Fall Starts

by Melinda Farris, KCSAE President

Fall is often full of beginnings – the start of a new school year, television programming, football, volleyball, and cross country seasons, and the playoffs! At KCSAE, the fall signifies the beginning of a new membership year with plans for a full year of educational programming and networking opportunities, as well as a new slate of volunteer leaders.

At the annual celebration at the Hotel Sorella on September 9, KCSAE celebrated its work and outstanding volunteers from the previous year, as well as introduced its new board of directors and committee chairs. The individuals honored were Vickie Schatz (Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association), Distinguished Executive of the Year; Deidre Gish-Panjada (AMP Management Services), Professional Excellence Award; Heather Leahman, (ARMA International), Emerging Professionals Award; Alton Hagen (AGENDA: USA), Allied Member of Excellence Award; and Denise DeJulio (Visit KC), Association Service Award.

In September, the board held its regularly scheduled meeting, where it reviewed end-of-year financials, policies on investments, reserves and website links, and committee reports. Updates were given on the progress of the work of the Education and Networking Task Force (ENTF) and planned changes for Association Management 101. As reported earlier, the ENTF has been reviewing existing education and networking opportunities in order to recommend a comprehensive education and networking strategy for KCSAE.

Based on the Program Assessment Committee’s review of Association Management 101, we can expect some changes to the perennial event in 2016, including a shortened one-day format, and a greater focus on introducing core knowledge and practical applications that will orient all staff to the profession of association management.

A taskforce has also been assigned to review the current situation with regard to sponsorships at KCSAE. Results from that work are expected in the first quarter of 2016. Allied members who are interested in sharing their thoughts and ideas on sponsorships are welcome to contact me, so I can share that information with the taskforce.

For those of you who have some youngish staff who have yet to join KCSAE, you may want to take advantage of our KCSAE 35-35-35 Membership Campaign. For the next 35 days (starting on September 27), any new members under the age of 35 can join KCSAE for just $35. For more information click here.

I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming KCSAE event! Have a great start to the fall season!