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| 2009-2010 SMPS Wisconsin Board of Directors at May Strategic Planning session - (l-r) t Kary Beck (mead & Hunt), Amber Burke (Symbiont), Patti Keillor (HNTB), Leslie Blaize (MSA), Justin Juley (HNTB), Jamie Keehn (ACS), and Tony LaShay (independent contractor) |
| Not pictured are Jessica Barman (MSA) and Barbara Jahnke (Kahler Slater) |
It's all about teamwork
I’m sure every SMPS Wisconsin President says “my board was the best,” but I’m here to tell you they are wrong! Mine was the absolute best! It is amazing what this group pulled off within just one year.
We held the chapter’s first-ever strategic planning session, setting the bar very high. And what’s truly amazing is everyone surpassed the goals they set for themselves. Let me highlight just a few accomplishments:
- We re-drafted the chapter bylaws bringing them into compliance with SMPS National with overwhelming support of chapter members.
- We improved communication with enhanced e-newsletters, e-blasts, social media sites, and an entirely revamped chapter website.
- In a down economy, we maintained our financial stability with sound investments and adoption of a new registration accounting system. This allowed us to keep program costs to members at the same low price, award two free registrations to the Heartland Regional Conference, and offer free registration to holiday networking events.
- Savvy planning decisions by programming and logistics led to higher attendance at our events and higher ratings of success from attendees.
- Solidifying long-term relationships lead to a key partner – The Daily Reporter Publishing – becoming our largest sponsor and integral component of member benefits. Our other sponsors, Hein Electric and Supreme Graphics also played a valued role in our chapter’s success.
- Our awards program historically experienced the most preparation headaches. With a motto of “keep it simple” there were more award nominations and event attendees than ever before in 2010.
- We held our first-ever golf event with extremely positive feedback on the beautiful location and easy, light-hearted networking opportunity.
So how did all of this happen? Corny as it sounds, it really was all about teamwork! As each Board Member faced a challenge or deadline, the rest of the Directors and committee members quickly stepped up with ideas, contacts, and to volunteer for tasks.
We had fun over the past year and feel very positive about all the successes of 2009-2010. You can tell it was more than just being a volunteer for a reputable organization as so many Board Members ran for office again.
This isn’t the end. Our terms don’t expire until August 31, so we’re already busy planning for what’s in store for our next season, and as I mentioned many of us will be around again for another year.
Have a great summer!
Kary Beck, President
SMPS Wisconsin