Meet the WBO-MC Members of the Month!
Anne Kline
Revere Bank
Anne Kline is a commercial banker affiliated with the Revere Bank, a full service community bank that is now five years old. Her office is in Rockville, but the bank has two other offices (its headquarters in Laurel and another office in Severna Park). Anne lends money to small and medium-size businesses, as well as to individuals for business purposes.
Anne’s banking background goes back 18 years, when she managed the private banking group at Potomac Valley Bank, once part of Mercantile Bank. Later, PNC Bank purchased Potomac Valley and the name was changed to Mercantile Potomac Bank. PNC bought Mercantile in 2007; then in 2010 Anne moved over to Revere. “Most people who work at Revere now are former Potomac Valley employees,” says Anne.
Anne “loves helping small businesses grow because small businesses are often forgotten,” she says. She gets a great deal of positive feedback after working with her clients and she finds this gratifying. She believes that being a shareholder of Revere Bank “makes it more special. When you are a part owner, there is a different sense of responsibility and you have an extra drive to get things done.”
What does she like best about WBO? “I love the camaraderie with women,” she says. “It’s important for women to feel comfortable in business environments, and I believe that other women help women to feel most comfortable.” Anne likes the “good level of competition and the variety, as well as the flexibility” that WBO provides. For example, scheduling meetings at breakfast, lunch and dinner hours “means that WBO is aware of people’s schedules,” she says.
Originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Anne been here since 1987 and actually lives in Vienna, Virginia. “I like to tell people I live in Virginia, I work in Maryland and I play downtown – but not an instrument,” she says.
When she is not working, Anne has many interests. She loves opera, serves on the board of the Washington National Opera, and enjoys “giving people a first time experience at the opera.” Says Anne, “Opera is not ‘the fat lady’ singing these days. They’re all younger and more vibrant, the music is powerful, and the voices are incredible.” Anne also holds season tickets for the Washington Capitals, she volunteers at TLC (Treatment Learning Center, a school for special needs children in Rockville), and is a Lehigh University trustee. “I also like selling Pohanka cars,” says Anne, who is married to Jeff Pohanka.
If you would like to discuss loan options for your small-to-medium size business, Anne can be reached by phone at 301-980-9998 (office), 240-499-2390 (cell) or e-mail at anne.kline@reverebank.com.
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Wendy A. Epstein
All Ways Travels
Wendy Epstein has been in the travel business over 30 years. A native Washingtonian, Wendy is president of All Ways Travel, an agency that has been in existence more than 30 years. Wendy has owned it for more than 22 years. Because she loves to travel, Wendy has become a specialist in Australia, Tahiti, Costa Rica, Israel, China, and other destinations on many travelers’ bucket lists. She has cruised on all the major cruise lines, and especially enjoys the ambiance and experience of small-ship and river cruising.
Specializing in leisure travel and memorable trips, Wendy says, “This business offers constant challenges, especially in today’s economy, but we save you time and money by recommending the best vacation for your needs. We offer personalized service; we know the destinations and the hotels. We know what our clients like and we work hard to see that they have an excellent experience.” While many people today have become “non-experts in the travel industry,” through their use of the Internet, Wendy asks, “When you do it yourself and you run into a problem on your trip, who’s going to help you?”
Many of Wendy’s clients tour Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Others prefer cruises, particularly the “upscale” cruises and smaller, more “destination oriented” cruise ships. Her agents, who have all been with her for many years, specialize in different parts of the world, so when you call to plan a trip to a specific area, you will be helped by an agent who knows that particular part of the world. Unique trips for 2013-2014 will include a Jewish-interest Danube River Cruise, a trans-Atlantic luxury cruise with a fabulous spa and lots of bridge playing, and an Italian Cooking School group. Because multi-generational trips (grandparents/grandkids, etc.) have become very popular, All Ways Travel can also create trips that all ages traveling together will enjoy.
Wendy, who has been a member of WBO for more than 20 years, particularly enjoys meeting new people and “finding out what new businesses are out there.” She likes the camaraderie of our group and comments, “Today’s members seem younger, more confident, and more enthusiastic.”
When she is not working, Wendy likes to read and cook. She has recently become involved with several projects at her synagogue, and she has also been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, working with abused kids in the foster care system.
If you need help making vacation plans, visit www.allwaystvl.com. Then call All Ways Travel at (301) 571-0400. You may also contact Wendy by e-mail at wendy@allwaystvl.com and ask about vacation packages that could be just right for you. All Ways Travel, conveniently located near Montgomery Mall, will take good care of you and help you plan a wonderful time -- wherever you go!
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Ellen R. Cohen is a free-lance writer and editor whose "editorial advertising" helps her clients advertise their goods and services in a variety of ways. She can be reached at (301) 984-7444.