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4 885518_Augusta.indd> Fall 2017 1 23/09/17 2:48 AM connections Volume 15, Issue 4 Fall 2017 Georgia Society of > Association Executives DEPARTMENTS connections is published for: > Georgia Society of Association Executives 233 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 751 Atlanta, GA 30303 GSAE News & Events 6 www.gsae.org Chair: Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP New Members 11 Chair-Elect: Gene Stinson, CAE, PCED, CEcD, HLM Past Chair: GSAE Internship 22 David Ellis, CAE Treasurer: Bryan Tolar Meetings Thought Leadership 26 Board of Directors: Alyson B. Abercrombie, CAE Sarah J. Berke, CAE Index of Advertisers 30 Beth Chitnis, CAE Carol Hall John Harrison, CAE, CMP Kristen Hartman, CAE Advertiser.com 30 Tim Kline, CAE Erik Lawser, CAE, AAMS Lee Lemke, CAE Tangela M. Monroe, MBA, CAE President: Wendy Kavanagh, CAE FEATURES [email protected] > Manager of Membership & Communications: Jane Anne Sutphin Living Legends: [email protected] Aubie Knight, CIC, AAI, CRM; Published by: Susan Cheshire, CAE; and Jim Moody, CAE 12 5950 NW First Place Gainesville, FL 32607 Phone: (800) 369-6220 or (352) 332-1252 Giving Together to Fax: (352) 331-3525 www.naylor.com Help the Hungry 16 Group Publisher: BY MARY LOU JAY Jill Andreu Editor: Sarah Sain GSAE Doing Good Works & Project Manager: Helping Their Communities 18 Brittany Thompson Advertising Sales Director: Debbi McClanahan 8 Steps to Successful Advertising Sales Representatives: Amanda Blanchard, Tony Chiccarello, Mobile Activation 20 Rick McPhee, Beth Palmer, BY KIM HARWOOD, MBA and Scott Pauquette, Tiffany Rapp, Jamie Williams, Matthew Yates AARON D. WOLOWIEC, MSA, CAE, CMP, CTA, CTF Marketing Account Specialist: Larissa Flores Project Support Specialist: Morgan Bedsole GSAE Fall Events Round-Up 24 Cover Design: Sharon Lynne, Dan Dahlin Destination: South Carolina 28 Layout & Design: Mahender Veer Cover Photo: Jenn Pierce Choices: Herbal Tea on the Job 29 PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2017/ BY JOHN P. HARRISON, CAE, CMP GSA-Q0417/9454

connections > 5 GSAE news & events

> Budget Info for 2018— 2017 GSAE Events To help you plan your professional We’re Here to Help! development year, GSAE’s current calendar We are so excited about our 2018 of events is available below. We will calendar. We’ll add additional offer more than 25 hours of in-person opportunities for connecting and CAE-matched programming this year. learning throughout the year, but this GSAE is a Preferred CAE Provider through is a great start! the CAE Commission. Our list of events • Shared Interest Group meetings is always available online at www.gsae. are included in your membership org (Learn/Calendar View). Various Shared (a nominal fee may be included to Interest Group meetings and webinars will cover a meal). be added throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you! • Luncheons in February, April, July, • November 15 – GSAE’s 100th Anniversary Gala at The Biltmore September and November are $39 for Ballrooms (Atlanta). Presenting sponsor: Augusta Convention all GSAE members. & Visitors Bureau; Millennium sponsors: Visit Savannah and • The Holiday Luncheon & Silent MapDynamics; Century sponsors: Richmond Region Tourism, Auction is $49 for all GSAE members; Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Classic Center, additional staff members from the The Westin Jekyll Island and The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf same company are $39 each. Resort & Spa, Association Services Group and Jekyll Island • The 2018 Annual Meeting is in Authority; sponsor: MemberClicks. Miramar Beach, FL (Sandestin) • December 13 – GSAE Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show, May 30–June 1. Registration fee Silent Auction & Annual Business Meeting at SunTrust for the first association executive Park Conference Center at The Battery Atlanta. Tours will attendee—$399; corporate be available. Sponsored by Jekyll Island Authority and supplier exhibitor and sponsor Discover DeKalb. packages range from $659–$2909; Save the Date for GSAE Events in 2018 additional attendees from the same • February – 21 Quarterly Luncheon at The Hotel at Avalon; organization—$299 each. sponsorship opportunity available • Annual Meeting room rates • April – 18 Quarterly Luncheon at Omni Hotel at The Battery at Sandestin Golf and Beach Atlanta; sponsored by Jekyll Island Authority Resort—$155 run of house • July – 11 Summer Luncheon (before fees). • September – 19 Quarterly Luncheon, The Abit Massey Lecture • The CAE Study Group is $89 for Series, sponsored by Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau members and will meet in the • November – 14 Quarterly Luncheon & GSAE Service Project summer. • December – 12 Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show, Silent Auction • The GSAE Leadership Academy will & Annual Business Meeting convene a new class in October, 2018.

Live Webinars—Approved for 1 CAE Hour Each 2–3 p.m. EDT $45 for Members Tuesday, November 14, 2017: Conducting a Business Meeting Kay Allison Crews, CPP, PRP Published by Tennessee Society of Association Executives and Georgia Society of Association Executives Have you ever been to a bad meeting? What made it bad? If you’re like most people, your answer is one of the following: lack of organization; not knowing what you’re voting on; the meeting got high jacked by one or two members; nothing got done. Learn some basic tips to resolve these and other issues at your next meeting. Learn more and register for live and on-demand webinars at www.gsae.org (Learn/Live Webinars).

6 > Fall 2017 Thank You, GSAE Volunteers! GSAE cannot be successful without the significant contributions of our volunteer leaders. It is my pleasure, on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, to formally express our gratitude to those who have served the organization so well this year. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & FOUNDATION TRUSTEE COMPLETING THEIR TERMS David Ellis, CAE, Past Chair, Charleston Home Builders Association Lee Lemke, CAE, Georgia Mining Association Sarah J. Berke, CAE, Nardone Consulting Group Kristen Hartman, CAE, Professional Photographers of America Carol Hall, Corporate Director, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center Pat Dunwoody, CAE, LEED AP, Foundation Past Chair, Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia CONNECTION COMMITTEES Tech Ninjas Joel Peacock, Georgia Association Meet & Greet of Water Professionals Shan Haugabrook, American College of Rheumatology Amanda Cook, Map Dynamics Aprell King, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Mike Pennington, CAE, novi AMS New Member Welcome & Orientation TASK FORCES Russ Webb, Atlanta/Georgia Apartment Association Governance Sheryl Ehlers, Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center Sarah J. Berke, CAE, Nardone Consulting Group Peer Connections Jon Krueger, Kellen James Pace, National Association of 100th Anniversary Social Workers, Georgia Chapter Karl Kirsch, CAE, Meeting Expectations Erica Powell, Georgia Municipal Association Lori K. Spear, CAE, SAIS Table Hosts Mike Pennington, CAE, novi AMS Tripp McKenney, The Omni Grove Park Inn Ragan Cohn, CAE, NCPPA Jennie Nesspor, CAE, Georgia Association of Convenience Stores SHARED INTEREST GROUPS Ambassadors Program Emerging Professionals Kevin Shea, Georgia Economic Developers Association Janell Martin, CAE, American College of Rheumatology Regina Robuck, Meeting Expectations Molly Whobrey, CAE, Meeting Expectations Government Relations KNOWLEDGE COMMITTEES Michael “Sully” Sullivan, JD, American Council of Certified Association Executive (CAE) Study Group Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC of Georgia) Julia Boyd, CAE, Professional Photographers of America Small Association Staff Professional Development Betsy Eddy, Southeastern Affordable Amy Clark, HelmsBriscoe Housing Management Association Angela Flanigan, Georgia Academy of Family Physicians Cindy Durham, CAE, Southern Newspaper Publishers Association COMMUNITY COMMITTEES Meetings Silent Auction Heather Hunt, Southern Association Spence Downs, MemberClicks of Orthodontists Loren Einstein, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee Karla Yeck, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Telework Amy Kane, CAE, American College of Rheumatology Supplier Council Meg Caldwell, CMP Communications Missy B. Wilson, Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau John Roch, CAE, ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education Membership Melanie Taylor, Synthetic Turf Council Fundraising/Development Professionals Leigh Beakley, Georgia Hospital Association Jasmine T. Okafor, M.Div., ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education CAEs After Dark Damian M. Kavanagh, Ed.S, CAE, MISBO

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Ask about the Fun & Games Promotion to receive a complimentary Courtyard Welcome Reception GSAE Sponsorship and Donate Now, Then Bid Hosting Opportunities High and Bid Often Luncheons are the primary venue for at the GSAE Holiday networking in GSAE. About 180 members generally attend each luncheon, which Silent Auction is preceded by a 30-minute networking Mark your calendar now for the 2017 reception. Your exclusive sponsorship Holiday Luncheon, Silent Auction and includes an exhibit table during registration Awards Show on Wednesday, December and the networking reception, 2–3 minutes 13 at SunTrust Park Conference Center of podium time, rights to leave a brochure or at The Battery Atlanta. This event is all flyer on each seat, luncheon registration for about networking and fun, celebrating your peers (awards 5 people, recognition in promotional materials and officer installation) and shopping (silent auction)! and post-event attendee mailing labels. We Silent Auction items donated to GSAE in 2016 raised more are accepting sponsorships for February, July, than $15,000 to support GSAE’s mission of advancing the November and December 2018 now. profession of association management and enhancing the The host property of each luncheon will professionalism of association executives. receive an exhibit table during registration The Silent Auction includes a display of all items and and the networking reception, the opportunity will be open for 1.5 hours during the networking portion to place material at each place setting, of the Luncheon. This is a great way to showcase your podium time, significant exposure and an property, product or service! Your organization’s name attendee mailing list following the luncheon. will also appear on our website and in other promotional This is a great opportunity to showcase materials for the Holiday Luncheon. your property! All GSAE luncheons are on The donation form is due by Wednesday, November 29, and Wednesdays. Available 2018 dates: July 11, may be found at www.gsae.org or by contacting GSAE. Thank September 19, November 14 and December 12. you for your support of GSAE through our Silent Auction!

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868107_Valdosta.indd 1 connections5/2/17 8:51> PM11 living legends >Aubie Knight, CIC, AAI, CRM: Time to Serve AUBIE KNIGHT, CIC, AAI, CRM answers cool to be chair of the host state clearly and directly when asked and get to take part in a lot of what his biggest challenge was fun activities,” he recalls. “The during his tenure as GSAE chair GSAE Annual Meeting was held in 2013, and it’s an answer than in Augusta, and they did a great anyone with a career in association job. The Rock Star party was management can relate to. probably the most fun I’ve ever “My biggest challenge personally had at a professional event. In an was simply making sure that I attempt to insert a little bit of my was going to have the appropriate personality in the annual meeting, time to give the commitment the we incorporated a fun run for the appropriate level of attention that first time. Overall, it was a great it deserves. That was only possible idea and seems to have had some by having a very competent staying power. However, doing the staff at IIAG [Independent run in an Elvis costume was not Insurance Agents of Georgia],” the best idea I had as chair.” There may not be “enough says Knight, who is currently As far as advice he would give hours in the day,” as the with Independent Insurance to volunteer leaders, Knight says old lament goes, but good Agents of North Carolina. that, first and foremost, respect for leaders certainly know how to As far as the biggest challenge others’ time is crucial. “Something for the organization that year, that I would tell all volunteer make the most of every hour. Knight says that it was strategic leaders would be to know your planning. “The main thing on our role and to support the staff to-do list as a board was to develop leadership,” he says. “My primary a strategic plan for GSAE.” role as chair was to make sure the To assist in this effort, Knight board performed its basic duties and the board enlisted the aid of and to have meetings that were an Whorton Research & Marketing, effective use of everyone’s time.” which Knight says “did a big Knight also says that board survey for us” that contained a lot members must be flexible and of useful data and yielded much above all accessible, noting that, insight into the future direction sometimes, hammering out the of the organization. “Then, we had details of governance happens far an amazing retreat in Athens that from the boardroom. “A lot of issues was facilitated by Shelly Alcorn, were discussed over cheese dip and CAE.” Through synthesizing salsa at our favorite hole in the wall all of the insight collected, the Mexican place on Buford Highway.” board was able to develop a solid, In the end, not only did Knight forward-looking strategic plan make use of his time—the resource that would carry the organization he feared he would not have enough for the next three years. of—effectively, but he also ensured Along the way, Knight also that he treated everyone else’s time managed to have a great time with the same respect. There may representing GSAE and Georgia’s not be “enough hours in the day,” association community. “Atlanta as the old lament goes, but good hosted ASAE’s Annual Meeting leaders certainly know how to & Expo in 2013, so it was really make the most of every hour.

12 > Fall 2017 living legends Susan Cheshire, CAE: Lifelong Student, >Lifelong Teacher

TO HEAR SUSAN CHESHIRE, CAE speak director” and staff, says Cheshire, about GSAE—which she led as chair adding that she “did not anticipate in 2014—is to be in the presence of any real challenges during my someone who is truly inspired and term, and that is what happened.” who truly believes in what not only Under Cheshire’s term, GSAE does to further education but GSAE leaders especially in education itself. She is committed looked at how it could bolster to fostering lifelong learning membership and cultivate a wherever she goes. more meaningful relationship This is fitting for Cheshire, who with association suppliers. began her career as an English “The board worked together teacher, then as a guidance that year to bring GSAE to even counselor. From there, she moved higher levels of development in onto other local jobs, and then into the areas of membership and association management. the relationship of association During her tenure, and for executives and corporate Like most of GSAE’s former the entire time of her GSAE suppliers. One challenge we chairs, when Cheshire is asked membership, Cheshire has served studied and worked on together what her greatest challenge as executive director and CEO was the annual meeting and trade was during her term, she of Georgia School Nutrition show. We worked to make it a Association, a 5,000-member fulfilling educational experience speaks more to efforts of 501(c)(4) organization of for both vendors and association continual improvement professionals employed in the members and provide adequate rather than heroic rescues or school nutrition field in Georgia. financial resources to GSAE,” she says, noting that it is just as dramatic overhauls. Prior to this, she also held numerous executive-level positions imperative for an organization’s in Florida, all of which informed her offerings to deliver a solid work as GSAE chair and continue return on investment in terms of to inform it today. “I have also education for its members as it is held the position of executive vice for the offering to be financially president of the Palm Bay Florida sound for the organization. Chamber of Commerce in Palm Cheshire says that especially Bay, Florida, and executive director important to her was ensuring of the Brevard County Legislative that all association professionals Council, also in Florida,” Cheshire had adequate resources to learn says. Her extensive background in and to get ahead in their careers. governance made her a strong chair Fostering the next generation of for GSAE. leaders is an important part of all Like most of GSAE’s former associations’ missions. chairs, when Cheshire is asked This is a tall order but one what her greatest challenge was that she says was made easier during her term, she speaks more by the GSAE staff, of whom she to efforts of continual improvement comments make “the role of the rather than heroic rescues or chair much easier and enjoyable. dramatic overhauls. We are fortunate to have this She says, “GSAE has been for type of stable and effective staff many years professionally staffed as the foundation of GSAE as with an excellent executive it grows and changes.”

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404.351.6780 • 1210 Menlo Drive, Atlanta, GA 30318 • stpress.com living legends >Jim Moody, CAE: From One Chair to Another JIM MOODY, CAE brought a unique that held various positions at the perspective to the GSAE board American College of Rheumatology. during his time as chair in With a three-year plan in place 2012—“unique” in the literal sense and with the acumen only someone of the word, one-of-a-kind, unlike with his experience can possess, any other. Moody, once GSAE’s Moody and the board took a look at chief staff officer, was now its revising a key revenue stream for chief elected officer. Indeed, it is the organization: dues. the word that Moody himself uses “The key thing left in the to describe his tenure. strategic plan was to look at a new “I think my biggest challenge dues structure,” he says. “Could we was somewhat unique,” he says. draw more people if we instituted “Because I had been the chief staff a tiered structure for associations officer in the past, I had to make that had multiple staff members? sure I was filling the elected role We looked long and hard at it, and and not stepping on Wendy’s toes though there was financial risk, we “The key thing left in the [Wendy Kavanagh, CAE, president adopted a new structure.” strategic plan was to look at of GSAE].” As far as how he left the a new dues structure. Could Moody’s time as chair began at organization that he had the end of one strategic planning the unique duty of leading we draw more people if we cycle and at the beginning of twice—each time from different instituted a tiered structure another. The challenge wouldn’t be perspectives, Moody says, for associations that had one of catching up, as sometimes “When I left GSAE as the chief multiple staff members?” can be the case. Instead, the staff executive, I thought it was challenge, Moody says, is that in pretty good shape. We had “we were ahead of schedule in learned to live within our means completing the tasks from the prior financially, we had grown the cycle, so we were a bit challenged annual meeting after a period with strategic initiatives to start of being down a bit, and we the year. That’s a testament to refined the mission and scope of the chairs before me but also to the GSAE Foundation to support our great staff who work so hard GSAE better.” to make GSAE better. We went For him, his time with GSAE through a strategic planning wasn’t just vocational; it was a process in August to set the stage labor of love. “The last thing I for the next three years.” wanted to see was the association I During the his tenure, Moody loved so much hitting a road block was president of the Construction after my departure,” he says, adding Suppliers Association, a position that he has always had and still has that he still holds. Prior to that, he full confidence in the GSAE staff. had been president of the Building “When you have total confidence Owners and Managers Association in the staff, it makes being chair a of Atlanta and for a decade prior to pretty easy job,” he says.

connections > 15 Giving Together > to Help the Hungry Members of the Refrigerated Foods Association make a difference with cash and in-kind donations.

BY MARY LOU JAY

PEOPLE TEND TO give most generously when a charitable cause is something that they can really relate to. So when the Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) was looking for a charity to support, it made sense to select organizations dedicated to feeding hungry people across the United States. The RFA is an organization of manufacturers and suppliers of prepared, refrigerated food products. Founded as the Salad Manufacturers Association in 1980, the association changed its name in 1992 to reflect the broader range of foods its members produce. “These are value-added, prepared foods, everything from deli salads PHOTOS BY JENN PIERCE JENN BY PHOTOS to sandwiches to pizzas,” explained Megan Levin, the association’s Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger of ASK soup kitchens, shelters and other executive director. Foods in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, community-based agencies. The The association has 160 member with spearheading the association’s problem is widespread; Feeding companies with 800 people from venture into charitable giving. America says that 42 million people them actively participating in its “When she brought it up to the face hunger in the U.S. today, conferences and events. “For the Board, there was a lot of talk about including nearly 13 million children most part, we focus on technical what organization we should work and more than five million seniors. food safety research and support with. There are so many options,” The RFA kicked off its charitable training, on industry advancement said Levin. The RFA had a small giving program in July 2016, which and development and on programs committee that investigated the association has designated that help our members keep on top various organizations to determine National Deli Salad Month. It of trends,” said Levin. “This is a the right one to focus on. “Some of was a two-pronged effort, with very close community, and one of them were just too complicated; RFA members giving money to the biggest benefits of membership they made it difficult to give. All Feeding America through a “Set is the networking opportunities we wanted to do was to support the Table campaign” and also that these events offer.” them, but you had to go through a making in-kind donations to local The RFA staff also includes Katie lot of bells and whistles.” food banks. RFA made it easy for Hale, the communications director, After many phone calls and companies to contribute money, and Martin Mitchell, the part-time consultations with the Board, adding a link on its website technical director. the RFA decided to work with that went directly to the special Feeding America, whose mission Feeding America fundraising Finding the Right Partner is to feed America’s hungry page. In addition, Feeding America Levin credits the chair of through a nationwide network helped connect RFA member RFA’s Membership committee, of more than 200 food pantries, companies interested in making

16 > Fall 2017 “You could see the pride that everybody felt when we were doing the service project and when they heard the results. It was really impressive…There’s a lot of excitement because it’s not just one company doing it on its own, we’re all doing it together.”

Deli Salad Month in 2017, with RFA conducted a food drive at members giving $7,215 in monetary its meeting as well, asking the contributions to Feeding America’s 250 attendees to bring donations hunger relief efforts. of non-perishable foods. It also requested that conference exhibitors Hands-On Giving who were showcasing their food The RFA decided to continue products bring additional inventory its charitable efforts at the for donating to Gracie’s Kitchen. “We association’s annual meeting on ended up with pallets and pallets of Amelia Island, Florida, in March donated food,” said Levin. 2017. It invited members to attend During the closing banquet, the a meal preparation session where RFA ran a 50/50 raffle, with half they could help make food for the of the proceeds going to Feeding leftover food donations to local 175-250 individuals served each America. The winner of the raffle food pantries within their area. day by a local hunger organization, donated his half as well, so RFA The results were impressive: RFA Gracie’s Kitchen. Teresa Loehndorf, was able to give Feeding America a members donated $7,600 directly wife of RFA President Steve $2,215 contribution. to Feeding America, which was Loehndorf, volunteered to be point RFA is already planning a the third largest Set the Table person for the project. similar service project for its campaign in the organization’s “It was the first time we did March 2018 meeting, which will history. In addition, RFA reported a service project at the event, be held in Huntingdon Beach, its members made an additional and we were nervous, because California. “At the request of the collective annual donation of we didn’t know what the results Second Harvest Food Bank of almost $471,000 in monetary and would be,” said Levin. She said Orange County, we will be putting in-kind donations for food banks that RFA conference attendees together hygiene kits with soap, through North America in 2016. had full schedules throughout shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste “This charitable undertaking the event and only limited time and toothbrushes,” said Levin. during Deli Salad Month to enjoy the amenities of the really opened our eyes to the venue, the Ritz Carlton Resort. Giving Together generosity and involvement of They had to schedule the service Working to alleviate hunger is RFA member companies in their project for the only free time a cause that resonates with RFA communities and our world,” that many attendees had. members, Levin said. Many are said Holsinger. “We heard so But the RFA members came second-generation company owners many heartwarming stories of through. More than 30 people or executives, and they understand dedication and advocacy at the showed up to make sandwiches the struggles that people face in grassroots level.” One company’s and lunch kits for Gracie’s making ends meet and providing drive brought in 100 pounds of Kitchen. In just one hour, the for their families. food and $360 in donations for group assembled 350 sandwiches, The charitable activity has local charities, another made 330 fruit and cheese packages also brought this tightly-knit a donation for summer lunch and 175 servings of dessert. group even closer together, says programs for low-income families One RFA member, Ron’s Homestyle Levin. “You could see the pride and others contributed partial Foods of Houston, donated the that everybody felt when we cases and containers of food money to buy the ingredients for were doing the service project that would otherwise be wasted. the meals. The Ritz Carlton also and when they heard the results. Holsinger pointed out that some provided assistance in the form of It was really impressive.” RFA members also donate their a staff member who helped RFA Members have enjoyed the process time to addressing the issues identify an appropriate charity, of working together for a good of hunger by serving on the did the shopping for the food and cause. “There’s a lot of excitement boards of local food banks. organized the meeting room so that because it’s not just one company The RFA held another successful volunteers could immediately start doing it on its own, we’re all doing fundraising campaign during on the food preparation. it together,” Levin said.

connections > 17 MC Cares: Serving Sweet Treats for Those in Need

NO FAMILY EVER wants to hear that a child is sick. But when that happens, it’s all hands on deck. >And MemberClicks strives to be one of those helping hands. That’s why for the past year, it has partnered with the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a “home-away-from-home” for families of sick and injured children receiving care at local hospitals. The idea behind the Houses (and charity) is this: When a family is focused on the health of their child, quarter, MemberClicks employees nothing else should matter. They (often referred to as Clickers) shouldn’t have to worry about rally to help those families in where they can afford to stay need. While the Atlanta Ronald brownies, rice crispy treats, and (as hospital bills are incredibly McDonald House Charities more—the goal is to warm not expensive), where their next meal provides food and shelter, just people’s stomachs, but their is going to come from, where volunteers like MemberClicks focus hearts as well. they’re going to lay their head at on serving up a smile. Giving back means a lot to the night—nothing. Their sole focus The MemberClicks team takes MemberClicks team, especially to should be on their child. it to the kitchen, whipping up the local community. Yes, it’s treats And MemberClicks desserts and sweet treats for that are served, but don’t be fooled: wholeheartedly agrees. So once a the families to enjoy. Cookies, It’s also a treat to serve.

WBCA Day of Service Grows Each Year

THE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Coaches Association is proud of all women’s basketball programs that participated in the second annual WBCA Day of Service on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Last year, 118 programs committed to performing service projects and posted on social media; this year that number increased to 186. From volunteering at elementary schools to donating nonperishable goods to local food banks, our coaches and supply bank in Georgia. The student-athletes supported their team spent time organizing the communities with philanthropic warehouse, packing clothing and contributions. setting up a baby feeding station. of women’s basketball to help The WBCA staff also volunteered, The WBCA appreciates all Day all communities. donating baby supplies—diapers, of Service participants and looks For more information on bottles and pacifiers—to Helping forward to growing this event, the #WBCADayofService, Mamas, a one-of-a-kind baby which showcases the power visit wbca.org.

18 > Fall 2017 BOMA Georgia Gives Back

COMMUNITY SERVICE IS a core tenet BOMA Georgia members partner of BOMA Georgia’s mission. As with Hillside staff to produce real estate owners and property programs like the annual Skills managers, members are embedded Day, Field Day and Holiday Party. in the communities around them, Skills Day utilizes the collective providing jobs, public amenities expertise of BOMA Georgia In addition to these annual and tax revenue for public members to teach Hillside programs, ad-hoc service works gleaned from members residents about general skills opportunities may be scheduled profitable operations. needed to be productive in society, throughout the year based on Many BOMA Georgia an educational environment or Hillside’s needs. members opt to go a step farther the workplace. Biennially, BOMA Georgia through participation in BOMA Field Day is an annual trip members collaborate with Georgia Community Service organized by BOMA Georgia for HomeAid Atlanta to identify Committee events. the Hillside children. Committee a local charity with a need The committee primarily gives members engage with the for facility and landscape back to the community through children in outdoor activities and renovations. Because BOMA service to the association’s chosen teambuilding exercises. Georgia members have a broad charity, Hillside. Hillside helps At the annual Hillside Holiday range of property management, children and families thrive by Party, members bring treats, renovation and repair expertise, providing outstanding residential socialize with the children their time and talents can be and community mental health and make a memorable holiday leveraged to help a deserving services, with treatment options celebration. Without this event, charity in need, providing for children and adolescents many of Hillside’s residents thousands in donated goods and ages seven to 21 experiencing would not have an opportunity services that might otherwise difficulties with emotional and to celebrate the holidays or be out-of-budget for these behavioral issues. receive gifts. deserving charities.

connections > 19 > BARANQ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

STEPSTO SUCCESSFUL MOBILE ACTIVATION

BY KIM HARWOOD, MBA AND ACCORDING TO THE Harvard 500 CEOs feel their organization AARON D. WOLOWIEC, MSA, Business Review, “companies did an effective job of strategic CAE, CMP, CTA, CTF typically realize only about planning. Only 14 percent of 60 percent of their strategy’s the same CEOs indicated their potential value because of organization did an effective job defects and breakdowns in of implementing the strategy.” planning and execution.” Clearly, a real execution gap Similarly, Forbes Magazine exists between what we plan to reports “82 percent of Fortune do and what actually gets done.

20 > Fall 2017 What results, unfortunately, is lost identify the right people to like the mid-point of an opportunity and revenue. interview, but also the right important initiative to pass us by Often, the launch of a mobile questions to ask. undetected. By asking 10 simple app can fall victim to this gap. It questions, this section will help may be perceived as less important Step 3: App Features— you evaluate successes to date than other five-alarm fires the Determine your mobile and institute any necessary organization is currently battling. 3 app feature set (e.g., corrective actions. But what we know to be true is that communication, education and a lackluster launch almost always feedback) based on stakeholder Step 8: Next Steps Touch results in: needs and the access level of Point—Near the end of • Poor user experiences (e.g., those features. Moreover, build 8 the project, leverage the users didn’t know there was out your internal app launch momentum you’ve gained to an app, users don’t know how management team with clear debrief achievements, check-in to download the app and users roles and responsibilities. with key stakeholders, follow grossly underutilize the app); and through on all deliverables and • Thousands of dollars in lost Step 4: Marketing— identify opportunities for the revenue (e.g., from exhibitors, Conduct a mini future. Again, we seed you with participants and sponsors). 4 communication audit and the questions to ask and the tools Not to fear! A free, user-friendly develop a thoughtful marketing to organize your findings. workbook is now available to strategy to support the Easy, right? Ultimately, with help you successfully activate intentional launch of your mobile the help of this 40-page fillable your mobile app—no matter the app. This section includes sample electronic workbook, we hope platform you’re currently using. messages and communication to solve some of your biggest Organized in eight guided channels to get you started, as app challenges, some of which steps, this is the perfect mobile well as a communication matrix might include: app strategy workbook for the to log and share your plan. • Unclear goals and objectives non-techies of the world (though • Undefined audience pain points we think the pro tips sprinkled Step 5: Return on • Incomplete marketing strategy throughout this resource will help Learning—In this step, • Unarticulated stakeholder those who are more tech savvy 5 you’ll begin developing key metrics elevate their app launch from basic stakeholder metrics. For example, • Rushed/compressed launch to pro status). Fundamentally, the if your success metrics include strategy eight steps include: connecting exhibitors with • Unassigned staff roles and attendees, consider what data is responsibilities. Step 1: Assessment— needed and where it’s collected. If you or your team could benefit Determine if and how Following the event, evaluate from a comprehensive resource to 1 your organization could the outcomes achieved and any guide mobile app activation from benefit from a mobile app by possible next steps. start to finish in your organization, answering a series of 12 brief download this workbook to questions designed to assess Step 6: App Launch—Plan your computer or device, use the your readiness. At the end of your mobile app launch writable spaces provided and then the assessment, your ranking 6 and make your app live to print and share completed sections will help illuminate where your various audience segments. with your team. your organization fits along the We’ll prime you with pre-launch To download your readiness continuum. thoughts, a checklist beginning complimentary copy, visit 60 days out and a handy 30 days www.resultsathand.com/ Step 2: Interview—Based out launch calendar you can 8-steps. There you’ll find the on your assessment results, print, modify and share with workbook, which includes a 2 set strategic goals and your team. collection of best practices, objectives for launching your resources and blog posts, as well mobile app. Additionally, identify Step 7: Mid-Lifecycle Touch as opportunities for additional key stakeholders and how they Point—We’re all busy. support or coaching should will benefit. Our step-by-step 7 That’s the one constant. So that become necessary during process will not only help you it’s easy for major milestones your mobile app journey.

connections > 21 > GSAE internship More than Just an Internship BY SOFIA BOUCHER

AT THE BEGINNING of my spring 2017 the final round of interviews for up hope, I received an email from semester at Cornell University, a potential summer job. However, a family friend and restaurateur I was in a car accident that left I didn’t get the position due to in Atlanta informing me of a me with a severe concussion and lack of experience. Two weeks marketing position that was open on bed rest for a month. I not only before summer break, I was back with the Georgia Restaurant missed one third of the semester, to square one and in that first job Association (GRA). By the end of but most of Cornell’s internship conundrum: I couldn’t get my first the week, I had interviewed for recruitment opportunities for the internship because I didn’t have the position and received an offer upcoming summer. Despite my prior internship experience… letter. It couldn’t have fallen into injury, I committed to catching up I was so disappointed that place more seamlessly. I was so on my coursework and securing I didn’t succeed on my first try. appreciative and began to actually my first summer internship. Two I had subconsciously tied my see the power of networking and weeks before final exams ended, success landing an internship with relationships in the professional I had succeeded in catching up making a comeback from my car world. I look at my internship in my classes and had made it to accident. When I had all but given with GRA as serendipitous, and I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity. What followed was a whirlwind. Having never been to the south, I moved down to Atlanta just a few weeks later to spend my first summer away from my family. I was anxious yet excited about living in my own apartment, commuting to work every day, and “adulting.” I felt ready for this. I was welcomed into the GRA office, nestled on the 19th floor of an office building downtown. Greeted by an incredible view and 10 smiling faces, I was excited to learn. I wanted to be a sponge and use this opportunity to get a taste for the working world I hope to join after graduation. Looking back on my internship, I now realize that I achieved this and so much more. I have built confidence in myself as a competent worker and as a self-sufficient individual. During my time at GRA, I learned how to function in an office as an adult while navigating personal responsibility and building Sofia Boucher with the staff at the Georgia Restaurant Association. relationships. The autonomy I had

22 > Fall 2017 at GRA was incredible, and the for the finalists. I accompanied the work making Georgia’s restaurants trust that the GRA team placed staff on site tours, participated in better today!” in me is more than I could have congressional roundtables, and even I emerged from this summer with hoped for. The satisfaction of joined in staff parties—all of which more than just an internship under completing projects on my own have enhanced my understanding of my belt. I have learned more about and doing work that was impactful the workplace and of GRA’s role in my capabilities and have made and useful to the association kept the industry. connections that will last beyond me motivated and engaged. Being part of the GRA team this summer. I am so grateful for my During my time at GRA, I fleshed has been incredibly rewarding. time at GRA and for everything the out a database of information to be Getting to know my co-workers staff has taught me about the work housed on the GRA website. Now through office outings, lunch they do, the people they are, and any Georgia restaurateur looking to break conversations, and simple what kind of worker I want to be. open a restaurant or keep up-to-date daily interactions has been a My internship with the Georgia with inspections, licensing, and pleasure. Working with people who Restaurant Association has been their local code of ordinances can enjoy their jobs and one another’s a positive and encouraging first do so using an online interactive company is something I value, and step into the world of work. Thank map with information organized will definitely look for in future you to everyone who has made this by county and city. I also assisted positions. CEO Karen Bremer, CAE experience possible. GRA by writing scripts for the epitomizes GRA’s positive work association’s annual GRACE environment by closing out each Sofia Boucher was a summer Awards gala, which will be used work day with an announcement marketing intern with the Georgia to produce short video biographies to the staff: “Thank you for your Restaurant Association.

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880102_VisitNorfolk.indd 1 connections04/10/17 4:05> AM23 GSAE events

> GSAE’s Abit Massey Lecture Series & Luncheon GSAE MEMBERS AND GUESTS gathered at best-selling author Alvin Townley. the beautifully renovated DoubleTree by Prior to lunch, attendees enjoyed a Hilton Atlanta Downtown on September New/Prospective Member Orientation, 20, 2017 for the 40th annual Abit Massey networking reception and an author Lecture Series & Luncheon, featuring signing of Alvin’s newest book, Defiant.

Cindy Orna, Pat Dunwoody, CAE, LEED AP and David Haag, MSM, CAE

New and prospective members gathered prior to lunch to learn more about GSAE.

Jan Price, CAE, Regina Robuck, Kevin Udell and Maria Weiss

2017 Chair Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP with Abit Massey, CAE, his wife Kayanne, Attendees learned the story of Admiral Jeremiah Denton, POW and Augusta CVB’s Barry White, IOM, CDME and Jay Markwalter, TMP. 1965-1973, U.S. Senator, Alabama. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS HOST SPONSOR AV

24 > Fall 2017 Fall 2017 GSAE Events

The MemberClicks team at the 2017 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, Todd Daniel, CAE, Damian Kavanagh, Ed.S., CAE, Amy Kane, CAE, including GSAE members Mark Sedgley, Erin Hall, CAE, Spence Downs, David Haag, MSM, CAE, Jan Price, CAE and Todd Hawkins, CAE (not Laura Sanders and Callie Walker. pictured) participated in the CAEs After Dark program “This is Your Brain on Communication” on September 26. Leadership Retreat GSAE Board of Directors, Foundation Trustees, committee leaders and staff gathered at Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge for our annual Leadership Retreat, September 28–29. Facilitator Lowell Aplebaum, CAE led this dedicated group of volunteers through an important, focused, and fun time together as we evaluated GSAE’s core audiences and how we are best serving them.

Robin Lane, CAE, Loren Einstein, Karla Yeck, Regina Robuck Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP, Carol and Tangela Monroe, MBA, CAE Hall and Lowell Aplebaum, CAE

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST

The Hands that Built GSAE

connections > 25 meetings thought leadership Fill’er Up! >BY AMY DREW THOMPSON YOU’D THINK IT would be simple to fill three days with fun goings-on, especially when there are meetings, educational sessions and keynotes to program before you worry about the fun extracurriculars—but with so many different attendees, there are just as many ideas about which activities are most appealing in any given destination. Read on for a sampling of how to fill your attendees’ time, not kill it.

Beach Coastal destinations are a no-brainer, but you have to think critically. For everyone who can’t CONSTANTIN STANCIU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM CONSTANTIN wait to get their toes in the sand and surf, there’s someone else for whom to their advantage and their or the hiking trails and, conversely, the beach view is far more appealing attendees’ delight. those more interested in driving than the actual sand itself. Where better than to take tours with great leaf peeping or Be sure to build in some free attendees on a culinary adventure cowboy dinners that allow for a time for folks to hit the pool or the than a metropolitan setting, where less outdoorsy exploration of the surf—hooking up with outfitters chefs and artisans from all over the great outdoors. for stand-up paddle boarding, world bring their skills to share Super active attendees are parasailing or jet skiing to give with enthusiastic diners? What’s easy, they’ll find fun skiing and those interested in getting salty the more, many cities have multiple snowboarding but they—and choice to do so. Meanwhile, hook venues that are walkable, allowing the slightly less extreme outdoor into the local shopping scene for planners to break meetings enthusiasts in your group—may attendees who’d rather not get into out into groups that can make find snowshoeing a wonderful bathing-suit mode and schedule criss-cross trips to and from the alternative. Group hikes allow a tour that pops into local foodie venues—even building in a game for exercise, brilliant views spots (Fudge? Taffy? Craft beer?) to help folks meet, network or and socializing. and mixes it up with great places team-build. Choose to “go around The green season, on the for regional gifts to take home. the world” and hit up venues other hand, is a great time for If your property isn’t waterfront, from exotic, far-flung corners arts and culture in mountain consider moving the party to a of the globe (Manhattan’s Curry havens; warmer weather brings nearby property or venue that Row, Orlando’s Little Saigon or people out in their airy finery is for your morning sessions, Philly’s Chinatown) or check out for things like the Lake Tahoe then—weather dependent—host the best of what’s local—barbecue Shakespeare Festival or the Hot your mid-morning break in a space in Memphis, Tex-Mex in San Air Balloon Rodeo in Steamboat that overlooks the beach, sound, Antonio or pierogis in Pittsburgh. Springs, Colo. On the East Coast, bay or canal, open-air or enclosed. the Blue Ridge Mountains offer Mountain some of the best hiking trails in City These destinations differ wildly the region, or your attendees can Cosmopolitan settings are depending on the season, so take skip the outdoorsy stuff altogether exciting and versatile, often rife advantage! Much like the beach, and enjoy a whistle-wetting with cultural experiences—and there are going to be attendees who exploration of Virginia’s Blue venues—that planners can use are itching to get out on the slopes Ridge Beerway.

26 > Fall 2017 Growing the YOU Brand

ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONALS ARE all hand-pick for your crew? Be honest. way to learn—not just through about professional development, Would you be among them? A great the formal programming, but by but in an industry that’s so often employee, no matter the level, touching base with colleagues and focused on the career growth of the reflects beautifully on his or her hearing what’s hot. membership, it can be easy to let manager and organization. Honing one’s own fall by the wayside. But your tools, your skill set, keeps The More You Know dedicated learning can offer rich you current, and makes you the It’s not just the knowledge, rewards, allowing you to adapt sharpest knife in the drawer. it’s the people! Professional and grow along with both evolving development conferences, technology and the perpetual shift The Freshest Information whether online or IRL, connect of the global economy. Do you know the latest and you to innovative colleagues, Yes, it’s a time investment, but greatest in your field? When connections who can come in one that pays off in spades. someone asks about a new app, handy for innumerable reasons a new seminar, a new service, a that can help you in current and Be the Sharpest, Shiniest Knife trend in education—are you able to future positions, whether directly Think about the team you work jump in with the answer? You want (new job!) or indirectly (amazing with every day. Maybe you’re a your members to take advantage of resource for your members). manager or executive. Maybe you’d the education you and your team Expanding your professional circle like to be one someday. Which of are offering. So, too, should you. is a guaranteed expansion of your your current colleagues would you Attending events is a phenomenal professional knowledge.

There’s No Prohibition in the Palmetto State

LOOKING FOR A unique, few other members into their corporate events—and they’re happy adult-beverage-themed space to fold before the fun is over. to slake your thirst with the fruit host your next SC event? Consider www.hiltonheaddistillery.com (juices) of their labor while doing so. these—and cheers! Small and large groups welcome. Brew the Day www.duplinwinery.com Here There Be Rum The Charles Towne Fermentory At the Hilton Head Distillery, is a friendly space that’s available Columbia Craft Trail tours take roughly 45 minutes, for buyout—its lauded beers are a Not only are there breweries in more than enough time for your hit with the locals—and the small, the city of Columbia, SC, there are group (the facility is available on-site open kitchen hosts local enough that your group can take a for private events) to learn chefs and caterer for events (they can walking/tasting tour if they’re so the history of rum and the even hook you up with food trucks). inclined Those less inclined for the fascinating process of making And you know, nothing says “quality walking part might enjoy a ride on it, which—of course—will be swag” like a gift growler filled with the Columbia Brew Bus. Three stops, followed by a tasting flight! dry-hopped saison! three breweries, lots of fun tasting Toasted coconut, spiced and www.chsfermentory.com and history of the local industry along Mountain Peak Espresso are the way. You can also incorporate a few of the varieties. The Grape Expectations the area wineries into the mix. Call pirates in your group will You may not think “wine” when you for details, they can craft (brew) an certainly appreciate the unique think Myrtle Beach, but Duplin Winery experience that’s tailor-made. activity, and may initiate a offers several resplendent settings for columbiabrewbus.com

connections > 27 destination spotlight What’s New in South Carolina >CHARLESTON Marriott Resort and Spa in the state—the University of South There are probably a lot of reasons Palmetto Dunes Resort is the Carolina—along with the state why Charleston was named the largest oceanfront resort on the capital, which means it welcomes South’s Best City in the Southern island with 513 guest rooms and big ideas and forward thinkers. Living 2017 South’s Best Awards, but, more than 45,000 square feet If it’s your first time in the city, if we had to guess, a big one would be of meeting and banquet space. you’ll want to make sure to see the food. From high-end restaurants The 2,000+ acre resort features the following sites. The South to outdoor cafes, every meal is an rental homes and villas as well. Carolina State House is centrally event when you’re in Charleston. The Marriott completed more located and sets the quintessential Here are a few new restaurants that than $14 million in renovations stage for history in the making. came onto the scene earlier this year in 2015, including the addition See damage caused by artillery to add to your itinerary: Chubby Fish of Spa Soleil. Inside Palmetto shells by troops under Sherman’s is a boutique seafood restaurant that Dunes, there is also access command, and do not miss the highlights daily catches from local to three championship golf African-American Monument that fishermen. This 1,300-square-foot courses, 25 tennis courts and chronicles African-Americans in space features an eight-seat chef’s numerous other recreational South Carolina from arrival to counter, 48-seat dining room activities. The Omni Hilton Head the modern age. With more than and vast craft beer program. Edison Oceanfront Resort also completed 2,000 animals, behind-the-scenes is a casual cafe located in James a $17 million renovation in 2015. tours and several hands-on Island that combines French, The property now features a more activities (like feeding the giraffes), Southern, Vietnamese and Italian modern front and lobby entrance, there’s something for everyone cuisine. The eclectic menu features pool area and resort courtyard, at Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens. Or dishes such as Smoked Sausage as well as updated meeting space escape the city altogether and get Pops, Pho Tacos and Tokyo Shrimp. and guest rooms (all 323 of them). back to nature. Columbia lies at Finally, sip Southern spirits The hotel includes 25,000 square the confluence of the Saluda and while enjoying Gullah-inspired feet of configurable meeting space, Broad Rivers, which merge right in specialties, including Spiced Okra including the 10,000-square-foot town to form the Congaree. Escape Chips and Carolina Gold Gnocchi, open-air, oceanfront Shorehouse. the bustling city and get lost in the at Gentry Bar, Charleston’s fresh air and cool waters with a newest luxury bar that exudes COLUMBIA paddle or float downriver. Several Southern gentility. Columbia likes to call itself the local outfitters make getting on “new, modern South” because and off the water easy. HILTON HEAD ISLAND it’s a city where tradition and Source: Charleston Convention & If you’re headed to the tomorrow pair perfectly. The city Visitors Bureau, Visit Hilton Head beach, the Hilton Head has the largest university in Island, Experience Columbia SC SEAN PAVONE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

28 > Fall 2017 > choices FEYYAZ ALACAM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COMFEYYAZ

BY JOHN HARRISON, CAE, CMP Herbal Tea on the Job

FRESH FROM A non-profit board back with you in a month and you I’m missing the message, but meeting, I’m happy to report on better have reached your goals.” No official diversity now tells us an eye-opening event. Someone namby-pamby worry about where that color is everything. Perhaps said, “I’m all for any new program you came from or your inner child it’s “victimeering” or perhaps for us that doesn’t involve the profile or any hot tub talk, herbal I just don’t get it, but we seem word ‘millennial’.” I heard shouts tea or other therapy. Note: I got diverted by diversity. For those of amen. “Millenial shmennial,” serial promotions too after I kept who know Latin, it is indeed the I said. Soon followed by “diversity achieving the goals. same basic word. Perhaps, we’ve shmersity.” Now that I’ve got your For this young lady, a millennial, diverted from the “here’s the attention, let me explain. I said “Here’s your desk, your desk, the goals, etc.” talk. Just I’ve had to fire several phone—it’s a land line, you don’t give the same talk to everyone millennials already unfortunately. have to recharge it—your goals, and see who gets it. The others I hope it helped them out in the and, of course, your computer with can go elsewhere. If diversity is long run. I did see one really good tons of PDFs on everything we do, the self-evident end goal, then one: a young lady, marketing major and your employee buddy’s office there are a lot of sports teams in from Auburn. She grew up with a is over there. Here’s the coffee trouble—just saying. no-nonsense old school dad. She machine and herbal tea, and I’ll One summer, I was fortunate showed up for work dressed nicely, check back with you in two weeks. enough to make it to the Olympic said “yes sir,” “no sir,” was on time, If you reach your goals, there will training camp. I fit in well, I worked hard, no fooling around. She be another two weeks. Go for it.” thought, had a great attitude, never asked about a ping-pong table She nodded and then proceeded to worked hard, even dressed in or a chocolate fountain for the office excel. I learned a great lesson for all the right gear. Every Friday or tried to skip out of work for a the second time in my life. Goals, morning we had a time trial to ropes course. She didn’t waste time hard work without fooling around make sure everyone made the with personal stuff on the computer and respect make for a winning minimum standard. I was sore, and respectfully made occasional formula. No matter the generation. nursing an old injury, but still did suggestions for improvement. We This brings us to diversity. pretty well on the time trial that promoted her so much, she left Many run, hide, and pull up the Friday, or so I thought. At lunch, the association for a well-paying covers with this topic. I don’t get one of the coaches came by and management job elsewhere. They it. You see, plug in the same story said, “Harrison, I’m afraid you exist: ready-for-the-workplace of the millennial above with any missed the time; are your bags all millennials. variation of respectful, well- set?” I looked bemused. “Your ride She came in the first day for dressed, hard-working person, to the airport will be out front in her first real job out of college. and I could not care less about about an hour and a half,” he said I told her about my first day on diversity: their skin color, gender, softly but factually as he looked my first real office job: the boss whatever. Isn’t—or wasn’t—that sad and shrugged. I said, “Sir, said, “Here’s your desk, here’s supposed to be the point? Somehow I’ll be ready. I appreciate having your phone, here are your goals, we tend to veer. had the chance.” Smarts didn’t and, of course, your secretary We were taught by enlightened count, parents didn’t count, skin who knows everything. Oh, and civil rights messengers that color didn’t count, money didn’t there’s the coffee maker. I’ll check skin color is irrelevant. Maybe count, etcetera didn’t count. Only

connections > 29 the stopwatch counted, and I was a click too slow. I learned a bunch during lunch that day. index of advertisers/ My son plays high school football. I’m ambivalent advertiser.com about it because the risk-reward equation isn’t that ASSOCIATION SOLUTIONS favorable, especially if one plays for years. I asked him Naylor Association Solutions ...... Inside Back Cover what he likes most about football, “It’s not soft, but www.naylor.com hard and makes us work together to get something CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS done,” he said. Indeed, it’s the only semblance of Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart ...... 10 military training American teenage boys still get. AtlConventionCenter.com There’s no mandatory service here as in most other Dalton Convention Center ...... Inside Front Cover www.DaltonTradeCenter.com major countries, no compulsory giving of youthful Georgia International Convention Center ...... 4 time and energy to serve society at large. Like it or www.gicc.com not, some essentially American can-do, CONFERENCE CENTERS get-it-across-the-line thinking will die with the Anderson Conference Center...... 3 last good football coach. www.andersonconferencecenter.com A few years ago, some terrorist tried to blow up a CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS plane by lighting a shoe bomb or an underwear bomb Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau ...... 4 or something like that. Some football player type saw www.visitaugusta.com him trying to light the fuse and knocked the bejeezus Valdosta Lowndes CVB ...... 11 www.rainwaterconferencecenter.com out of the guy. I remember it because I had lunch with Visit Norfolk ...... 23 the most artsy-craftsy, left wingy, wonderfully kind www.visitnorfolk.com friend I had soon after the news of the attempted HOTELS & RESORTS bombing. She said about the incident, “Sometimes all The Henderson ...... Outside Back Cover the grief therapy and herbal tea in the world can’t get www.hendersonbeachresort.com/meet/overview it done like a tough dude with a job to do.” Hotel Indigo Savannah ...... 9 Sometimes, many times, nearly all the time—let’s www.hotelindigo.com/savannnah Sea Palms Golf Resort ...... 8 not divert—it’s about getting the job done respectfully seapalms.com at the right time.

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