ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - (Page 56)

ACCE YEAR IN REVIEW Resources Deep End of the Talent Pool ACCE has recruited great new staff members to the team in the areas of marketing and public policy. In addition, we’ve promoted well-deserving staff leaders like Tamara Philbin, who became chief operating ofﬁcer. Her role now covers all elements of customer service and member relations. Vice President Cathy Lada transitioned in a way that allowed us to create a new “Community Advancement Team” within the staff. Allie Williams has shifted his considerable relationship-building talents from the member services area to the beneﬁts realm. We also recruited outside consulting talent to assist in streamlining ACCE’s very complex ﬁnancial/governance structure. Enough Already Jim Collins, the iconic author of Good to Great, offered outstanding advice to help all of us individually and collectively get a handle on the hundreds of demands on our time, resources and attention. He suggested that the most important reminder list we keep taped to our computer is not our “ToDo” list, but rather our “Stop-Doing” list. If you cull the “new” items from the extensive activity roster above, you’ll realize that we couldn’t possibly do all of those things well, while trying to maintain all of the things we had been doing in prior years. In order to accomplish all that you, our members, want and need us to do, we must be selective and down-right Darwinian about weeding out the programs that lack genuine demand, funding streams, and/or growth potential. Last year, for instance, we moved the in-house handling (administration, accounting, submission) of nearly $20 million in retirement plan investments out to our primary 401(k) plan provider. We eliminated a couple of peer subgroups that couldn’t generate adequate volunteer interest. We discontinued two monthly e-periodicals that had run their course. We halted regional education delivery until a model can be established for working in true partnership with state associations. We eliminated the stand-alone days of the convention program for economic development, CEOs and afﬁnity management—choosing to integrate all three tracks into the general conference schedule. More governance meetings throughout the year were transitioned to conference calls rather than in-person meetings. We piggy-backed some of our meetings with those of the U.S. Chamber in order to eliminate travel for staff and members. Automation of more elements of our research helped to reduce required staff time. Publications we had published year after year were transitioned to e-publication or eliminated. Double coverage by staff for any state/regional meetings was eliminated. The CEO dramatically reduced time and energy devoted to facilitating retreats for individual chambers, shifting to recommend professional and/or peer facilitators. You get the picture. We use the paring knife when necessary, while ensuring that the highest-best use of staff and resources brings the greatest value to members. As Scarlett said, “tomorrow’s another day.” As we ride out these rollercoaster times, know that you can count on ACCE to help you stay on track. We’ll continue to work hard to anticipate the loops and guide you through the twists and turns so that you can lead your businesses and communities to even greater heights. Strategic Deals ‘R Us The magic of ACCE’s supporting sponsor model is our ability to connect potential investors with well-suited programs and exposure opportunities. Whether tied to special elements of the convention, to unique topical areas, or to creative visual connections, our sponsors and partners get real value for their investment. That’s why the number of such supporters keeps growing and the long-time sponsors and contributors stick around. We are now up to 12 national corporate sponsors (from 5 just a few years ago), and they include some of the leading names in American business, as well as ﬁrms that strongly support the chamber movement. More than a quarter of our gross $4+ million revenue now comes from exceptional and strategic funding sources. We’re proud of the success Senior Vice President Chris Mead and his team have had in attracting and keeping investors in the chamber movement, but we’re also extremely appreciative of the scores of members who have opened doors for ACCE at their member companies. And, we thank our sponsors, contributors, advertisers and other partners for having such a huge impact on our capacity to serve the needs of the profession. Allied Forces Collaboration is the only way to get things done in today’s complex, costly and changing environment. Strong relationships with the right partners can multiply ACCE’s reach, effectiveness and efﬁciency. We consider these relationships an integral part of our resource development strategy. Over the last 12 months, we’ve focused deliberately on improving relationships with state and regional chamber executive associations. We’ve spent more time and resources working with the Council of State Chambers. New relationships have been forged as a result of our afﬁliation with the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, including key link-ups with Partners for Livable Communities and CitiStates. Other new allies over the last 12 months include the U.S. Council for International Business, the World Chambers Federation and the Center for Corporate Citizenship at the U.S. Chamber. 56 ACCE Convention 2008: INNOVATE!

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - DEMO

ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - DEMO Contents Schedule at a Glance Westin and Convention Center Maps On-Site Convention Information Keynote Speakers Issue Forums: Speakers Regional Strategies Forum 2008: Schedule Convention Schedule/Session Detail Destination Innovation Map Destination Innovation Workshops Notes ACCE Year in Review Official Corporate Sponsors Convention Sponsors & Exhibitors Exhibitor Index Exhibit Hall Map 2008–2009 ACCE Board of Directors ARS Board of Directors CGEF Board of Directors FBI Board of Directors Benefit Trustees CCE Commission ACCE Division Chairs ECD Supporters List CPG Chairs 2008 CCE Class ACCE Staff Top 10 Member Benefits

ACCE Convention Notebook 2008 - DEMO

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