and almost certainly one of them will be his secretary.

Throughout the corridors of power, the quiet force behind the executive throne is someone who types the letters, makes the travel arrangements, fields enquiries, screens calls, and performs countless other invaluable tasks.

Good secretaries are worth their weight in gold, yet for generations they have remained the unsung heroes of office life.

Small wonder, then, that Bermuda secretaries are so thrilled when the Business & Professional Women's Association of Bermuda (BPWA) chooses to honour a group of them on Secretaries' Day each year.

Secretaries' Day originated in the United States, where the custom remains naming Secretary of the Year. BPWA, however, favours a broader approach.

"We prefer not to single out one secretary but to recognise many for their contribution to their place of employment and dedication to their employers.

This is not a contest,'' Association spokeswoman Ms. Lauren M. Bell explained.

Since it first "recognised'' secretaries in 1981 (Mrs. Cynthia Kuchler was the first recipient), BPWA has paid tribute to over 100 secretaries, personal and administrative assistants in several categories.

This year, nominations were solicited from employers in: Telecommunications, financial institutions, general business, education, legal, travel, Government, retail, exempt companies and medical.

Today, the honorees (joined by the bosses who nominated them) will receive their awards at a gala luncheon hosted by BPWA. Joining the celebration will be guest speaker Ms. Audette Exel, acting Managing Director of the Bermuda Commercial Bank, and featured artist Ms Pinky Steede.

This week Community 's Nancy Acton talked to some of the nominees to find out what makes an award-winning secretary/employer relationship.

WANDA BLUEFORT Occupying perhaps the hottest secretarial seat in town, Mrs. Wanda Bluefort has nothing but praise for BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons.

"He is really sweet, and very considerate to everyone,'' she assured.

"The picture of a villain that he is painted to be is completely unrealistic to what I and the people who work with him know.'' Although admitting that her job was sometimes very stressful, Mrs. Bluefort said ultimately that was not a problem.

"Mr. Simmons and I have been together so long that we know how to deal with each other,'' she said. "I understand when he is under stress and I know the moment will pass. I simply do what has to be done and just hope everything runs smoothly, which it normally does.'' For his part, the Union president had high praise for his secretary.

"Wanda brings to our organisation a calm efficiency that helps us to float, oft-times on stormy seas,'' he said. "For this and all her qualities, she is most appreciated by me and my fellow officers and members.'' Describing Mrs. Bluefort as "the guardian angel of the administrative and secretarial needs'' of the Union's executive officers, Mr. Simmons hailed her "initiative, self-motivation,'' and "pleasant, easy manner.'' "There are few secretaries who are, on a regular basis, in face-to-face and phone contact with as many people as Wanda. Yet with a warm, compassionate manner, she assists and accommodates our members, their families, their employers, Government labour officers and ministers -- sometimes all in the same day!'' Asked how she felt about her nomination, Mrs. Bluefort said: "I am very shocked. Mr. Simmons is a grateful employer. If he sees I am doing something beyond the call of duty he will come and say `Thank you, Wanda'.'' But the union chief disagreed.

"In our focus to get things done we don't always say thank you to Wanda, so we do so now from the bottom of our hearts as we believe she is most worthy of recognition by everyone,'' Mr. Simmons said.

The mother of an eight-year-old son, Mrs. Bluefort graduated from Mount St.

Vincent University with an associate degree in secretarial science and is now studying for her Bachelor of Science degree in Management. She has a word of warning for others considering a secretarial career: "There is a lot more to it than people think. Don't ever believe that shorthand and typing are sufficient. There's a lot of English language you need to know. You have to be able to correct someone successfully. There's a skill to doing it. A full education is just the beginning.'' MARGARET CAISEY Margaret Caisey has been a secretary for eight years. She began her career at Richards, Francis & Francis as a temporary messenger. Today, she has worked herself up to head Conveyancing Clerk.

"I like what I do,'' Mrs. Caisey said. "There is never a moment when I have nothing to do. In fact, there are times when we're so busy you can't stop to think, you just go and go.'' Mrs. Caisey works for conveyancing laywer Mrs. Helen Forrest, and because she too is a mother, the two women have a good rapport.

"Mrs. Forrest is more understanding when problems arise, and we work well together,'' her secretary said.

For her part, Mrs. Forrest says that it was Mrs. Caisey's "intelligence and industriousness'' which enabled her to climb the corporate ladder.

"Mrs. Caisey has excellent word processing and computer operation skills, and a manner of handling clients that is both efficient and pleasant,'' she said.

"Her reliability and ability to perform under pressure have made her a valuable member of her department.'' Recently promoted to head Conveyancing Clerk, Mrs. Forrest pointed to Mrs.

Caisey's success as "an excellent example of what perseverance and dedication can accomplish.'' Nomination of her secretary came as a complete surprise to Mrs. Caisey.

"I had absolutely no idea, but I'm glad to know Mrs. Forrest appreciates me,'' she said.

Asked what advice she would give to anyone contemplating a secretarial career, the soft-spoken Legal employee said: "You must be willing to work hard and not get too upset when things come at you from all directions. Just take one day at a time and work through it.'' DOROTHY FOGDEN Mrs. Dorothy Fogden has maintained an association with Meyer Agencies Ltd. at board level for 29 years, 21 of them full time.

She is currently secretary/administrative assistant to three executives: Mr.

Carl Paiva, vice-president of Marketing, Mr. John Moore, vice-president of Operations, and Mr. J. Henry Hayward, Company president.

"I work for all three in the travel-related sphere, and I guess I just grew into it,'' she explained of her busy job. "Although I left and came back I guess this is my niche in life!'' Married with one daughter whom she hopes will follow in her professional footsteps, Mrs. Fogden says she copes with the demands of being a working mother by "taking one day at a time.'' "Just worry about today,'' she advised. "Tomorrow is tomorrow.'' Describing her working environment as "very nice,'' Mrs. Fogden said that in order to be happy at work "you have to be a happy person.'' Attributing her successful career to "extremely nice'' bosses, Mrs. Fogden said "without their support and confidence I would never be where I am today.'' Graduating from Mount St. Agnes with the highest marks in her class, Mrs.

Fogden continues to bring to her job the old-fashioned qualities that make good secretaries invaluable.

"You have to have patience and tolerance with all around you. A happy, smiling face, good common sense, and a `Good morning' or `Good afternoon' go a long way,'' she said. "Listen and learn from others, and be prepared to do menial jobs.

"A secretary's work is not all glamour. It's not beneath my dignity to serve a cup of tea or coffee. I was trained to do that.'' Small wonder, then, that Mr. Paiva drew up this list of 12 qualities he admires in his secretary: competence, creativity, hard working, dedicated, supportive, reliable, organised, mature, accurate, corporate-conscious, attentive to quality, professional.

"In summary, she's great!'' he said.

DEBRA LEWIS Mrs. Debra Lewis' association with Mr. David Lang, manager of Corporate Management at the Bank of Bermuda, stretches back 16 happy years -- to the time when she graduated (in one year) from the Bermuda College's two-year secretarial training programme and took her first -- and only -- job.

"I have been with David since he was assistant supervisor and made his way up,'' the administrative secretary said proudly. "I love my job very much and the Bank is a wonderful, friendly place to work. You don't mind going to work when you are having a good time and enjoy who you are working with. It makes a big difference.'' Since the two moved to Corporate Management only last June, the transition has been a real learning process for both.

"David is responsible for all of the Bank's premises, including the new building on Bermudiana Road. It's a big job,'' Mrs. Lewis said.

Now, in addition to her regular secretarial duties, as recording secretary of the Building Committee Mrs. Lewis also has to take minutes of meetings.

"It takes getting used to, but I'm feeling great about it,'' she said of the change.

Having "a very organised boss'' was a big help in her job, Mrs. Lewis noted, "but I assist him more than I think he knows.'' Small wonder, then, that she heard of her nomination with total disbelief. "I was absolutely shocked. I still can't believe it. I've known David for 16 years. He has seen me get married and have my baby, and I have seen his two kids grow up. We're like part of a family.

"When he called me in and told me I just hit my head on the desk and said, `You're joking!' I really thought it was funny after all these years. But he is very understanding and appreciates my work in his own way.'' Indeed, Mr. Lang took seven paragraphs to extol his secretary's attributes -- among them: extremely loyal, excellent secretarial skills, excellent role model, invaluable support, even tempered, happy, hardworking, mature.

"Behind every successful man there is a woman who made it possible,'' Mr.

Lang said. "In my case, I am doubly blessed with the support of a terrific wife and a secretary. Thank you, Debbie!'' CAROL MARTIN Since joining Shell Trust (Bermuda) in 1989 as a clerk/typist, Mrs. Carol Martin has worked her way up to the position of secretary for the corporate manager and general manager of Shell Overseas Trading Limited.

She describes her job as "very interesting because it is so diversified,'' and says that because she works for two bosses "one day I can be doing a lot of travel arrangements, the next working solely on deeds, and the day after that on minutes.'' "My job is a challenge but it is not so pressured that I cannot enjoy it. I work best under pressure,'' she said.

The mother of two teenagers, Mrs. Martin rises at 6.45 a.m. each day to make the long journey from Warwick to her office in St. George's -- an area she really appreciates.

"I love working there because you don't get caught up in the hectic pace of Hamilton. You can sit in the park and relax by the water at lunchtime, and you can still do the same things you can do in Hamilton.'' Of her nomination, Mrs. Martin said: "It excites me to think I must be doing something right for them to think that I was the person to be chosen.'' And what motivated her bosses to nominate her? "She is conscientious and hard working and seems to absorb the demanding workload without fuss or difficulty,'' corporate manager Mr. S.R. Kendell said.

"Carol assumed the responsibilities of two very experienced secretaries, and it is a credit to her perseverance and adaptability that she has become an indispensable member of the team.'' DAISY SIMMONS Mrs. Daisy Simmons joined H.M. Customs in 1963 as an acting clerk. By 1967 she had worked her way up to become the Collector's and deputy Collector's secretary.

"I have served six Collectors and one acting Collector,'' she says of her long career, which includes a merit award for outstanding work in 1978.

Working in her own office particularly pleases the admittedly shy Mrs.

Simmons, but she describes her very busy job as "extremely interesting.'' "I try to keep real calm,'' the mother of two said. "I pray before I leave home and I pray leaving work. That's how I get through.'' Her advice to anyone entering the profession is this: "Take an interest in your job. If it is really what you want, it's a good career. Among the qualities a secretary needs are: patience, an ability to work under stress, and being able to do more than one thing at a time.'' Describing her relationship with her boss as "good,'' Mrs. Simmons admitted she was very surprised to be nominated.

"At first I said, `Don't do this to me,' but now I think it's an honour. It's nice to be noticed at some time in your life,'' she admitted. "I would like to thank the deputy Collector, Mrs. Norma Smith, for the thoughtful gesture of submitting my name.'' In making their submission, Mrs. Simmons' bosses paid tribute to "a dedicated worker who tries very hard to please and is always willing to go that extra mile.'' "Her disposition is such that there has never been any complaint regarding her attitude towards the public or any members of staff,'' they said.

"Regarding confidentiality, Daisy is at the top of the class.

"We salute you and say `Thanks' for services you have rendered to the entire Customs Department over the past 31 years.'' CELIA TUZO Mrs. Celia Tuzo followed her boss, lawyer Mr. Peter J.C. Smith, from his own firm to Mello, Hollis, Jones & Martin, where he is now a consultant.

In all, she has been Mr. Smith's secretary for five years and three months.

"When I started at Mr. Smith's firm we had a great relationship and it has just continued from there,'' she explained.

When Mr. Smith retired and closed his own practice, Mrs. Tuzo had visions of "taking a break'' and spending more time with her young daughter. Hardly had she got home when the phone rang, asking her if she'd like to be Mr. Smith's secretary in his new post. She didn't hesitate.

"It's a lot of fun working for him. He loves to make people laugh and has a good sense of humour,'' Mrs. Tuzo assured. "He really is excellent and has a very sharp memory. That's why he still has all his old clients plus new ones.'' From his perspective, her boss says: "We have an excellent business relationship and understand exactly how each other works. I believe we enjoy working together, and I highly recommend her.'' Among the qualities Mr. Smith particularly likes about Mrs. Tuzo are: "She is always reliable, on time, and if late makes up her time. She is courteous and polite to clients.'' Despite her busy workload, Mrs. Tuzo says she has no trouble keeping up.

"Mr. Smith knows the work gets done one way or another, and it's always presented just the way he likes it,'' she said.

Her advice to anyone contemplating a legal secretarial career is: "It's a lot of work and you have to have the mentality to enjoy it, as well as an ability to get along with your employer. That helps a lot.'' Although Mrs. Tuzo had to type her own nomination, which she discovered on a tape Mr. Smith had dictated, the semi-retired modern jazz dancer said: "I was smiling the whole time I typed it. It was excellent to be considered.'' STACEY-LEE WILLIAMS Without a cool head and good organisational ability, exempt company secretary Mrs. Stacey-Lee Williams wouldn't be where she is today.

Since joining Heddington Insurance Limited fresh from the Bermuda College nine years ago, the secretary/graphic designer has developed a real enthusiasm for her job, which includes working for the Comptroller and four assistant managers.

"I do work for about 14 captive insurance companies and about 16 people altogether,'' she related. "As a graphic designer I also teach in-house training courses for anyone who wants to learn graphic packages. That's the most interesting part.'' Asked how she copes with such a heavy workload, Mrs. Williams replied: "You need a lot of patience. You have to be organised and capable, and you must really want to do the job. Actually, I like a heavy workload because it makes the day go by faster.'' For his part Comptroller Mr. David Vecchitto describes Stacey-Lee as "very dedicated to her profession and to serving the needs of Heddington.'' Listing a host of invaluable duties his secretary performs (she also serves on the Social Committee and organises all of the Comptroller's Department social functions) Mr. Vecchitto said, "Neither the department nor the Heddington group of companies would be the same without the efforts of Stacey Williams.'' Her advice to potential secretaries? "It is a good career, but if you are not the type of person who wants to do things for other people, then this is not the type of job for you.'' To be a successful working mother, Mrs. Williams said: "You must be organised and have good support at home.'' WANDA BLUEFORT MARGARET CAISEY DOROTHY FOGDEN DEBRA LEWIS CAROL MARTIN DAISY SIMMONS CELIA TUZO STACEY-LEE WILLIAMS