes of all the world are on our presidential caucuses. As Republicans, we have our foot on the gas and we will not let up, as we advance our principles and elect conservatives.”
The convention theme, “A Salute to the Veteran” was chosen to celebrate those who gave so much to protect our freedom. Because of them, we are able “to sit here today, being who we want to be, and sleeping peacefully at night knowing our military is at work protecting us,” Mazza said.
The two-day event included board meetings, reception, election of new officers, and a roster of outstanding speakers including Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, Colonel Timon Oujiri, appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds in 2017 as the Commandment of Iowa Veterans Home; Lt. Colonel Connie Arens, who served in the Army Nurse Corp for 21 years and now serves on the board of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight; Kevin McLaughlin, president of Iowans for Discounted Taxes; Carly Miller, Iowa Trump Campaign Manager; and Ashley Hunt, president of Iowa Young Republicans.
Michelle Crawford, president of Scott County Republican Women said, “The speakers were inspiring and informative and I left the convention so inspired. As a mother of three boys it’s a balance with the age of our boys but I’ve never felt more motivated to volunteer as I did when I left. I just have to remember that the time away is equally important to their future as being with them.”
Schockett and Kim Reem, NFRW officer and former IowaFRW president from Cedar Rapids, installed new officers for 2020-2021. They are: Barbara Hames-Bryant, Cedar Rapids, president; Carol Crain, Davenport, 1st vice president; Lori Leonard Reyman, Holstein, 2nd vice president; Tammy Pink, Cedar Rapids, treasurer; and Mary Ann Spicer, Des Moines, secretary.
“Heartfelt congratulations on your new and important positions in the Iowa Federation. I feel privileged to share in the swearing-in ceremony. I know that Iowa is going to continue to thrive with the new slate,” Schockett added.
The Iowa Federation, federated clubs and individuals were recognized for outstanding achievement over the past two years at the both the national and state levels.
Awards presented by the National Federation of Republican Women
Betty Heitman Awards for State Excellence and Club Achievement Awards are presented to states
and clubs that demonstrate excellence, achievement or accomplishment in membership development,
campaign activities, programs, community relationships and state functions.
- Accomplishment Award IowaFRW
- Diamond Five Seasons Republican Women
- Gold Scott County Republican Women
- Silver Capitol Region Republican Women
Campaign Volunteer Awards are presented to states and individuals that demonstrate excellence in
donating volunteer time to the benefit of the Republican Party, Republican candidates or NFRW.
Highest number of hours reported is awarded to one individual in the state.
- Gloria Mazza, Capitol Region Republican Women
Caring for America Award
- Five Seasons Republican Women
Awards presented by the Iowa Federation of Republican Women
GREAT (Growth, Recruitment, Education of Activists for Tomorrow) Membership Drive,
presented to an individual member and club who recruited the most new members.
- Individual – Emma Nemecek, Five Seasons Republican Women
- Club – Capitol Region Republican Women
