{ Executive Memo
Transcription
{ Executive Memo
{ExecutiveMemo Colorado Society of Association Executives > Excellence by Association > SUMMER 2010 Dashboard How to Appreciate Your Members Survey: Colorado Trade, Professional Groups Upbeat Despite Hardship Board Legal Issues Special Conference Thank You Fall 2009 Program Changes VOL. 4, ISSUE 3 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Denver, CO Permit No. 57 Contents SUMMER 2010 >5 P R E S I D E N T ’ S L E T TE R >5 C A L E N DA R O F EV E N TS >11 M E M B E R S P OTL I G H T >17 B O O K R EV I E W >22 A DV E RTI S E R S ’ I N D E X 7 9 10 12 18 20 VO L . 4 , I S S U E 3 ! Dashboard How to Appreciate Your Members Volunteer organizational psychology 101 Survey: Colorado trade, professional groups upbeat despite hardship Board Legal Issues Special Conference Thank You Fall 2009 Program Changes The Mission: The Promise: CSAE is: CSAE brings together association leaders to foster professional and personal excellence through unique learning opportunities that inspire members to achieve more and guide associations into the future. CSAE is committed to delivering high-value programs and services. If a CSAE member is not completely satisfied with any CSAE offering, CSAE will make it right or refund said member’s money. • All about leadership • Committed to association excellence • Future-focused • Unique learning opportunities • An effective advocate Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 3 Executive Memo is published for Colorado Society of Association Executives 2170 S. Parker Rd., Suite 120 Denver, CO 80231 303.368.9090 / fax 303.368.4222 www.csaenet.org CSAE Staff: Joan Tezak, CAE, CMP Executive Director [email protected] Linda Farrell, CPA CSAE President American Animal Hospital Association 12575 W. Bayaud Ave. Lakewood, CO 80228 [email protected] Published by: The Publishing Group Int’l, Inc. 2170 S. Parker Road, Suite 135 Denver, CO 80231 303.753.6334 / fax 303.675.3947 Publisher: Veronika Clark [email protected] Advertising Space Sales: The Publishing Group 303.753.6334 / fax 303.756.8841 [email protected] Editorial Committee: Brian Stockman American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers [email protected] 303.692.1211 Leslie Shivers Association Professional [email protected] Marilee Yorchak, CAE Business Marketing Association Colorado 303.607.9957 [email protected] Cynthia Williams Communications Williams Creative Community 2711 W. 118th Ave Westminister, CO 80234 [email protected] 303-465-1744 Molly Sausaman, Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association [email protected] 303-790-0216 Lauren Schadle, CAE Financial Planning Association [email protected] 303-759-4900 Ext. 7136 Executive Memo is the quarterly publication of Colorado Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and is provided as a benefit to members. Submit your article by e-mail to [email protected]. Deadline for all material is six weeks prior to issue date. Submissions are edited and published as space allows. Letters to the editor, suggestions, comments and encouragement are welcome. Expressed opinions and statements in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CSAE board of directors or its membership. WHERE BUSINESS GOES UP. 40,000 sq. ft. of Flexible Space The Spa at Beaver Run 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Golf Course Team Building Tented Outdoor Events Catering from Fun to Formal 800.288.1282 · BeaverRun.com 4 Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 From the Past President As summer ends and my term as CSAE President wanes, I’d like to share with you my secrets for serving CSAE. You need ENERGY–VITALITY–BRAVERY! ENERGY: I get energy from Joan Tezak. Executive Director – Joan Tezak, CMP, CAE, is the guiding light for CSAE. Joan works tirelessly to make sure that the Society is successful in all its endeavors. Joan brings her energy, vitality and ever-ready smile to every CSAE activity. She’s the secret to every volunteer and Nancy Erickson, MBA, CAE member’s satisfaction with CSAE. Former CSAE President Administrative Director, Association for Theatre in Higher Education VITALITY: Volunteers bring their vitality to CSAE. Volunteers – Members serving as officers, Board members and volunteers on committees and task forces are the lifeblood of this organization. The commitment, vitality and sacrifice made by every member who offers service to CSAE - whether as a member of the governing structure, or as an Association leader participating in a luncheon panel, or as an associate member offering his or her hotel for a committee meeting venue - is what makes the Society strong. Volunteers make CSAE work. BRAVERY: Business partners help us be brave in facing economic challenges. Business partners – CSAE’s business partners help support and extend the efforts of the Society by leveraging their talents with those of CSAE staff and volunteers. Nourishing those relationships so that both partners flourish is critical to CSAE’s ongoing strength. So, as you can tell, I’ve needed Joan Tezak, CSAE volunteers, and business partners to carry out my duties. Without their energy, vitality and bravery, CSAE’s mission could not be fulfilled. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you during this year. It’s been an honor. Nancy 2010 Calendar of EV E N T S LEARN WITH LEADERS LU N C H E O N S August 6, 2010 SELLING VALUE TO THE MEMBER September 2, 2010 WALK YOUR TALK: RULES FOR CHOICES, ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY, AND SUCCESS October 1, 2010 TRANSFORMING YOUR FALL November 4, 2010 EFFECTIVE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RIALTO CAFÉ AT THE COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT December 2, 2010 HOLIDAY LUNCHEON OXFORD HOTEL Colorado Society of Association Executives ! 11:30 a.m. I Lunch 12:00 noon I Program 1:00 p.m. I Wrap Up $40 Members/ $50 Non-Members 1st Time Guests $25 Approved for CAE: 1 Hour/Credit Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 5 Current President CSAE has been very fortunate to have had Nancy Erickson at the helm this past year. We can’t thank her enough for the countless hours she has spent side-by-side with JT steering CSAE through turbulent economic conditions. It’s definitely a hard act to follow but I am excited to be assuming the CSAE presidency and continuing the groundwork laid by Nancy and those before her. Linda Farrell, CPA CSAE President Director of Finance, American Animal Hospital Association We’ve all heard the saying that “Knowledge is Power.” Never has that been truer than in these last few years. We are all trying to do more with less and being asked to perform duties we have never had to before. How do you keep on top of the latest trends in the association world and how do you position yourself to get ahead and to succeed? I look to CSAE as my primary source of information. CSAE provides programming on a broad variety of current topics delivered by nationally-recognized experts. In the upcoming months, keep your minds open to programming outside of your current realm of knowledge and take advantage of local, affordable education. Thank you for the privilege of letting me serve CSAE in the coming year. I look forward to meeting each of you throughout the year. Happy Learning! Linda 0HHWLQJV WKDW PDNH D GLIIHUHQFH The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa boasts abundant meeting space, from grand to intimate, and magnificent views for al fresco events: over 21,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with 21 breakout areas, an 8,286 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, a 3,000 sq. ft. pre-function lobby, and the 4,400 sq. ft. Colorado Ballroom. The Give Back Group Promotion* Great rates, triple points, complimentary rooms and rebates! For meetings held now through December 2011, we will donate the equivalent of 5% of room revenue to an approved charity of your choice. To learn more: (970 ) 4 79 - 6997 or VailMarriottMeetings.com VAIL MARRIOTT MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA 715 West Lionshead Circle Vail, Colorado 81657 * For offer terms and conditions visit www.vailmarriottmeetings.com 6 Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 A Dashboard? > It seems so logical > BY BRIAN STOCKMAN A s association staff, did you process. Major elements here are ever wonder how highly measurement and tracking. Ask intelligent, very accom- your board members, ‘What does With your plan and budget in hand plished people who sit on your board true “success” with that project or and everyone focused on the success- sometimes don’t seem so accom- goal look like?’ How will they look at ful finish line, you will need to figure your “path to success”. plished at board meetings? this a year from now and say “yes, we out the steps to get there. For each Sometimes it seems as if they have made it” or “that worked”? If your goal list the milestones or measures left all of these great business skills board can clarify exactly what defines you think are important to measure at their offices and forgotten to bring success from their perspective and the the progress in achieving that goal. them to the board meeting. You may measurable steps in getting there, These steps represent some of the key have even seen boards or committees you’re on the right track. ingredients for your dashboard. The who approve this or that, without really assessing the ROI of that deci- dashboard is just that. A dash or quick Next is ROI or return on investment presentation of essential information sion at all. Yet you know these great that needs to be coupled with the that helps your board make knowl- volunteers are true leaders in their definition of success to outline where edge-based decisions. So the first part professions and would not make you’re going. If the budget committee of your dashboard measures your decisions so lightly in their own busi- can effectively work with staff to cre- major SMART goals. nesses. So how can you energize your ate a budget that matches the goals, board members to use these business then you are half way home. Often The rest of your dashboard can skills at board meetings? The answer this process requires some give and include other items you want to may be simpler than you think. It is take. Maybe there are not enough measure and track. This can depend called a dashboard. resources to complete a goal or proj- a bit on your organization and your ect. Reality sets in right here. Some board. You are most likely already So what goes in a dashboard? How do changes in either the plan or the tracking these measures such as you get started and how does it work? budget need to take place to “adjust” membership numbers compared to Consider starting first with a business those documents to make them work- last year or last month and to plan, plan. Not a strategic plan but a multi- ing documents that express achiev- revenue compared to last year and ple year business plan. This plan able, measurable goals. This becomes to plan, number of attendees at should have SMART goals; you know Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Tractable. It can be difficult to get your board to produce SMART goals but it is essential for the This dashboard concept truly helps staff as well as board members feel comfortable with the progress on each project, program or goal. Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 7 And lastly you will want to consider how often you want to prepare this document and the time it takes to put it together. Putting this out once a week is probably too much work and too much information for most organizations. Monthly or quarterly dashboards may work very well for your meetings, events or educational offer- of letting your board know that you ings, webpage hits or E-News open will continue to tailor it to provide the rate, to mention a few. These become information they need on a regular This dashboard concept truly helps success or warning indicators and basis and not any more or less than staff as well as board members feel drivers that help the board and your they need. They are busy profession- comfortable with the progress on organization know what is going on als and will really appreciate this. The each project, program or goal. It helps under the hood. presentation of this dashboard can be prevent disappointment when a pro- as simple as a spreadsheet or include gram or project is not going according The important thing here is to have graphics such as charts and graphs in to plan. It is much easier to see at a everything that you need on your a word document. Keeping this dash- glance how it compares to other pro- dashboard, but not too much. Its pres- board as a quick easy read is also very grams or projects. Dashboards can entation can be varied. Starting with a important for its success. really help you keep “the engine run- organization. “beta version” might be the best way ning smooth!” ! KEYSTONE CONFERENCES.COM Located 90 miles West of Denver in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Keystone IT’S ALL HERE has over 100,000 feet of meeting A True Partner and function space. From in-house CALL ABOUT OUR LIMITED OFFER. AV, to shipping and receiving and Rooms From $99. Plus receive the following great benefits when you book* sumptuously tailored catering, a dedicated Conference Service No attrition. Manager will work with you to 20% off food and beverage & audio visual services. execute a seamless event. One comp room per 25 room nights. What’s important to you is important to us. KEYSTONE CONFERENCE SERVICES. IT’S ALL HERE. CALL 800.893.6156. *Valid only select dates. Subject to availability. 8 Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 > BY BETH TERRY VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 101 T he secret to maintaining an offering their time and talents if the volunteer. We had to invent a few effective and successful volun- intrinsic value evaporates. How do extra awards at the end of the year to teer organization is to remem- you figure out what ‘intrinsic value’ is make sure all the high contributors to them? Pay attention. What makes were properly honored for their serv- them happy? What makes them ice. We got a tremendous amount ber “volunteer” is the operative word. Too many volunteer organization unhappy? What are the expectations? done by a lot of people doing a little leaders act as if they are running a What rewards do they seek? It’s not bit of work each. Our organization Fortune 500 company. They forget the same for everyone. Some do it for benefited. The volunteers benefited. that the volunteers are there because the attention, some for the feeling of And I didn’t have to work all that hard. they get value from volunteering. doing good, some to make a differ- If the value goes away, so do the ence, some for the awards and recog- volunteers. nition, some to move their career Bottom line? We had a healthy year forward – have good stuff ‘on the financially. We had high member resume.’ retention. We had more enthusiasm All organizations will ebb and flow and higher attendance at the meet- with the leadership style. If the ebb lasts longer than the flow, the When I ran a volunteer organization ings. And the morale was great on organization suffers. a few years back, we had the highest and off the board. In short, properly number of volunteers they’d seen in maintained and appreciated volun- How do you create a successful organ- decades. Why? First because I believe teerism creates and sustains a healthy ization? You honor, treasure, acknowl- in volunteers. I encouraged and organization. edge, appreciate, and protect the con- engaged them. I asked every board tribution of time, energy, money, and member to have lots of people helping intellectual capital donated to you by them to spread out the work. every volunteer from the simplest task to the executive level of the Every meeting started with acknowl- board. edgments. Every newsletter reported on accomplishments of this or that BETH TERRY, CSP PRESIDENT & CEO BETH TERRY SEMINARS, INC. © 2009 BETH TERRY SEMINARS, INC. FOR MORE ARTICLES BY BETH TERRY, VISIT HTTP://WWW.BETHTERRY.COM OR HTTP://WWW.CACTUSWRANGLER.COM Humans are driven by the need to connect. We need to contribute and share. A recent Scientific American Magazine devotes a fare amount of ink to this deep need of our species. Volunteer organizations, associations, community clubs – all are ways this need to be part of a community is fulfilled. http://tinyurl.com/6q5zcl People will work for hours with no pay if they are receiving intrinsic value from the work. They will quit Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 9 SURVEY > TIM JACKSON Colorado trade, professional groups upbeat despite hardship T he heads of Colorado trade Asked about state and federal issues Jackson said that associations will and professional groups are that could affect their future plans, need to “help members not only feeling upbeat about the association executives most often cited survive but thrive and to serve as the future of their associations, with health care reform, government inter- seeing-eye dog on issues of impor- 90 percent calling themselves vention in the workplace, state budget tance to them and their business.” “optimistic” in an informal survey. cuts, funding for higher education, illegal immigration, “cap and trade” Some groups said they are exploring That’s despite the fact that a third of legislation and environmental issues. merger options with similar associations. the executives of membership groups who responded to the survey reported As for their future focus, association having to reduce staff, employee executives most often mentioned: benefits and member services in the • Providing more value to their members through education, past year. CSAE represents some 350 executives of Colorado membership trade and professional groups. support and recognition; The survey was conducted by Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association • Improving member benefits and operate more efficiently; • Focusing more on member presented Friday at the start of the retention and understanding three-day annual conference of member needs. the Colorado Society of Association TIM JACKSON, CMP, CAE PRESIDENT | COLORADO AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION 290 EAST SPEER BLVD, DENVER, CO 80203 PHONE: 303.282.1448 FAX: 303.831.9100 [email protected] Executives (CSAE). Jackson is a CSAE member and past President; he said 11 percent of 200 association executives who received the survey responded. “Overall, I’m pleased to know that despite the belt tightening we’ve all experienced, trade and professional associations continue to provide value and critical expertise to the industries they serve,” Joan Tezak, executive director of CSAE, said in a statement. According to the survey results, some Colorado associations have seen membership or revenue losses of as much as 20 percent through the economic downturn. 10 Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 Member SPOTLIGHT A ssociation management has time. Some 25 successful years later, truly been my lifelong we have completed the sale of the career. It was not intended company, Jerry is retired and I have that way…one day I was walking started a consulting firm. During this down a pathway of a career in health time, I stayed involved with associa- care and the road veered to working tion activity as a volunteer serving on with health care management admin- the Boards of PCMA and their > Francine Butler istration. At the University of Colorado Foundation, the Federation of Health Sciences center (then the CU Psychological, Cognitive and Medical School) I was doing sleep Behavioral Sciences and helped found meet with staff. As a “part-time” research in infant development and their Foundation. Last year I complet- position, it’s been fun to look at a new faculty member came to the ed my term on the Board and as association management with an department. He had just been elected President of NOCA (National experienced perspective and a look President of a fledgling organization Organization for Competency to current challenges. and as his research associate I Assurance) and saw them through asked what I could do to help. The a name change to the Institute for The challenges in the AMC industry organization existed as a box of Credentialing Excellence. A major are not unlike those affecting every 3 x 5 file cards…well 40 years later, effort in my career was involvement organization—membership, finances, the Association for Applied with the creation and development growth. I attended several sessions Psychophysiology and Biofeedback of the Certified Meeting Professional and heard presentations from a lot of celebrated their 40th anniversary. A Credential (CMP). As a member of the perspectives—but it’s all marketing. companion certification program, the organizing committee, I saw the Join the association? Attend the Biofeedback Certification Institute of credential grow from a concept to the meeting? Buy this book? All of the America was created in 1980, I was outstanding recognition it sees today messages are marketing. The mes- pleased to be honored by both groups with thousands of CMPs. sages all focus on one factor—what we can offer you to make your life or in their celebration. As RC grew, I became a strong advo- work better. And isn’t that what we’re all about in association management. It made perfect sense to be involved cate of the association management with CSAE as I grew into my role with company model and got involved in AAPB and BCIA. Key leaders Carl the AMC Institute, our membership Being in a place where I have more Norberg and R.L. Massey were my society. Involvement meant chairing time now is the biggest change in mentors. The Society was strong their annual meeting (with ASAE in my life. I never minded the 70 hour and vibrant with efforts focused on Denver) and then taking a Board weeks…but that’s likely because I had- education and meetings. position with a goal to moving up the n’t experienced the luxury of having ladder to President. With the sale of more time to choose what I want to Jerry Bowman, then with the RC, however, and an end to formal be doing as opposed to what I had to Colorado Medical Society, became company ownership in December of be doing. Recently, I led a panel at a president of CSAE and I followed as 2009, I took an opportunity to move CSAE lunch on “Boards of Directors”— President-elect. In 1984, an idea for across the table and accepted the it was fun because I looked at the a new venture emerged following a position of serving as Executive Vice topic with years of experience and CSAE meeting and out of this idea President of the AMC Institute. While from a different perspective. Those Jerry and I created the Resource the institute is headquartered in years of experience do have applica- Center for Associations. RC is an Philadelphia, I’ve maintained my tion…sharing with others…and that’s association management firm—a office in Golden and travel about once another name for consulting. concept that was very new at the a month to industry meetings or to Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 11 “ Critical Knowledge for Board Members B oard members come into the job with personal agendas and often-incorrect assumptions about the responsibility of association governance,” wrote Susan Stratton, owner of Leading Edge Mentoring, in “The Exasperated CEO's Guide to Troubleshooting Bad Board Behavior” (Executive Update, ASAE & the Center, Feb. 2005). She was referring to manipulative behavior by individual board members, but the idea applies just as well to board members who come into their new role with little information on the expectations that come with it. Nonprofit associations are being scrutinized much more closely these days. And not just by governmental entities. Members, potential members, donors, volunteers, and the general public are also looking more closely at associations with the help of watchdog groups and the media. EDUCATE incoming board members on their INDIVIDUAL ROLES. The consequences of bad board behavior can be catastrophic for a nonprofit. So, it’s our responsibility to educate potential and incoming volunteers—and remind continuing volunteers—of what their role in the association entails. 12 Expectations of a Board Member Board volunteers need a clear picture of the responsibilities and expectations of their new position; most of this information should be introduced during recruiting. Attendance Attending and engaging in board meetings is important, should be expected, and is necessary to create quorum. Do your bylaws allow for members to attend by conference call? By proxy? Preparation Whether your board meets once a month or once a year, members should read and consider agendas, financial and informational reports, and other materials in preparation for decision-making meetings. Board members who don’t read the materials often bring up questions that are irrelevant or answered within the materials provided—an unproductive use of the time and energy of the entire group, and disrespectful of their fellow volunteers who took the time to prepare despite their own busy schedules. Providing summaries helps volunteers wade through sometimes overwhelming amounts of material. The Executive Director or board leader Colorado Society of Association Executives ! > BY LESLIE SHIVERS should consider asking for preliminary feedback or questions prior to the meeting. Minutes should be distributed as soon as possible after the meeting. Ask board members to read and comment on the minutes within a week or two. It’s a lot easier to catch errors and omissions a week after the meeting than a month or a year. Role The board’s role is strategic. The Executive Director manages operations and board members must respect that separation when interacting with staff—special requests should always be made through the Exec. Educate incoming board members on their individual roles. Do they represent a portion of your membership? Make sure they understand that although they are expected to be the voice of their constituency, to be successful the board must work as a team, for the good of the association as a whole. Financial reports Not all of your board members may understand how to read financial reports, including investment reports, budgets, and your Form 990. Board volunteers should be provided with training and/or instructional materi- Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 als, and with an avenue for asking questions without embarrassment. Association-specific expectations Some societies expect each board member to donate, fundraise, or handle additional responsibilities specific to the organization’s mission. Too often, these are unwritten expectations that new board members only understand after they’ve taken office. What are these additional expectations in your organization? Fiduciary duties Fiduciary duties include the duties of care and loyalty: • The duty of care requires directors to fulfill their responsibilities in good faith as a normally prudent person would, in accordance with the law and the organization’s mission. • The duty of loyalty requires direc- tors to act in the best interest of the association with “undivided loyalty and allegiance.” The association’s interests must take priority over volunteers’ personal interests. When a board or committee member is profiting from his/her relationship with the association, this creates a conflict of interest. This can be personal gain, benefiting Don’t leave out the social expectations. Do all members understand that they’re expected to attend receptions and other networking events and to interact with members at every opportunity? Legal Responsibilities of a Board Member There are also legal requirements that your board and committee volunteers need to be aware of. Last April, William E. Walters, III, an attorney with Kelly Garnsey Hubbell + Lass, LLC, presented “2010 Legal Update: Keeping Track of the Alligators” to an audience of CSAE members. Walters offered information on a wide range of legal topics that affect associations. Here’s a summary of what participants learned in the portion of his presentation focusing on board and committee members: Statutory duties In Colorado, nonprofit corporations must be led by a board of directors whose members must act in good faith and in what they believe to be the best interests of the association. Both board and committee members are required to act diligently for the benefit of the society, and in accordance with its mission. Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 13 from the relationship by doing business with the association, taking advantage of confidential information about the association’s business, etc. The duty of loyalty also requires board members to support the board’s decisions, no matter how fiercely they may have argued against those deci- sions when they were made. Antitrust laws Trade and professional associations are gatherings of competitors, which means that “only some action by the association that unreasonably restrains trade needs to occur for there to be an antitrust violation,” wrote Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, an attorney with Venable LLP, in “Antitrust Primer for Association Board Members,” a 2007 article from the ASAE and the Center collection. In his presentation, Bill Walters described examples of “areas of concern” as price fixing, allocating territory or services, excluding nonmembers from opportunities or refusing to deal with them. Even setting standards that create an unfair advantage or publishing reviews of vendors are potential problems. The federal penalties for violating antitrust laws are severe, and can include millions of dollars in fines, jail sentences, restrictions on your association’s activities, or even dissolution. Protections Several Colorado statutes cover directors and other volunteer who act in good faith in what they reasonably believe to be the best interests of the corporation, and with reasonable care. Insurance can be obtained to cover liability in general, for Directors and Officers (D&O), errors and omissions, defamation, and employment practices. Insurance will not cover board members who act in a “willful and wanton” or criminal manner. Walters advises keeping a sharp eye out for exclusions in your policy; www.insuranceformynonprofit.org offers more resources. To avoid problems, board members can disclose conflicts, abstain from voting, be absent during discussions, or even resign. They must keep confidential information private. Risk management Directors should: • Stay informed of the organization’s activities • Be aware of and adopt policies to address areas such as antitrust, conflict of interest and confidentiality, investments, gifts, expenses and compensation, etc. 14 Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 • Monitor (but don’t micromanage) delegated activities. • Understand where their authority lies—and ends. They must support the full board’s decision, whatever their personal feelings. If a board member can’t bring himself to fully support a decision, he may choose to remain silent. • Be aware of and help enforce conflict of interest policies. It’s not always easy to avoid conflicts of interest, but your volunteers must be educated on the policies and their implications in day-to-day board or committee operations. • They should be advised of the need to keep communications in e-mail, social media, and other correspondence professional. Help empower your board members to contribute their best to your association by making sure they come into the job with full knowledge of the expectations and responsibilities of their new roles. ! LESLIE SHIVERS HAS BEEN MANAGING NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION FUNCTIONS CSAE PRESIDENT LINDA FARRELL WITH PAST FOR OVER 15 YEARS. CONTACT HER AT PRESIDENT NANCY ERICKSON AT CSAE’S 303-359-2751 OR [email protected]. ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN BLACK HAWK CAPTION Training and Orientation Of course you don’t want to scare off a potentially valuable board member or committee volunteer, but it’s important to be realistic and truthful in conversations with potential volunteers. Consider having the first approach made by a senior volunteer—a peer who understands his or her role on the board. BRAIN CRUNCHES FOR BRAND TONING Are you overwhelmed by marketing decisions? Worried about demand generation? Been settling for outdated marketing strategies? Ready to make some positive changes? Hold an orientation and communicate the expectation that volunteers attend. Brand & Marketing “Boot Camps” are designed to build clarity, consensus and confidence. In a concentrated session you will explore and vet: At the orientation, communicate the organization’s mission, strategic plan, organizational chart, policies, and each of the expectations listed above. Summarize the status of each major activity. Give them a copy of the latest financial reports and your latest Form 990. Be sure volunteers understand each report’s significance and how to read it. n 8IP JT ZPVS ideal target? Make sure they understand the rules of procedure used by your board or committee, whether it is strict adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order or something less formal. Colorado Society of Association Executives n 8IBU JT UIF reputation your brand should “own”? n 8IFSF BSF UIF best places to invest the marketing budget? n 8IBU JOUFSOBM head trash do you need to overcome? Building brand tone and marketing muscle is possible. Call for a preliminary consultation. brandmentoring www.brandmentoring.com 303.482.2753 | [email protected] ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 15 > BY JACQUI COOK Critical Conversations with Board Leaders I n “Time to Talk,” an article in ASAE’s January 2010 Associations Now, author Jacqui Cook interviewed seasoned association executives about the “critical conversations board leaders must have with their CEO.” #1: “The Terms of Communication”: Long before the board leader takes office, work out the frequency, method, and topics of communication, including what level of detail is expected. This first conversation sets the tone and develops the important “It’s CRUCIAL not to let the outgoing leader JUST DISAPPEAR after the term expires.” CEO/President relationship, and can be used to help establish the importance of the line between strategic and operational responsibility. #2: “Goals for the President’s Year”: Have conversations about each new president’s goals for his/her term. They should be compatible with the strategic direction of the association. TASTE THE ADVENTURE meetgrandjunction.com · 800.962.2547 #3: “The Midterm Checkup”: Keep the board updated on progress toward the goals. Do any changes need to be made? Here discussions can move from ideas to implementation. Consider discussing progress toward goals, opportunities in the market, risk management, board engagement and diversity of points of view being brought forward at board meetings. Meet in the center of Wine Country >LZ[LYU *VSVYHKV»Z SHYNLZ[ JVU]LU[PVU JLU[LY IYPUNZ ^VYSK JSHZZ MHJPSP[PLZ [V [OL OLHY[ VM KV^U[V^U .YHUK 1\UJ[PVU >P[O V]LY ZX\HYL MLL[ VM ÅL_PISL ZWHJL V\Y L]LU[ WSHUULYZ JHU J\Z[VTPaL HU` [`WL VM M\UJ[PVU MVY NYV\WZ VM [V WLVWSL ( KLSPJPV\Z HYYH` VM MYLZO J\PZPUL PZ WYLWHYLK KHPS` I` V\Y L_LJ\[P]L JOLM [^VYP]LYZJVU]LU[PVUJVT #4: “Ensuring the Leader’s Legacy”: What do leaders want to do next? Often past presidents will become chair of the nominating committee or membership-related committees. Celebrate his/her successes. Cook writes: “It’s crucial not to let the outgoing leader just disappear after the term expires.” ! JACQUI COOK IS A FREELANCE WRITER IN SUBURBAN CHICAGO. EMAIL: [email protected] 16 Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 BOOK Review The Encore Effect As Sanborn points out, average > by Mark Sanborn performances do not get you noticed— remarkable performances do. A s William Shakespeare wrote, Use this book to help you evaluate your However, remarkable performances “All the world’s a stage.” approach to each day, and recognize take hard work. The willingness to Mark Sanborn opens The that the performances you give at devote time and effort toward making Encore Effect with this excerpt from work, at home, at play, and even at the every performance count says a lot As You Like It, and while Sanborn café are all reflections of who you are. about the performer. agrees that we are all constantly Consider how those around you appre- performing the various roles we have ciate and remember encore-worthy To invest in your performance is to to play, he distinguishes between performances, and think about what invest in your audience, and your “mere players” and “serious players.” you could be doing to make all of your audience will thank you for it. performances remarkable. Whether it’s with a sale, a raise, Are You a Serious Player? or a positive review, remarkable The Encore Effect will guide you Strive for Distinction performers are rewarded. But, for through what it means to be a Every interaction you have says the performer, what better reward is serious player. Are your performances something about you, so every there than being indispensable? Are uninspired and forgettable, or do you moment deserves to be thought of as you ready to become indispensable? deliver remarkable, encore-worthy a performance. Do you commit to the The Encore Effect will get you there! performances? details that make remarkable performances stand out? Breckenridge hospitalit y B, C Experience the charmi Experience charming ing V Victorian ictorian T Town own of B Breckenridge reckenriidge for a tr truly uly unforgettable me meeting. eeting. This br breathtaking eathtaking mounta mountain ain town to wn offers spectacularr scener sceneryy as w well ell as countless out outdoor door activites. activites O Our ur lodging pr properties op perties offer oover ver 43,000 43 000 squar squaree feet f of meeting spa space. ace. 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" Advanced Solutions Agilutions Consulting Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa Avectra BKMedia Group Bondi & Co, LLC Brand Mentoring, LLC Brede Exposition Services Cheyenne Mountain Resort Colorado Capital Watch Fort Collins Convention & Visitors Bureau GL Specialties Greeley Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau Hilton Fort Collins Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa Hotel Colorado Image Audiovisuals internet4associations The Kyle Group Millennium Harvest House Boulder Proforma Imagery Pueblo Convention Center/Pueblo Marriott Qwest Learning & Conference Center Raft Masters San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau ScottsBluff.Gering Nebraska The Silvertree Hotel & Snowmass Conference Center Summit Meetings, Inc. T. Charles Wilson Insurance Service Zerista Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 CSAE PRESIDENT NANCY " ERICKSON WELCOMED ATTENDEES EDUCATION SESSIONS WERE PACKED WITH ATTENDEES " " LOIS RICE, COLORADO GAMING ASSOCIATION; DICK BRUSO, HEAD ABOVE THE NOISE; RICH HARTER, INTERNATIONAL EROSION CONTROL ASSOCIATION; MIKE FABER, FARBER COMMUNICATIONS GAVE THEIR IMPRESSION OF THE BEATLES CLOSING LUNCH " ENes P O E D WI spac SPEAKER LAURA STACK AND HER HUSBAND JOHN LINDA FARRELL PROVIDES HER VISION " C E FO R IIC D CHO E R IR I P . NS A N IIN EV EN T N EXT YO U R FOR 2010-11 To T o start planning, visit sit embassysuitesloveland.com or call 970-612-2385 970-612-2385. 70-612-2385 . Loveland - Hotel, Spa Spa & Conference Center 4705 Clydesdale Parkw Parkway, way, Loveland, CO CO 80538 Tel: 970 0-593-6200 970-593-6200 Fax: 970-593-6202 0-593-6202 embassysuit tesloveland.com embassysuitesloveland.com Another A not her e exceptional xceptional hotel hotel b byy JJohn ohn Q Q.. Hammons Hammons INSTALLATION OF THE 2010-11 " *Hilton HHonors® membership, earning of Pointss & Miles®, a and nd rredemption edemption o off p points oints aare re ssubject ubject tto o HHonors T HHonors Terms erms a and nd C Conditions. onditions. © ©2010 2010 H Hilton ilton W Worldwide orldwide BOARD OF DIRECTORS Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 19 > BY WENDY GRILLO, CAE Fall 2009 Program Changes and What They Mean to YOU! T he CAE Commission announced the completion of a methodical and comprehensive investigation into the skills required for successful association management and the current role of the chief staff executive back in the Fall of 2009. As Association Executives we know that periodic changes are hallmark to ensure currency and relevance of a well-designed credentialing program. Therefore, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credentialing program undertakes a periodic job analysis study every five years, as well as an ongoing review of policies and procedures. This important study, conducted from 2008 to 2009, revealed the ever-increasing scope of association management, and highlighted the multi-faceted expertise required to lead an association. This article answers the questions ing knowledge, improving advance- standards of professional conduct. about what the Fall 2009 changes to ment opportunities, and elevating Once you fulfill the pre-requisites and the CAE mean to those professionals their status in their current position intend to sit for the exam within the who want to become certified and as their motivation. next 12 months, submit your to the current CAE’s who will be • Widespread value and recognition: completed CAE program application. recertifying in the near future. particularly among your board lead- EARNING AND MAINTAINING THE CAE PROGRAM OVERVIEW ers, members, and those involved in 2) Passing an examination — The hiring nonprofit professionals includ- exam is administered at scheduled ing executive recruiters and associa- test centers throughout the U.S. based tion HR directors. on anticipated candidate concentra- The Certified Association Executive • Opens doors and creates connec- tion. It is a fair but challenging exam (CAE™) program is designed to elevate tions: through a range of CAE-only designed to test the ability of test-tak- professional standards, enhance events and increased volunteer ers to apply fundamental knowledge individual performance, and desig- leadership opportunities through to scenarios drawn from real-world nate association professionals who ASAE & The Center and local, state, association management challenges. demonstrate the knowledge essential and regional association professional The content of the test is based on to the practice of association manage- societies. extensive research into the tasks and ment. Earning the CAE credential is the hallmark of a committed association professional. 20 knowledge essential to successful What you need to become a CAE Content Outline presents these 156 1) Fulfilling pre-requisites — competencies organized into nine Candidates must meet higher educa- knowledge domains. To provide can- association management. The Exam HIGHLIGHTS OF THE IMPACT OF THE CAE tion, qualifying nonprofit professional didates an authoritative resource for • Drives professional self-confidence: experience, association management these topics, the CAE Commission has 70% of CAE test takers report enhanc- continuing education requirements, identified the CAE Authoritative and sign a pledge to uphold ASAE’s Literature. Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 With the 2009 changes eligibility requirements have increased by 25 hours with a cap of 20 hours in any one knowledge domain. The CAE Commission believes it is important that candidates have completed wellrounded and sufficient educational preparation. The new exam content outline and test specifications took effect with the May 7, 2010 CAE exam. Domains and Subdomains of the 2010 CAE Exam Content Outline Domain 1: Organizational Management (14-16%) O A. General Management O B. Branding and Positioning O C. Financial Management O D. Globalization O E. Strategic Planning and Thinking Domain 2: Leadership (14-16%) O A. General Leadership O B. Ethics O C. Diversity O D. Interpersonal Skills and Group Facilitation O E. Negotiating Domain 3: Administration (14-16%) O A. Human Resources O B. Technology O C. Legal and Risk Management O D. Facilities Management O E. Vendor/Supplier Management O F. Business Planning ę¢ ǰ ǰ ¢ ǯ ǭǰ ǭǰ ¢ǰ ¢ǰ ¢ ęǰ Ƿ Domain 4: Knowledge Management & Research ¢ ¢ £ ǰ ǰ ǻřŖřǼ śřŚȬŘŗřřǯ (4-6%) O A. Knowledge Management System O B. Research, Evaluation, and ,68 ,QVXUDQFH 6HUYLFHV RI &RORUDGR ,QF &RQWLQXRXV VLQFH Statistics ZZZLVXLQVXUDQFHFRP Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 21 Why Consider A CAE? Self confidence: 70 percent of CAE test takers report enhancing knowledge, improving advancement opportunities, and evaluating their status in their Domain 5: Governance and current position as their motivation Structure (9-11%) O A. Governance O B. Volunteer Leadership Development RECERTIFICATION Maintaining the credential — CAEs O C. Component Relations maintain their knowledge and Domain 6: Public Policy, credential by fulfilling certification Government Relations, and renewal requirements every three Coalition Building (6-8%) years. At this time 40 hours of associa- O A. Public Policy tion management-related continuing O B. Government Relations education are required with-in the O C. Coalition Building last three years to renew your CAE Domain 7: Membership certification. Development (10-12%) PLANNING AHEAD O B. Membership Recruitment Since the new requirements are about DOMAINS and POINTS it is time to O C. Ethics Program start a filing system when collecting O D. Standard-Setting Programs your points. Start a file for each members, and those involved in hiring nonprofit professionals. Creates connections: though a wide range of CAE-only events at ASAE, CSAE and other allied societies DID YOU KNOW? to all CSAE members at the Michigan member price through the Michigan Society of Association Executives. For full details contact Cheryl Ronk at (517) 332-6723 or [email protected] Domain 8: Programs, DOMAIN. File the information from Products, and Services each education session you attend in ADVERTISERS’ I N D EX (12-14%) the Domain the class covers. Agilutions Consulting...........................21 Since the changes in the CAE Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center ...................................4 Requirements have taken place, JT has Black Hawk/Central City VCB ...........IBC addressed on the educational sessions Brand Mentoring....................................15 O C. Meeting and Events information e-mails the Domains Breckenridge Hospitality .................... 17 O D. Certification, Accreditation, they cover to help us with our new O A. Development of Programs, Products and Services O B. Fundraising, Sponsorships, and Development Programs and Licensure CAE Domains filing systems! O E. Affinity Programs O F. Professional Development Programs and Delivery Systems Domain 9: Marketing, Start the filing system for your O B. Public Relations Programs O C. Publications, Media, and GL Specialties............................................ 9 the curve! Hotel Colorado........................................13 ! ISU ..............................................................21 > BY WENDY GRILLO, CAE O A. Marketing Estes Park Conference Center ............18 Grand Junction Visitors Bureau.........16 Communications (8-10%) Embassy Suites Loveland ................... 19 certification now and be ahead of Public Relations, and GOT QUESTIONS? CONTACT Keystone Resort ........................................8 Raft Masters ...........................................IFC [email protected] ScottsBluff.Gering Nebraska...............14 OR 202-626-2759. Snowmass Tourism Office ...............OBC Vail Mountain Resort & Spa Marriott ..........................................6 Messages 22 particularly among your board leaders, An online study program is available O A. Member Relations and Retention Value and recognition: Colorado Society of Association Executives ! Excellence by Association ! Summer 2010 1=;3 13:30@/B3 E7B6 A<=E;/AA 7b¸a ]c` O\\WdS`aO`g Pcb g]c USb OZZ bVS ^`SaS\ba /TbS` # gSO`a ]T V]abW\U SfQS^bW]\OZ Oaa]QWObW]\ [SSbW\Ua O\R SdS\ba A\]e[Oaa eO\ba b] bVO\Y g]c ]c` dOZcSR abObS Oaa]QWObW]\ SfSQcbWdSa B] QSZSP`ObSeS O`S UWdW\U g]c Q]\b`]Z ]T g]c` SdS\b ]TTS` T]` O\R PSg]\R Oa eSZZ Oa ]^^]`bc\WbWSa b] ^O`bWQW^ObS W\ ]c` ac[[S`TOZZ TO[ aS`WSa C\e`O^ g]c` ^`SaS\ba VS`S( eeea\]e[Oaa[SSbW\UaQ][ #gSO`a 1.800.598.2009 OR VISIT SNOWMASSMEETINGS.COM 9 MILES FROM ASPEN + NEW LODGES + CONFERENCE CENTER + SKI IN/SKI OUT + YEAR-ROUND AIRPORT + FESTIVALS & EVENTS = THE COMPLETE PACKAGE