Upon Closer Examination

The past year is characterized as a time of beginnings, rather than a period of completion. The Board of Directors focused on examining existing programs to determine if adjustments needed to be made in light of changes in the industry, members’ businesses and the association. This process of evaluation will undoubtedly be the continued focus of the Board for the next several years. Much remains to be done.

Changes in how the leadership governs GAWDA will continue to have the most profound impact on the association. The Board now takes a more active role in setting strategic direction and determining policies. In addition to face-to-face meetings at the SMC and the Annual Convention, the Board has quarterly conference calls. The Executive Committee has returned to its correct role of keeping the organization moving forward between Board meetings and focusing on the actions necessary to implement the policies adopted by the Board. Personally, the most rewarding part of the process has been the close working relationship that has developed within our Executive Committee. I want to thank both Whip Seaman, second past president, and Bob Ames, first past president, for their continued support as well as their valuable guidance.

Working with President-Elect Britt Lovin and First Vice President Jenny McCall has made this past year a joy. The future leadership of our association is in great hands! I want to thank Britt and Jenny for the tremendous amount of work they have done during the past year and for the support they have given me. I would also like to thank Kent Van Amburg, our executive director, for his insight and guidance. Kent has been a catalyst for change and has worked hand-in-hand with GAWDA leadership to implement and execute change. A special thanks to Tawnee Shuey, meeting manager, Kate Cole, membership manager, and Malvenia Avery, associate director. They are the glue that holds the organization together.

Last fall, the Board approved an in-depth evaluation of GAWDA’s consultants. As a result, the Board created an Audit Committee with the initial goal of reviewing the consultant relationships and negotiating new contracts that more accurately reflect the needs of the members and GAWDA’s financial resources. This process had not been completed at the time of writing this column. The new structure will be introduced during the Annual Convention in the Bahamas.

The Board’s Strategic Plan was shaped by the continued consolidation in the industry. The projected long-term impact on revenues from decreasing membership and meeting registrations called for a restructuring of dues and changes in how meetings are planned and budgeted. A five-year budget forecast has been completed that is based on a 20 percent decrease in membership and related revenues. Lloyd Robinson has taken responsibility for leading the Dues Task Force, which will introduce the new dues structure at the Opening Session of the Annual Convention.

The Board also approved a change in GAWDA’s fiscal year from November 1 through October 31 to January 1 through December 31 to more accurately reflect the timing of meetings and revenue/expense patterns. In FY 2009, members will receive 14 months of membership for 12 months of dues.

Member surveys highlighted the desire for more opportunities for education, especially for member employees. In response, GAWDA partnered with Norco to create GAWDA University Online. There are currently more than 20 courses available that focus on the training needed by a new employee during the first 90 days of employment. GAWDA’s consultants and committees will be developing more course content in the coming year in response to members’ requests.

GAWDA members have also helped to strengthen the Young Executives Program by providing funding for scholarships to the Young Distribution Professionals Conference this August. This program continues to grow and provide opportunities for leadership development.

This year also witnessed the revitalization of the Human Resources Committee. There are now 11 dedicated members who met in June and have outlined an ambitious plan for providing members with more information and training during the coming year.

During 2008, President Stoneback took on regulatory and safety concerns, teamwork and leadership. A collection of his columns can be found here.

As I mentioned earlier, much still needs to be accomplished. During the coming year, the Board of Directors will be examining the management contract with Fernley & Fernley, how the Regional Meetings are organized and managed, the existing Bylaws and the structure of the Spring Management Conferences.

The Opening Session of the Annual Convention in the Bahamas will feature a more in-depth report on the “State of the Association” to provide you with a closer look at how GAWDA is evaluating and improving its services to members.

Thank you for your support during the past year.