Association Leadership - September/October 2007 - (Page 42)

community spotlight Affiliate Member Name: Mark S. Hillis Position: President Organization: Morgan Printing dba & M Bookworks, Inc. Length of Time in Industry: 17 years Executive Member Name: Scott A. Blech, CAE Position: Executive Director Organization: EMDR International Association Length of time in industry: 30 years If someone wanted to do your job, what skills do they need? They need knowledge of business operations and finance, as well as analytical skills to determine the best way to produce many unique jobs. I’d have no idea how to run a printing press, but I do know how to run a business. To a printer, 25 pages is 25 pages, but it’s important to be able to analyze and price a job based on what the real job is. Also, I come from a mechanical background. There’s a lot of machinery in this business. I was a mechanic for 20 years and that’s been a valuable thing to know. If someone wanted to do your job, what skills do they need? An association CEO needs to be equipped with a complete tool kit and to be able to assume different roles. This starts with a broad knowledge of key association areas (operations, financial, programs/education, membership and government affairs if applicable). Although it is not essential that the CEO become a CAE, it is recommended because the preparation increases knowledge of association management and the CAE program indicates that the CEO is committed to the highest standards of the profession. It is very important that the CEO have strong communications skills, including being a good listener. In addition, the position requires you to maximize and leverage resources – financial, technological, and human (volunteers and staff). And, of course, you need to be a good planner and effective leader. Do you have a leadership example or advice on leadership? Recognize those who do a good job. Positive reinforcement encourages excellence. I try to lead by example and emphasize the fact that everyone makes mistakes. What’s very important is to learn from those mistakes. Everyone works within a process, and if any part of that process fails that affects everyone in the process. Do you have a leadership example or advice on leadership? The CEO sets the tone through his or her leadership style. It is important to set the bar high for staff and volunteers. You need to be a problem solver and risk taker. Develop a team atmosphere among staff in which you openly discuss issues and challenges in order to receive input from the group. Delegate to staff to best tap into their strengths and then recognize their accomplishments. What has been your most challenging accomplishment? Maintaining profitability in a rapidly changing industry. Some of the biggest changes in printing have been the consolidation of paper companies. There used to be about 34 paper companies, now there are 7, which has caused the price of paper to increase. We have to negotiate to keep costs low. Health insurance absorbs about 60 percent of our net profit, so we’re having to reduce coverage. New technologies have required us to have new equipment. What has been your most challenging accomplishment? It is difficult to identify one particular accomplishment. I have been successful when assuming the CEO position of associations in assessing the strengths and weaknesses and then putting in place effective systems, structure and a culture that produces positive results. With a solid foundation, membership and financial growth follows. Do you have a passion or hobby? I spend a lot of time down around Town Lake. I’ve been running and swimming for years. It keeps me very energetic. I’ve been here 17 years, and I’ve only missed one day of work. That was on an ice day, when my wife wrecked her car and had to borrow mine. Of course, eating right is important, too. Staying healthy is essential to doing a good job. Do you have a passion or hobby? I like following my favorite college and professional sports teams; my wife and I enjoy the visual arts and cherish time spent with our grandchildren. ◆ 42 Association LEADERSHIP | September/October 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Leadership - September/October 2007

Contents Chairman's Column Homepage 60-Second Solutions An Interview with TSAE’s New Chairman TSAE’s Newest Board Members 7 Measures of Success Association Case Study: Diversity on the Board Assessing Your Association: Texas Nursery and Landscape Association TSAE's Annual Golf Tournament Between the Covers Now Online at TSAE.org – Association Leadership Magazine Getting Found Through Web Searches “I Survived a Year on a Committee!” New Members Community Spotlight San Antonio Mississippi Gulf Coast Index to Advertisers Board of Directors

Association Leadership - September/October 2007

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