Looking to Next Year
by Jan Kruse, Program Manager 2009-2010
Next Year’s Challenge: Chapter Programs
With the state of the current economy, STC has had to find ways to take care of current Society budget deficits. STC has asked that local chapters also tighten their belts. That was the message from Karen Zorn, Phoenix chapter president, when I met with her and Maggie Haenel, last year’s program manager, in early May.
As the new program manager for the coming year, the challenge for me will be to provide value to members who attend the chapter program meetings and still keep chapter costs down.
What are some ways to do that?
» Presenters: We’ll continue to provide varied programs at our monthly dinner meetings, but will be tapping more regional and local experts.
» Employment topics: For those of you who are currently unemployed, we are looking to provide more topics and services that address the issues you face.
» Virtual meetings: To help us keep costs down when we want to engage those speakers that are out of the southwest region, we plan to have one or more virtual meetings.
What can members do to help?
» Share your ideas concerning specific speakers, program subjects, or other venues, that you think will provide you with the value you are seeking from the chapter.
» Have dinner with your colleagues at chapter dinner meetings more often! It’s an opportunity for you to network and it also allows us to fulfill our obligations to the hotel.
I look forward to hearing from you about next year’s programs. Feel free to comment using the chapter’s community blog at http://www.stc-phoenix.com/blog/ or by emailing me at programs@stc-phoenix.com.