connecting leaders, SUMMER advancing associations 15 > a Stronger Volunteer Program GSAE the Follow Your Increase to Example Involvement Members’ How to Build Build to How

Georgia Society of Association Executives of Association Society The Official Magazine of the of the Magazine The Official connections

Plan your 2016 event now and receive our special re-launch pricing. Contact Katy Murray at 912-434-5366 Celebrate the end of a busy week with a weekend full of awesome. When you are ready to come on over, contact your friends at the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

MeetInAugusta.com 800.726.0243

752185_Augusta.indd 1 12/06/15 5:01 AM

4 734833_Valdosta.indd Summer 2015 1 2/13/15 5:07 AM connectionsThe Official Magazine of the Georgia Society of Association Executives Volume 13, Issue 3 Summer 2015 > Georgia Society of Association Executives > DEPARTMENTS Connections is Published for: Georgia Society of Association Executives Message from the Chair 6 233 NE, Suite 751 , GA 30303 www.gsae.org GSAE News & Events 7 Chair: Jim Fowler, CAE New Members 11 Chair-Elect: David Ellis, CAE Index of Advertisers 30 Past Chair: Susan Cheshire, CAE Advertiser.com 30 Treasurer: Tara Morrison, CAE Board of Directors: Julie Anderson, CAE FEATURES Todd Daniel, CAE > Jon Krueger Gale Macke Natalie Nardone, CAE, CMP How to Build a Stronger Joel Peacock Volunteer Program 12 Bryan Tolar BY MARY LOU JAY Michael Walsh, CAE Sheryl Ehlers Mark Sedgely Volunteer Risks President: Wendy Kavanagh, CAE and Rescues 16 [email protected] BY LOWELL APLEBAUM, CAE Manager of Membership & Communications: Jane Anne Sutphin The List: Micro & Ad Hoc [email protected] Volunteer Jobs Published by: in Associations 18 BY PEGGY HOFFMAN, CAE

5950 NW First Place Gainesville, FL 32607 Phone: (800) 369-6220 or Engaging Your (352) 332-1252 Members with Fax: (352) 331-3525 www.naylor.com Mobile Technology 19 Publisher: BY ERIN COLOMBO John Bacon Editor: By the Numbers: Elsbeth Russell Volunteering 21 Project Manager: Brittany Thompson Advertising Sales Director: 2015 GSAE Debbi McClanahan Annual Meeting 22 Advertising Sales Representatives: Amanda Blanchard, Tony Chiccarello, Janet Frank, Rick McPhee, Beth Palmer, Jamie Williams Destination: Nashville 26 Marketing Account Specialist: Karim Hussain Choices: A Quiet Layout & Design: Conversation with Rajeev Mishra PUBLISHED AUGUST 2015/ a Dear Friend 29 GSA-Q0315/1257 BY JOHN P. HARRISON, CAE, CMP

connections 5 > message from the chair Hungry for Volunteers?

CoLLECTIVE ACTIoN HAS proven time and again to be a Through my role in leading the Atlanta Apartment powerful thing. People who band together around a Association (AAA), I have the privilege of being part rallying cause have a long tradition of accomplishing of an annual food drive benefitting the Atlanta significant things. Just consider the American Community Food Bank (ACFB). The AAA “Food-A-Thon” Revolution and civil rights movement. started 28 years ago in very small scope, from an idea When individual professionals join forces for a generated by one key member who recognized the need common cause, they, too, have the ability to make a of a growing population of food insecure families in tremendous impact. Take GSAE as an example. Georgia—those who do not know where their next meal While we as an organization are fortunate to have is coming from. two very gifted and dedicated staff members, there is The thought of helping the hungry took off in a big only so much Wendy and Jane Anne can humanly do. way. Member companies and employees jumped on board Combined with our deep bench of talented volunteers, to support the cause. Fast forward to today, and the however, GSAE is able to provide member benefits AAA campaign is one of the largest food and fund drives and services well beyond the scope of our material in the . In 2014 alone, our Food-A-Thon resources. Are we moving mountains in the process? collected enough food items and money to provide seven Maybe not—but we are making a significant difference million meals to hungry families in Georgia. During the in the professional lives of those who’ve chosen past 25 years, collections of food and cash from this association management as a profession and reside in event have provided nearly 80 million meals (there are and around Georgia. For sure! no typos here)—talk about staggering! GSAE volunteers do a lot of the work of the The Food-A-Thon initiative kicks off in the spring association. Through task forces, committees and each year, followed by six months of promoting and shared interest groups, they recruit, welcome and coordinating. Apartment owners and management orient new members; pursue renewals; pair mentors companies compete against each other for prizes and and mentees; research issues; and identify trends bragging rights about who can raise the most, and and potential partners. With meaningful work, a residents of member apartment communities are finite timeline and recognition for a job well done, invited to contribute. our volunteers are “all in” in their commitment and The extensive efforts culminate with the AAA dedication to advancing our profession. Food-A-Thon themed parade, where Atlanta’s Volunteers are likely the lifeblood of your apartment companies literally march in to the Food organization, too. How are you engaging your members Bank’s downtown campus on an October morning with and embracing their volunteer spirit? How do you look countless truckloads of food, then unload and catalog for that winning combination of purpose and volunteer boxes, cans and bags of food supplies, as well as tons service? What’s in your magic formula of enlisting of cash raised for the cause. There is no other event volunteers and keeping them involved? anywhere quite like it. There’s no simple answer, but building consensus Building consensus around a shared vision is what around a shared vision is the primary key to finding it’s all about. That’s who we are and what we do. So your collective voice. There are certain components generate those conversations, seek out that rallying worth considering in your appeal for volunteers, cause, empower your volunteers and continue to make such as: a difference! • The benefit to the individual for being part of a volunteer group • Why each volunteer is uniquely needed for the cause or event • How volunteering directly impacts the mission or Jim Fowler, CAE bottom line President, Atlanta Apartment Association

6 Summer 2015 GSAE news & events Save the Date for GSAE Events in 2015 GSAE’s calendar offers more than 25 hours of CAE-matched programming this year. GSAE has been approved >for Preferred CAE Provider status through the CAE Commission. Our list of events is always available online at www.gsae.org (Learn/Calendar View). Various Shared Interest Group meetings will be added throughout the year.

Sep SEPTEMBER 16 The Abit Massey GSAE Leadership Academy Lecture Series featuring Applications Available President Jere Morehead, The Leadership Academy includes updated content that GSAE University of Georgia members identify as most critical and relevant for association professionals today. Earn up to 54 CAE hours. $95 for GSAE members Nov NoVEMBER and staff. 11 GSAE Tradeshow & 1. The Association Ecosystem and Governance Issues Luncheon at Georgia 2. Strategy, Change and Decision-Making World Congress Center, 3. Creating Member Value/Determining ROI featuring economist 4. Shaping the Association Experience: Brand, Identity, Jeff Saut Touch and Technology 5. Human Capital: Engaging Employee and Volunteer Talent 6. Leading Groups and Teams/Conflict Management Dec DECEMBER 7. Everyday Innovation and Idea Management 9 Holiday Luncheon, 8. Challenges and Choices: Charting Your Professional Pathways Awards Show, Silent Auction & Annual The 2015-16 Leadership Academy’s kick off retreat is Thursday and Business Meeting Friday, October 22-23. Apply today online at www.gsae.org.

Call for Leadership Nominations The GSAE Nominating to Wendy. All candidates must Immediate Past Chair. Others Committee is soliciting names be members in good standing. on the committee shall be the of members interested in Deadline for nominations is Chair, Chair elect, and two serving on the GSAE Board October 1, 2015. other members not currently of Directors. The Nominating The slate of nominees will serving on the GSAE Board of Committee will include Past be offered to the membership Directors. Names of nominating Chair, Susan Cheshire, CAE, for review no later than committee members and an Chair, Jim Fowler, CAE, Chair November 8, 2015. Board invitation for recommendations elect, David Ellis, CAE, and two members and officers will be for candidates for nomination at large association executive accepted and installed at the shall be announced to the members (to be named by the GSAE Annual Business Meeting membership at least sixty GSAE Board of Directors on on December 9th. (60) days prior to the annual August 27). Relevant Bylaws: business meeting. The Three seats for individual At least ninety (90) days nominating committee shall association member directors prior to the annual business submit at least one (1) name for and one seat for a corporate meeting, the Board of each available elective office supplier director will be Directors shall appoint a of the Society and said slate available for two-year terms, Nominating Committee of shall be presented, in writing, beginning January 1, 2016. five (5) persons, each of whom to the membership at least If you or someone you know shall have been an Individual thirty (30) days prior to the would like to be considered, member of the Society annual business meeting and please send the name and a brief for at least two (2) years. again, orally, at the annual description of qualifications The chairman shall be the business meeting.

connections 7 Live Webinars – Approved for 1 CAE Hour All webinars are 60 minutes (2-3 pm) and cost $45 for members Tuesday, August 18, 2015 - Fearless Whistleblower Risk Management - Scott Salsbury Published by Ohio Society of Association Executives and Georgia Society of Association Executives Whistleblower litigation is growing at an exponential rate. State and Federal Agencies have enormous resources dedicated to investigations and enforcement actions. The Plaintiffs’ bar recognizes the potential for lucrative recoveries. For employers, an ounce of prevention – generally – is worth a pound of cure. When that doesn’t work, care must be taken to dial in the right response. Participants in this session will review the most prevalent whistleblower protection laws, learn key elements of programs to manage whistleblower complaints and take away strategies to respond to administrative and civil actions. Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - The Everyday Olympian: How We can Achieve our Full Potential Using the Secrets of Top Athletes - Nicole Pacheco Published by Illinois Society of Association Executives and Georgia Society of Association Executives This presentation will focus on how we can reach our full potential by applying the knowledge and wisdom of top athletes to our daily lives so we can think, feel, and do our best. It will include hands-on activities and the participants will have opportunities to start applying strategies immediately. This presentation will cover how we can work towards achieving ideal work/home balance, efficient and effective behaviors to increase time management and identifying our own, unique “recipe” to reaching our full potential. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 - How to, and Why Should You, Measure the Fabulous - Suzanne Allen, PhD Published by Ohio Society of Association Executives and Georgia Society of Association Executives Many of us struggle with the same issue and that’s how to make data truly work as a visceral part of the organization. A popular mantra is “that which gets measured gets managed,” but what about those organic things, like fun, or wonder or awareness? How can you measure the intangibles that move the proverbial needle from good to great? This session will focus on a data-informed approach to qualitative and quantitative ways of strategically measuring the intangibles, helping organizations find ways to use data as a tool rather than as a measuring stick. This session will allow participants to understand the data-informed concept which describes agile, responsive, and intelligent organizations and be presented with case studies to illustrate quantitative and qualitative data models utilizing a data-informed approach. Thursday, October 1, 2015 - Managing Multiple Priorities: And Staying Sane in the Process - Anne Grady Published by Texas Society of Association Executives and Georgia Society of Association Executives In a time when every priority claims itself as the most urgent, it is essential to understand the attitudes, behaviors and skills required to become effective and efficient at utilizing the resources at our disposal to handle multiple tasks and priorities. The perfect planning system, Outlook tasks, and a smart phone can certainly help improve our productivity, but they are not the solution. This fun and interactive session will provide participants an opportunity to learn specific, practical strategies to work smarter, not harder. Learn more and register for live and on-demand webinars at www.gsae.org (Learn/Live Webinars).

Congratulations to GSAE’s newest Certified Association Executive, Karen Bremer, CAE Earning the CAE credential is the hallmark of a committed association professional. It helps drive professional self-confidence, opens doors, creates connections, and offers widespread value and recognition for candidates. Please join us in congratulating GSAE member Karen Bremer, CAE, Georgia Restaurant Association, on earning the Certified Association Executive credential recently. All new CAEs will be celebrated at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo in Detroit this August.

8 Summer 2015 Recognize A Peer Today – GSAE Award Nominations Due GSAE recognizes excellence by presenting a variety of awards to members. To nominate a member for an award, simply contact Wendy Kavanagh, CAE, President, at [email protected]. For more information, visit the Awards page of the GSAE website. The deadline for nominations is October 1, 2015. Individual Awards include: The Clifford M. Clarke Award is GSAE’s highest honor and is presented to honor a member for an outstanding career of leadership and service to associations in Georgia. It is named for the late Cliff Clarke, president emeritus of the Arthritis Foundation and the first Georgian to serve as chief elected officer of ASAE. Any active individual member of GSAE is eligible for the Award, with the exception of current officers, directors, staff, members of the Awards Committee and previous recipients. Honorary and retired members who have worked in the Georgia association community within the past two years and former staff members who meet the other criteria as well are also eligible. The Alan R. Johnson Award was established in 1994 and named in memory of a former Chair of the GSAE Foundation. It is given to an association executive in Georgia who has demonstrated qualities of teamwork (ability to work with and support others), vision (ability to see possibilities for making things happen and communicating this vision to others) and servant leadership (willingness to reach out beyond work and home to benefit the community). The Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award was renamed in 2014 to recognize the contributions of Past President, Sharon Hunt, CAE. The award is presented to an association executive with ten years or less of experience in associations who demonstrates leadership through service to GSAE, their own association and to their community. Chief staff executives (CEO, executive director, executive vice president, etc.) are not eligible. Nominees must have been a member of GSAE for at least one year. The Corporate Member Representative of the Year is presented to the corporate member who has demonstrated outstanding and continuous service to the association community in Georgia.

Annual Meeting Silent Auction & GSAE Hosting Pay the Pig Raffle Thank You Opportunities Thanks so much to our Silent Auction donors and bidders who helped us The host property raise $9,514 to support GSAE’s educational programming. Your generosity of each luncheon also helped us raise $2,270 to support the good work of the Medical will receive a University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital through the 3rd Annual reserved table during GSAE 3K Fun Run/Walk and the Pay the Pig Raffle. Congratulations to registration, the Myra Jacobs on winning the raffle for two JetBlue round trip tickets! opportunity to place material at each place setting, podium time, significant exposure and an attendee mailing list following the luncheon. This is a great opportunity to showcase your property! All GSAE luncheons are on Wednesdays. Available 2015 date: December 9. Pictured: Jim Fowler, CAE, Chris Hendrix, CMP and Helen Hill.

connections 9 With the right tools, anything is possible.

The rules of engagement have changed. To thrive todayWRFUHDWHDUREXVWHQWHUSULVHDQGIXOŵOO their missions, associations need the resources, partners and strategies — the tools— to build an industry-leading, member-attracting, revenue-generating organization. They need the tools to attract, engage and retain more demanding members.

That’s why Naylor has assembled best-in-breed solutions including:

� Career Centers Boxwood Technology � Event Management Global Exchange Events & Naylor Event Solutions � AMS Timberlake Membership Software � Communications Products Naylor Association Solutions

Naylor. One, powerful resource to provide the insights, expertise, customer service and revenue solutions —the tools— associations need to stand out and perform. To grow far beyond relevance and become the essential resource for their industry.

Discover the tools your association needs today at www.naylor.com

COMMUNICATIONS | EVENTS | CAREER CENTERS | AMS | REVENUE The Tools of Engagement new members Through June 26, 2015

Katie Bishop Delaine Hall Lauren Patrick Executive Director Director of Communications Senior Marketing Dunwoody Convention & Georgia Dental Association Communications Manager >Visitors Bureau MemberSuite Kimberly Harwood Rebecca Branstetter Results at Hand Software, LLC John Ricco, MAP, CAE Education Manager V.P. Greater Atlanta Home Builders Partners In Association Association Devin Heath Management General Manager Graduate Athens Renee Carden Jody Scott Sales Manager National Sales Manager Lake Lanier Convention & Kristi Hoffman Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Visitors Bureau VP Marketing and Communications National Association Management Group, LLC Renae Scott Charles “Chip” Deale, Old Savannah Tours FASAE, CAE Executive Director Marva Huie National Press Photographers Associate Director of Sales Pauline Shannon Association Embassy Suites Atlanta Airport Reed, Quinn & McClure, LLC

Ron Durie Laurie Humphries Margie Speaks VP Client Solutions Sales Manager Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta DME Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District Yalonde Tanner Lauren Evans Deputy Director, Conferences & Coordinator, Research and Dallas Jackson Management Services Training Membership Service Coordinator Georgia Municipal Association American College of Rheumatology Georgia Mining Association Michelle White-Sukala, CMP, Sherri Fallin Simmons Katie Jones CMM President & CEO Public Affairs Coordinator Regional Vice President - Duffey Communications, Inc. Georgia Restaurant Association South Region Associated Luxury Hotels International Jennifer Freeman Georgette Lake-Hill Sales Manager Sales Manager Hilton Head Marriott Resort Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Kelly Young & Spa Conference Center Group Sales Manager The Brice - A Kimpton Hotel

April Gipson Lisa Niles Sales Manager COO Ramada Plaza Atlanta Old Fourth Ward Community Downtown Association

members on the move

Susan Dewberry Greg Parker Hollie Young Sales and Special Events Manager Executive Director SE Association Sales Manager Old Fourth Ward Community Charleston Marriott Association

connections 11 >

How to Build a Stronger Volunteer Program Follow the GSAE Example to Increase Your Members’ Involvement BY MARY LoU JAY

12 Summer 2015 ACTIVE, INVoLVED VoLUNTEERS with him. “It made a lasting since the are the foundation and core of impression, and I said to myself if mid-2000s. a successful association. The I was ever in a position down the Sheryl Ehlers, Georgia Society of Association road to be that kind of person for senior sales Executives (GSAE) is fortunate others coming in I wanted to do manager at in that respect: 28 percent of its it,” he said. Georgia Tech Hotel members are involved as leaders “If somebody gets in the habit & Conference Center, and members of committees of attending a luncheon, reading said GSAE did a good job of giving and task forces, special interest and commenting on connections her meaningful assignments when groups, study groups, the magazine, reaching out to us for she started volunteering seven Leadership Academy and the resources or going to the annual years ago. She began volunteering Board of Directors. meeting, their likelihood of staying at registration with the Meet and GSAE has built its volunteer with us and continuing to renew Greet Committee and now serves force by creating an environment just skyrockets,” said Kavanagh. on the Silent Auction Committee. where members feel welcomed “It also increases their likelihood “I got to know more members and valued. They quickly learn of volunteering, because they feel both from a supplier side and the that volunteering with GSAE welcomed as soon as they walk in association side. It was helpful gives them the chance to develop the door. They feel like it’s a group to exchange different ideas on their professional skills and form that they can engage with and booking associations and to life-long friendships. learn from.” network and learn more about GSAE includes all members different associations and their Developing the volunteer base in this outreach. “The core needs,” she said. Recruiting and retaining of who we are and what we GSAE understands and respects volunteers is an ongoing effort. do is making association volunteers’ time constraints. “We “Back in 2006-2007, we were executives better at their jobs,” definitely ask folks what their flash very deliberate in developing said Kavanagh. “But it’s also points will be from a scheduling our Leadership Academy, said recognizing and being more ,” said Kavanagh. “The Wendy Kavanagh, CAE, GSAE inclusive of those corporate co-chair system has worked well president. “It had three purposes: supplier members. We try to find for us; it spreads the responsibility to engage our past leaders in meaningful work for both groups.” and the workload, and it is teaching the next generation; to GSAE founded its Supplier sensitive to people’s work cycles.” give our mid-career members Council to give those members Having a co-chair to lean on during the tools and resources they need an important role as advisors to their own busy work periods can to go further in their career; the association. “The Board of make it possible to take on GSAE and to develop a deep bench of Directors wanted a mechanism to volunteers roles. volunteers who had been bound hear from suppliers, and because The association also provides to us.” The Leadership Academy the suppliers are heard, they the training and direction has been phenomenal in creating are more willing to contribute volunteers need to be effective career and volunteer pathways in time, treasure and talent,” when they volunteer. “They set you for GSAE members, she said. said Kavanagh. up for success and make it easy In addition, GSAE’s Meet by giving you the tools you need,” and Greet Committee, Table Making volunteers successful said Ehlers, who cites GSAE’s Hosts, and Peer Connections To keep volunteers coming back, annual leadership retreat— Committee all work to let GSAE leaders carefully consider where the Board of Directors and people know that their presence the jobs that they ask each person committee chairs can exchange at association activities is to take on. “I have learned from ideas—as one example. noted and important—a first GSAE that it’s helpful to ask the This retreat helps ensure that step towards getting them volunteers what their strengths volunteers understand GSAE’s more involved. are, what they are interested in and strategic vision. “GSAE does a GSAE’s current chair, Jim where they would like to help out, fantastic job of making you feel Fowler, CAE, president of Atlanta/ instead of just saying, ‘Go over here like you’re part of the GSAE team Georgia Apartment Association, and do this,’” said Bill Anderson, and that everybody is working said when he started at GSAE the CAE, LEED AP, president of the towards the same goals,” said warm reception he received from Associated Builders & Contractors Anderson. “It’s very strong in more seasoned members resonated of Georgia and a GSAE volunteer strategic planning, so you fully

connections 13 Conference Centers that Give Back to the Community

Whether it’s an important corporate meeting, an elaborate celebration 10 to 300 guests. The Snelling Center can be divided into six tastefully or a social gathering, Edgar’s Hospitality Group offers spectacular venues appointed breakout rooms ideal for business meetings or social gatherings, augmented by skilled event-planning professionals to create experiences and there’s even a small chapel available for private wedding ceremonies. that will exceed your expectations. In addition to comfortable, technologically advanced space, the In Macon, the Anderson Conference Center provides more than Snelling Center also offers a wide variety of on-site catering options from 15,000 square feet of meeting space equipped with the latest in state-of- Edgar’s Grille, with distinctive cuisine available for everything from a the-art technology for business and social functions. Sizes range from pre-meeting breakfast buffet to elegant plated dinners under the direction intimate dinner settings at Edgar’s restaurant and The James Room, to of Master Chef Marcel Biró. eight conference breakout rooms and the spacious, convention-ready The Snelling Center is located on the Augusta Campus of Helms College banquet room – all ready to serve from 10 to 1,000 guests. and convenient to Interstate 20. Plan your next meeting by contacting the 1RHYHQWLVFRPSOHWHZLWKRXWIRRGDQGWKHRQVLWHVWDIIDQGFHUWLÀHG Snelling Center professional staff at 706-854-4728, or at edgarsgrille.com. executive chefs of Edgar’s Catering will work with you to create memorable Whether your next gathering is in Augusta or Macon, both the contemporary or traditional menus to meet your needs for any occasion – Anderson Conference Center and Snelling Center provide a specialized whether it’s a civic club lunch meeting or an elaborate wedding reception. staff of attentive professionals for extraordinary conference services, Located just minutes from the heart of historic Macon, convenient from exceptional cuisine and extensive program options that will make your Interstate 475, the Anderson Conference Center includes ample free event shine! parking easily accessible for your event’s guests. Start planning your event Not only will your event captivate, but a portion of the Anderson by calling the Anderson Conference Center event planning professionals &RQIHUHQFH &HQWHU DQG 6QHOOLQJ &HQWHU·V SURFHHGV EHQHÀW *RRGZLOO·V at 478-471-4389, or go to andersonconferencecenter.com. nationally recognized career development programs and services. Patrons of In Augusta, the Snelling Center provides more than 3,000 square feet the centers help build lives, families and communities one event at a time. of customizable meeting spaces for just about any event, accommodating Contact us to plan your next memorable occasion in Augusta or Macon!

A CONFERENCE VENUE AT EDGAR’S

edgarshospitality.com

5171 Eisenhower Parkway | Macon, GA 31206 3165 Washington Road | Augusta, GA 30907 478.471.4389 | andersonconferencecenter.com 706.854.4728 | edgarsgrille.com Members also cite the career-advancing skills and Ten Tips for Boosting Volunteer Participation knowledge they’ve gained as 1. Make all members, old and new, feel welcome at your events. Establish a meet and greet committee, assign hosts for each a significant advantage to table at luncheon or dinner meetings. The more connected their volunteer work. people feel, the more likely they are to volunteer. 2. Reach out to new members. Have an established member make personal contact and offer to meet them at an upcoming event understand the objectives and the and introduce them to other people in the group. long-term vision of GSAE and you 3. Respect your volunteers’ time and schedules. Don’t expect know that you’re helping that out instant responses; remember that they have another job that in some way, form or fashion by comes first. volunteering.” 4. Ask new volunteers about their interests and skills, and what Volunteers appreciate the they’d like to get out of their volunteer experience. Make their way that association leadership assignments accordingly. really listens to their ideas. 5. Offer stretch assignments that will help them gain new skills “GSAE is a small-enough useful in their careers. organization that when you have 6. Provide the tools and training they will need to succeed. an idea it can be implemented quickly,” said Amy Kane, CAE, 7. Make sure everyone understands your association’s strategic director of awards and grants goals and how their role as a volunteer helps meet those goals. at the Rheumatology Research 8. Listen to your volunteers’ ideas and try them out Foundation. “It makes you feel whenever possible. worthwhile and appreciated 9. Give volunteers the opportunity to succeed—and to fail as to see that your ideas are well. If one idea doesn’t work out, don’t ask them to continue actually happening.” pursuing it. Give them another opportunity. GSAE has a culture of 10. Let your volunteers know how much you appreciate them. expressing gratitude to Thank them personally and call attention to their work and volunteers, according to Gabriel their achievements at meetings and in your communications Eckert, CAE, a Leadership with other members. That recognition may inspire others Academy facilitator and 10-year to volunteer. volunteer who serves as executive director of BOMA Georgia. “You can see it in the way that staff answer is always the enduring similar challenges their own interacts with members of the friendships they’ve formed members face. association, in the handwritten and the valuable connections Members also cite the notes that Wendy sends on a they’ve made. career-advancing skills and regular basis to thank various Another important benefit is knowledge they’ve gained as a members for their help. You the view it offers of their own significant advantage to their feel that your time, your effort members’ experiences. volunteer work. and your energy are genuinely “I remember the first time I “I want our volunteers to grow appreciated.” attended a GSAE meeting as a professionally; I want to make GSAE consistently recognizes board member,” said Eckert. them stretch,” said Kavanagh. “I volunteers’ efforts in publications “That was a unique opportunity want them to develop those skills and at meetings, and honors an for me to realize what it felt like that maybe they don’t have the outstanding committee, SIG or task to be a new board member, so I opportunity to develop day-to-day, force chair with the Stephen Styron took notes on what I felt, thought, so they can achieve professional Award. The volunteer who goes wished I knew more about and personal growth.” above the call of duty receives the and used that information to “When folks get involved with Chair’s Award. restructure the board orientation GSAE, doing a little bit or a lot, it at BOMA.” helps them advance at their day The benefits of volunteering In juggling their volunteer jobs,” added Fowler. “That’s the Ask GSAE members about roles with their full-time jobs, message that GSAE is constantly the rewards they’ve gained GSAE volunteers learn to better promoting. Help us help you and in from volunteering and the first understand and appreciate the the end we all win.”

connections 15 >VOLUNTEER

BY LowELL APLEBAUM, CAE RISkS AND Volunteers. project is in need of a subject positions have term limits as THEY CRAFT THE vision and strategic matter expert that we call on defined in by-laws, often this key direction our organizations pursue. the same volunteer over and provision is not included when a They provide insights into their over. Whether the ongoing asks new volunteer entity is established. field, ensuring the association is overwhelm their time, or the longer Creating consistent term-limits focused on providing solutions service eventually drags heavy, across all volunteer groups will to the needs of today and those only by being proactive can we set the general expectation of on tomorrow’s horizon. They make sure that we protect our most volunteer rotation. contribute hours, days, of their valuable volunteers. time — in truth exponentially Risk: Not Enough Volunteers expanding the amount of work any Rescue: Track Volunteer Positions Perhaps there used to be a dense organization’s staff could do alone. Configure your AMS/member population of professionals that They take time from their families database so you can track what have migrated to other regions, and their job to attend conference positions volunteers hold and over or perhaps an ever-expanding calls, to organize name badges, what time. Besides serving as a portfolio of association to provide fiscal oversight. They means of measuring engagement, programming has not had a are our association’s speakers, its it will be easier to see if any one volunteer recruitment and authors, its subject matter experts, volunteer is over committed. retention program that has kept its leaders. They are the backbone pace. Every association depends of our organizations. Risk: Volunteers Holding on volunteers — both for strategic Of course, that doesn’t mean that on Too Long vision and industry insight as within our volunteer structures There can come a point where well as to provide needed hands there aren’t perennial problems a volunteer, particularly if they to create and manage programs. that arise. It is comforting to know are the initial Chair or Founder A paucity of volunteer involvement you aren’t the only organization of a volunteer entity, retains that can translate to association experiencing these difficulties, but title and position so long that the atrophy, and whether it is a by the time they are a powerful volunteer group becomes better committee or chapter, even to pain point you’re usually past the known as their own personal eventual disbandment. place when easier decisions could group. There are many paths that have been made to fix the situation. this can take — separate goals Rescue: Prioritize and Ease the Path While each situation is unique, of the group from that of the Every idea may be a good idea, here are five of the most-often larger association, a bottleneck of but they do not necessarily all have heard volunteer risks and some volunteer growth and ascension, the same priority. When evaluating ideas on how to prepare to rescue or a tie to outdated strategy. These where volunteer efforts are needed, your association from the situation. are the volunteers that even when make sure that you have first it becomes the best interest of the prioritized those programs/areas of Risk: Volunteer Burnout group and the association for them biggest impact. Next, put yourself We all have them — our rock to cycle out and allow for new in the mindset of a member: What star volunteers. The ones who voices, they continue to hold on to would your volunteer recruitment/ are constantly stepping up and their position. placement experience look like? stepping in to help whenever, Would it be clear? Would it be easy? wherever. Yet, over time it is all Rescue: Term Limits Would it make you feel appreciated too easy that when a committee is Stop this problem before it from the first step? This outside- sliding off focus, or an important starts. Though most Board in approach can usually produce

16 Summer 2015 RESCUES a number of ‘fixes’ that can shift Risk: Lack of Historical Perspective your volunteer numbers to a more Transitioning volunteer positive ratio. leadership inherently brings with it fresh perspective and Risk: Lack of Strategy energy. The corresponding Your volunteer group may downside is that with each new have leaders, subset members, board, there is a loss of historical and perhaps even a task to knowledge of what transpired accomplish, or a program to previously, even just a few years run — but these individual parts back. Why certain programs are in do not inherently translate into place, why things are structured a strategic vision or plan. Does as they are may all be lost to the that volunteer led group know ‘that’s the way we have always WHY it is trying to accomplish done it’ when always was just what it has set out to do, how four or five years ago. Each year their success translates to larger there are successes and points for organizational impact? Has process improvement — and the there been a plan laid out of how lessons learned from each of these each individual’s efforts will are easily lost as one volunteer integrate to the larger task at group shifts to the next. hand, and what milestones along the way will track that the group Rescue: Top Five Celebration Paths/ is on course? Skipping strategy Things to know for Every Group mapping as a first step of any Association staff have the volunteer group can lead to wasted advantage, and the onus, of efforts, and results that miss the preserving the longer term lessons hoped-for target. that each volunteer group learns. One way to distill this down into Rescue: Strategy Connector a usable knowledge piece is to ask Conversations each outgoing volunteer group to At the start of each volunteer put together two top-five lists; one entity’s term of service, have a focused on five things that went member of the organization’s Board right and why, and one focused of Directors lead a conversation on five areas that with hindsight with the local leadership group, they would have done differently. defining the larger strategic vision This is simple to create, and for and goals of the organization each subsequent group, is easy to and how the work of this group review, curate and integrate. aligns with that insight. From that conversation, the volunteer Lowell Aplebaum, CAE is the group can set their own priorities, COO of the American Society knowing that they are contributing for Parenteral and Enteral to the larger accomplishments of Nutrition. You can reach him at the association. [email protected].

connections 17 THE LIST: MICRo & AD HoC > VOLUNTEER JOBS IN

ASSOCIATIONS BY PEGGY HoFFMAN, CAE

LookING FoR A list of jobs that Representing: • Video-tape or take pictures for can offer members micro and • Raise funds association event ad hoc volunteering? We’re • Testify or present on behalf of • Provide live Twitter chatter curating a list right here! If the association to legislative or during meetings you have a job to add, send it to regulatory body • Create social media page [email protected]. • Contact your representative (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) • Campus liaison (or company or Connecting with Members: large institutional member) Events (perfect for • Provide professional advice your components!): • Provide mentoring, coaching, Sharing Input: • Greeters – welcome attendees tutoring for members • Participate as test audience for and direct them toward • Recruit a member videos, training programs, et al registration, coat check, seating, • Get out the vote – share the buzz • Product tester and so on to drive member voting (SCTE) • Beta-test products, websites, • Front desk – check in attendees • Day of Service – encourage tests when they arrive members to volunteer in • Rating conference session • Set-up and tear-down – arrive their community proposals/potential topics early or stay late to help with • Survey respondent assembly and disassembly of the Sharing knowledge: event space • Writing reviews for books Curating Content: • Social media guides – at • Guest blogger or contributor • Record a discussion at a session computer stations, help attendees • Speak or present a paper round table log in to LinkedIn and join the • Participate in an expert panel organization’s group or report • Photo, video, and blogging – • Moderate or facilitate discussion capture the essence of the event groups (list serv, e-community) in a lot of different ways, then • Review proposals for conferences feed to the web team what should or projects be shared on the web • Review paper or proposal for publication Peggy M. Hoffman, CAE, is • Review research, conduct president and Mariner’s literature search/review resident expert on • Analyze data communication, marketing and • Submit paper or manuscript building community. In for publication addition to managing • Write proposals/ organizations, Peggy grant applications or has provided training business plans and consultation on • Review accreditation or leadership development, certification applications component relations • Prepare backgrounder and strategic planning to for regulators, press, or more than a dozen national other publics associations and many • YouTube Tuesdays - members local groups over the past share tips & information via 30 years. You can reach Peggy at short video clips (NCURA) [email protected].

18 Summer 2015 Attendees need more than just a set of speakers > and hour long mix-and-mingle sessions. They need an experience that inspires them to connect, interact, and engage with others. iStockphoto©vm BY ERIN CoLoMBo ENGAGING YoUR MEMBERS wITH MoBILE TECHNoLoGY what is Member Engagement? The best member engagement your brand; it’s about creating Associations have typically strategy should be beneficial to meaningful conversations. viewed member engagement as a both members and the association. means of getting their members This means both parties need to How Mobile Can Help talking preferably about the participate to create value together. Associations would love to association to ultimately increase Although members need to be be in the forefront of every membership rates. But is that involved, it’s ultimately up to the member’s mind. However, deep really what engagement is? More association to make this kind of down we know that’s just not the so, is it effective? relationship work. case. A more fitting mindset for While we all try to do more One way an association can associations is to be on a member’s with less, many times events are do this is by asking members to mind when they are in need of planned under the mentality of share their greatest challenges so recommendations or solutions, “if you build it, they will come.” they can create tailored solutions a SIG peer, updates on industry However, it’s just not the case to solve them. Or tell them to hot topics, a refresher course, anymore. Attendees need more share their past experiences that new credentials, a strong voice to than just a set of speakers and hour other members can learn from. congress, etc. long mix-and-mingle sessions. They The important thing is that the Now think of the most common need an experience that inspires conversation is valuable for both way you access information. My them to connect, interact, and parties. It’s not about asking a best guess would be through your engage with others. member to share a story about mobile phone.

connections 19 Although we may be slightly topics (Congressional Bill), find and while also giving you a better biased as a mobile solutions text a SME, nominate a peer for a understanding of their needs. provider, this hypothesis is 2015 award, ‘like’ a post in the SIG backed by some heavy data. For chatroom discussion, and study Conclusion example, back in 2011, 35 percent educational materials all while on To promote genuine member of US adults owned a smartphone. the go! engagement, associations need to In just four years, that number Associations have embraced know what makes their member’s has nearly doubled to 64 percent event apps for large events or the tick. More specifically, determine and it will continue to grow as annual conference, but what about what makes members want to mobile broadband is the fastest small events or meetings? If a engage with them. Although it’s growing technology to date. These meeting of 10 members becomes safe to assume most individuals smartphone owners love their more relevant with interactive are on mobile, the truth is some phones and apps – spending 127 app features like audience polling associations and their members minutes on average in apps per day, and gamification, does the size may need guidance to navigate the according to statistics from the of the audience really matter? mobile shift. Pew Research Center and SignUp4. Whatever mobile interactions you All the bells and whistles of a Because mobile is so offer, it’s important to consistently mobile app may sound great, but integrated with our daily lives, assess your mobile app strategy what’s most important is that it can effectively work as the one to ensure you’re meeting your the app works to achieve your technology needed to harness organizational goals. association’s goals and objectives. member engagement. We have all Associations often get caught up heard the importance of having Measuring Member Engagement in the features of the app rather a mobile responsive website. Traditional means of measuring than its true purpose. As with Although this is a great step in engagement included tracking implementing any new channel the right direction, it’s still not membership, event attendance and solution, the main focus should be incredibly user-friendly as most of revenue. With the proliferation about how it enhances your work the functionality is still limited in of social media and apps we can rather than adds to it. a browser. utilize interactive tools to measure The best way to deliver a mobile member engagement as well. These Is a Mobile App Right for solution to your members is by tools include social listening, Your Members? providing a single mobile app that forum/chatroom and tracking app encompasses all your association interactions. has to offer. This app will go well To measure your in-app member beyond supporting your annual engagement, see what offerings conference by acting as the central members are leveraging. Is there hub for your members. a SIG topic or resource that was For starters, you can create a visited much more than others? central resource center for all Any member story that stands out of your member needs. Let them based on ‘likes’ and replies? Was Take our Mobile App Readiness quickly access resources and share there a complaint mentioned in Assessment and find out! Answer with others whenever they want an activity evaluation and echoed our set of questions and you’ll on their mobile devices. Members by others in discussion groups? receive a unique score and relevant looking to get CAE accreditation Use these insights to improve resources to get you closer to being could work toward finishing their future association offerings and app ready. Participation is strictly program on the go. Review study ultimately work toward meeting voluntary and at no cost to you. materials, answer practice quizzes, your members’ needs. To take the assessment, scan the share tips with the study group, Still not sure what’s working following QR code or visit the link and view CAE progress. with your mobile strategy? There’s bit.ly/1PU0FKo. Your app should be more than no better way to find out than just a portable library though as asking your users. Encourage Erin Colombo is the marketing it’s meant to support year-round your members to share their app manager for Results at Hand member engagement. thoughts and ideas right within the Software, LLC. Results@Hand So what can a mobile app do for app itself. Ask what they like, what offers mobile solutions for your members? A lot actually! A they don’t, what they would like to conferences, events, associations, member can receive timely and see, etc. Letting your members have and more. You can reach Erin at pertinent notifications, share a a say in your association app will (877) 926-2328, ext. 503 or selfie, weigh in on heated poll let them see their opinions matter [email protected].

20 Summer 2015 > BY THE NUMBERS: VoLUNTEERING

• Lending professional and Associations are seeing an management expertise increase in the number of accounted for 15 percent of volunteer activities. members volunteering. • Volunteers are almost twice as likely to donate to charity as • Thirty percent of the people non-volunteers. Nearly eight in 10 who volunteer their time do so (79.2 percent) volunteers donated through an association. to charity, compared to four in 10 • Associations’ members are (40.4 percent) of non-volunteers. more likely to volunteer Overall, half of all citizens for organizations in which (50.7 percent) donated at least they are involved than non- $25 to charity in 2013. association members: half of • The VolunteerMatch Impact association respondents to an Report, which presents a peek ASAE survey volunteer for one into the world of nonprofits or two organizations, and the and their volunteers, listed the other half volunteer for three following as the Top 10 Cause or more. ACCoRDING To THE Corporation for Areas for volunteers. • Association members National & Community Service, • Community contribute money: the Power of A, and the online • Children and Youth Association members are volunteer recruiting platform • Education and Literacy more likely than the general VolunteerMatch, organizations • Health and Medicine public to give to charities can expect a bright future for • Seniors every year — 84 percent of volunteer engagement. Here’s • International the respondents in ASAE’s a look at volunteerism, by • Arts and Culture Decision to Give study the numbers. • Environment reported charitable giving • In 2013, one in four adults • Disabled compared to 70 percent of the (25.4 percent) volunteered • Sport & Recreation general public. through an organization, • Association members • Associations were responsible demonstrating that volunteering contribute their time: More for $50 billion worth of remains an important activity than 90 percent of association volunteer time, using the for millions of Americans. members in ASAE’s Decision Independent Sector number Altogether, 62.6 million to Volunteer study reported that an hour of volunteer Americans volunteered nearly having volunteered within their time is worth $20.85 to 7.7 billion hours in 2013. Based organization in the past year. the economy. on the Independent Sector’s • Associations are seeing an estimate of the average value of increase in the number of For more information please a volunteer hour, the estimated members volunteering, going visit volunteermatch.org, value of this volunteer service is from 31.9 percent to 44.8 percent thepowerofa.org and nearly $173 billion. over the past year. nationalservice.gov.

connections 21 GSAE annual meeting wrap up >2015 GSAE ANNUAL MEETING GSAE MEMBERS AND guests visited the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina for the Annual Meeting this year. Hosted by the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Francis Marion Hotel, attendees enjoyed workshops, breakouts and keynote speakers geared to help them connect with other members, advance their organizational goals and achieve professional success. A huge thank you to our volunteers, especially members of the Meet & Greet Committee, the Registration team, Professional Development Committee, Table Host Committee and the Silent Auction Committee. Finally, thank you to Mike Giles for his inspiring and comforting words about two amazing GSAE members — Clare B. Reagan, CAE and Peggy Seigler, MPA, CDME — during Thursday’s lunch. Because of the Silent Auction committee members’ diligence and your donations and bids, we raised more than $9,200 to support GSAE’s educational programming. Your generosity also helped us raise nearly $2,300 to support the good work of the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital through the 3rd Annual GSAE 3K Fun Run/Walk and the Pay the Pig Raffle. Make plans to join us June 1-3, 2016 in Athens, Georgia for the 2016 Annual Meeting.

22 Summer 2015 connections 23 > GSAE annual meeting wrap up THANk YoU To oUR SPoNSoRS!

2015 HOST CITY & HOTEL

2016 HOST CITY & HOTEL PARTNERS Mark your calendar for GSAE in Athens! June 1-3, 2016

24 Summer 2015 2015 SPONSORS

See more photos on GSAE’s Facebook page. Like us today!

connections 25 destination spotlight Nashville was ranked in the top 10 of Cvent’s 2014 Top 50 Meeting > Destinations in the United States

what’s New, Nashville? LISTED IN CoLLABoRATE Magazine’s Place brand’s signature food and a new concierge lounge on the list of the Top 12 Foodie Cities for beverage options, including The lobby level. Contemporary design Meetings and ranked in the top Gallery, a 24-hour, full bar serving is showcased across the entryway, 10 of Cvent’s 2014 Top 50 Meeting wine, beer, spirits, and coffee. new flooring is intact, and a more Destinations in the United States, Another new property, the interactive front desk experience is Nashville is one of the hottest cities 27-story, 500,000-square-foot in place. for meetings these days. Westin Nashville Hotel will be In fact, the city boasted the built in SoBro on the northwest Refreshed Venues highest number of association segment of the Music City Center There is no shortage of unique executives since the 2007 ASAE Roundabout. The hotel will be venues for events in Nashville, and Annual Meeting & Exposition in full-service with 454 rooms and a couple of the city’s most notable Chicago when it hosted the event will include a 6,000-square-foot have recently been refreshed or in 2014. If you haven’t considered spa, 8,000-square-foot restaurant announced renovations. Nashville as a destination lately, space, rooftop bar, lounge and The historic Ryman Auditorium check out what’s new these days in pool, and 200+ parking spaces. The announced a $14-million planned the Music City! project will cost $120 million and expansion and renovation of will be complete by December 2016. the building’s 1994 additions. New and Improved Properties Meanwhile, the Hilton Nashville The renovation will increase the If you’re looking for a new place Downtown (nashvillehilton.com/ experience for both guests and to host your next event, Downtown accommodations/renovation) has concert attendees. It will also Hyatt Place (nashvilledowntown. undergone a $28-million upgrade. include a new event space featuring place.hyatt.com) has opened Upgrades to all 330 guest suites, a new, state-of-the-art daytime on 3rd Avenue in the heart of the fitness center which doubled tour attraction, which will prove the city’s SoBro District. The in size, the grand ballroom, 17,800 a unique way to relive the Ryman 255-room, 13-story hotel includes square feet of meeting space, and a Auditorium’s storied past. Other 3,600 square feet of meeting space completely renovated grand atrium amenities include a dedicated café and a 175-space parking garage. lobby and lounge have all been space, enhanced food and beverage The hotel’s lobby includes the Hyatt completed. The hotel introduced services throughout the building,

26 Summer 2015 and an expanded retail area with interior and exterior access. Hilton Nashville Renovation plans also include a Downtown new box office, additional restroom has undergone facilities, and larger lobbies. a $28-million Mayor Karl Dean has announced a upgrade, including 17,800 square feet place for new park spaces along the of meeting space. riverfront in downtown Nashville (nashvilleriverfront.org/facts.html). The first phase is scheduled to open this summer and will stretch 11 acres and include a dog park, ornamental gardens, and most notably, a 1.5-acre event lawn called “The Green,” which will include a permanent seat amphitheater and The historic Ryman Auditorium announced a accommodate 6,800 people total. $14-million planned expansion and renovation of the building’s 1994 additions. A 4.5-acre park will sit on the east bank, increasing access to the Cumberland for river activities. Construction began on the east and west bank in fall 2014. A mile of new greenway will extend from the Rolling Mill Hill Greenway to the Riverfront, creating a two-mile continuous walking and biking loop. Costs of development will be approximately $35 million.

Touring: From Brews to Tunes If you’re looking for activities for your group, experience Mayor Karl Dean has announced a place for new park spaces along the Nashville’s exploding craft brew riverfront in downtown Nashville. The first phase will open summer 2015 and will stretch 11 acres and include a dog park, ornamental gardens, and scene with a brew tour: Music most notably, a 1.5-acre event lawn called “The Green,” which will include a City Brew Tours or the Nashville permanent seat amphitheater and accommodate 6,800 people total. Brew Bus. These tours offer your group a behind-the-scenes look at some of Nashville’s best breweries. Nashville Brew Bus’s knowledgeable tour guides will be on hand to educate your group on Nashville beer history — past and present. At each brewery, guests will be led by the brewers themselves on a tour of the facility with tastings of their best beers. With fully-customizable Nashville through the eyes of a and beautiful Centennial Park tours available, the Nashville Nashville singer/songwriter who is (home to our renowned Parthenon). Brew Bus has something to offer experiencing what trying to make Your singing guide will conclude every beer drinker, from the it in this town is all about! Get the with a 30-minute performance of novice to the aficionado. Visit inside scoop on the struggles and their original songs and the real rhizomeproductions.com and victories of the music industry life stories behind them. Check musiccitybrewtours.com for more while also enjoying a driving tour out sweetmagnoliatours.com to information. of Nashville, which will include learn more. If your attendees are more into the historic downtown Nashville, For more information about music scene, Sweet Magnolia Tours Honky Tonk Highway, world-famous what’s new in Nashville please offers Singing Step-On Guides. See Music Row, homes of the stars, check out visitmusiccity.com.

connections 27 +DYH\RXUPHHWLQJLQDGHVWLQDWLRQWKDWVIXOORIVRXOIXOVRXQGV PL[HGZLWKVRXWKHUQFKDUP0DFRQLVDQHVFDSHIURPWKH DYHUDJHEUHDNRXWVHVVLRQ2XUGRZQWRHDUWKSHRSOH EUHDWKWDNLQJDUFKLWHFWXUHDQGDFHQWUDOORFDWLRQVHWVXVDSDUW &RPHPHHWKHUH:RUNQHYHUIHOWVROHLVXUHO\

&RQWDFW5RELQ1RUWKDWRUVXEPLW\RXU5)3 RQOLQHDWPDFRQJDRUJPHHWLQJSODQQHUWRGD\

724386_Macon.indd 1 05/12/14 1:41 PM Inspiring History . . . OFFICIAL APP PARTNER OF GSAE Unforgettable Hospitality Engagement App Keep your attendees engaged all year long.

Historical Meetings Start Here.

Carrier

SCAN

15% OFF PURCHASE

770-427-2500 www.atlantamarietta.hilton.com [email protected] www.resultsathand.com

646626_Hilton.indd28 Summer 1 2015 7/2/13 2:39754964_Editorial.indd PM 1 30/06/15 5:01 PM > choices A QUIET CoNVERSATIoN

BY JoHN P. HARRISoN, wITH A DEAR FRIEND CAE, CMP

I VISITED A 90-year-old friend our father gathered my brother turned in a neighbor, and we split of mine the other day, and I and sister and mother and me in up over it really,” Hermine said. got a lesson in modern history. the kitchen and told us we could I didn’t ask her what the reason Her name is Hermine; she’s a no longer speak our minds out in was for her sister turning in the widow of an OSS agent (OSS is public anymore. We had to be very neighbors; I could tell it was the pre-cursor to the CIA). Her careful of who said what, for fear raw even after all these years. I late husband was a spymaster that we would reveal ourselves, suspected the sister had turned in for the U.S. in Europe. I knew the our family, as basic conservative a neighbor as a Jew. family when we were stationed in imperialists—which I suppose we “You see,” Hermine continued, Germany in the 1970s, and we’ve were. My father pulled the portrait “we were not Roman Catholic, our remained friends ever since. She of the last Habsburg Emperor of family was actually Lutheran; it’s is originally Austrian and used the wall. He told us that outside a long story how, but we—at least to teach skiing back in the days the house we were to keep quiet, I—knew what it was like to be a when there were no ski lifts; you keep our opinions to ourselves, minority, not so much ethnically skied down the hill, then took off and not let our politics be known,” as politically. We were not really your skis and hiked back up. She she said. ones to go along with the crowd, said that sometimes they would tie “What became of your brother but still you learn to keep your twine around the skis for grip and and sister during the war?” head down.” shuffle back up the hill. That was I asked. “How did that work, the wave high tech, she explained. She is “Well, my brother was taken of group think that took over— one of the most charming persons into the German army, of course,” of what you could and couldn’t I’ve ever known—truly a duchess she said. “He was sent to Norway say and what was tolerated and in her demeanor, appearance and then France. He was actually what was not. How did it come and speech. a chef, so he had it relatively easy. about?” I asked, wondering about Hermine now lives in a quiet, We didn’t know of each other’s the symptoms of a slow creep of upscale retirement home in the whereabouts until over a year quiet censorship. D.C. area; there are plenty of after the war. I thought he might “First came the avoidance of intelligence community veterans have been killed, but he lived. certain subjects in conversation and widows there, so she has He inherited the family home, and also in the newspapers. We plenty of friends for conversation. turned it into a ski lodge, and only had radio, and the shows She’s told me a lot about life died last year right before his just began to be either official leading up to and during the war 101st birthday. I did go back and news or some light amusement— (WWII), especially the attitudes visit him several times, and we nothing controversial. Then and overall political correctness remained close.” official propaganda began, and that can take over a society. “And your sister?” I asked. there was no turning back. Very “When the Anschluss happened “Not so close. She’s still alive, grandiose public arrests were [when the Nazis more or less but we’ve not much to do with made of dissenters. It looked like quietly took over Austria in 1938], each other. During the war, she the populace actually turned

connections 29 against the dissenters more working at a jewelry store owned I didn’t ask her what the than the police. Or at least the by a Jewish family. They first put reason was for her sister government made it seem that them in the local jail under some way. That’s when my sister turned charge. I remember hoisting jewels turning in the neighbors; in the neighbors. I was actually up to the window of their cell in I could tell it was raw even a bucket one night, so they would after all these years. have something to buy their way out with,” she said, and I couldn’t when the fighting broke out. bring myself to ask what became Where we lived was beautiful, of the storeowners. posh and of the nobility, but Proud member of GSAE “After the official Party there was no food, no electricity, Line takes hold and people are no running water, and just browbeat into keeping their when we thought it couldn’t opinions to themselves, then the be more miserable the siren arrests became more and more as would sound and we had to go people accused others of improper to the cellar for shelter from the beliefs and such. Even if accused bombs. Yet we were still afraid people were not arrested, they of somehow being turned in for would be ruined. I believe some saying or believing the wrong were let out of jail, just so they thing—even almost until the end,” could then be ruined for example’s she said. sake. If they still kept up the “What happened then, at the dissent, if public humiliation end?” I asked. wasn’t enough, then people would “We all scrambled to get just go missing. We would not hear in the American sector. We about them anymore. They were wanted our conquerors to be the gone,” she told me. Americans,” she said proudly. “That fear must have been “We were so afraid of living under Scan code to terrible,” I said. Russian rule.” visit us on “That’s all there was. Just fear “Well, I’m sure glad you made it at every turn. In the beginning, here to America eventually,” I said. fear of humiliation, and then the “Yes, a land of no censorship,” (865) 436-5656 (800) 933-0777 fear of even worse. I ended up in she remarked. I smiled, nodded a boarding school in Germany and said “hmm” quietly.

675700_Clarion.indd 1 15/01/14 12:27 PM

Index of Advertisers/Advertiser.com

ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & AMD Group ...... Inside Back Cover Augusta CVB ...... 4 Conference Center ...... 28 www.boxwoodtech.com www.MeetInAugusta.com www.atlantamarietta.hilton.com Valdosta Lowndes CVB ...... 4 Sea Palms Golf Resort ...... 3 CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION CENTERS www.rainwaterconferencecenter.com www.seapalms.com Atlanta Convention Center at Visit Savannah ...... Inside Front Cover AmericasMart ...... Outside Back Cover www.SavannahMeetings.com PRINTING & PUBLISHING www.AtlConventionCenter.com Naylor Association Solutions ...... 10 Macon - Bibb County CVB ...... 28 HOTELS & RESORTS www.naylor.com www.vistmacon.org Clarion Inn & Suites ...... 30 www.clariongatlinburg.com CONFERENCE CENTERS Anderson Conference Center ...... 14 www.andersonconferencecenter.com

30 Summer 2015 They say the truth will set you free. Well, truths about other vendors which they might As the provider of the only career center prefer you didn’t. solution endorsed by ASAE, Boxwood Download your free copy right now and isn’t afraid to tell the truth, the whole truth get all the facts you’ll need to help your and nothing but in our “50 Facts every association be all it can be. association needs to know about career centers” eBook. info.boxwoodtech.com/SAE50 In it, you’ll discover exactly what Boxwood can bring to the table to help your association grow and prosper. You may also learn some