GSAE's Abit Massey Lecture Series
Wednesday, September 17
11:30 am–1:30 pm ET
Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area
The Abit Massey Lecturer is Gary Black, former Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture and now Managing Partner of On Point Strategies, Inc. He will be presenting on Certainty in Uncertain Times by unlocking the real-world principles of effective leadership through the power of storytelling. Learn more.
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Learn more about why we honor Abit Massey each year with a lecture focused on association leadership. |
Schedule
10:30–11:30 am: New Member Orientation
11:30 am–12:00 pm: Networking Reception
12:00–1:30 pm: Luncheon with Lecturer
1:30 pm: Property Tour
1:35 - 2:30 pm - GSAE Committee Meeting TBD
Cost
GSAE Member – $49 ($59 after September 12)
Guests – $69 ($79 after September 12)
Room block available from our host Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area $159 plus taxes. Reserve room here. ***Cut-off date is Monday, September 8.***
Thank you to our Annual AV Sponsor: OAV (Orchestrated Audiovisual & Production Services)
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John Powell receives 2025 Valor Award
 Congratulations to John Powell on receiving the 2025 Valor Award, presented by Valent USA at the 2025 Southern Peanut Growers Conference. John retired as Executive Director of the American Peanut Shellers Association last August and was a longtime GSAE member.
New CAEs in the Community
Congratulations to the newest CAEs with ties to our Georgia-based community. The CAE Program elevates professional standards, enhances individual performance, and designates those who have acquired and demonstrated the knowledge essential to the practice of association management.
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Elaine Richardson, CMP, CAE
Vice President, Conference and Events
National Black MBA Association
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Brookhaven City Centre Opens!
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Explore Brookhaven celebrated the grand opening of the Brookhaven City Centre on August 9. |
Kudos to Visit Columbus
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VisitColumbusGA named the first-ever Freestyle Kayaking Center of Excellence in the world by the International Canoe Federation. Read more. |
Travel + Leisure announced The World's Best Awards 2025
Travel + Leisure released the 30th edition of the World's Best Awards survey completed by readers. Congratulations to our GSAE members and friends. Read about the award winners here.
Favorite City Hotels in Georgia 2025
Favorite Hotels in South Carolina 2025
Favorite Resorts in Florida 2025
Favorite Resorts in the South 2025
Top Cities in the United States 2025
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Host of 2025 GSAE Annual Meeting
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Host of 2027 GSAE Annual Meeting
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Best Islands in the Continental United States 2025
- Amelia Island, Florida
- Golden Isles, Georgia (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island)
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Practical Tips for Nonprofits on Internal Investigations
Nonprofits occasionally face sensitive internal issues—ranging from staff conflicts and questionable spending to leadership misconduct—that demand a clear, defensible investigation process. In her recent article, Holly E. Peterson, Esq., of Tenenbaum Law Group, outlines practical steps nonprofits should take to handle such matters professionally. Every situation is unique, but following these structured steps can help nonprofits protect their mission, people, and reputation. Read More
2025 Fall Foundation Grant Applications Open
The next round of grant applications is due September 15, 2025. Any 501(c) organization that employs at least one GSAE member may apply. The applications will be judged on the quality of the internship experience described in the application. Funds will be available for use anytime during 2026. Recipients will be announced during the GSAE Holiday Luncheon on December 10. Apply today!
2025 Inclusion Calendar Published
Welcome Mat. GSAE is committed to being a resource and model for members and organizations on effective practices that drive successful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. GSAE believes in fostering a welcoming culture amongst our members that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to all. We know our differences are what make us stronger. Through diverse perspectives, an inclusive culture, and equitable opportunities, we are connecting leaders, advancing associations. Access the 2025 Inclusion Calendar.
Scammers, Spammers & Phishing - Bleh
GSAE will never, ever ask you to buy gift cards or transfer money among our Board members, volunteers, or staff. We do not use third parties to sell our hotel room blocks or offer membership lists. Call us at (404) 577-7850 if you have a question about an email.
We also urge you to train your staff to do the same – call and confirm authenticity if you are not expecting a proposal from a property or other service provider. Every employee should also have two-factor authentication on every single log-in. We regularly receive the "was this you?" message. Nine times out of ten, it wasn't!
Have GSAE News to Share?
Please send job changes, member news, and press releases to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org by the second Monday of the month.
Four seats for individual association member directors and one seat for a corporate supplier (hospitality) director will be available for two-year terms, beginning January 1, 2026. Nominations will also be accepted for the one-year Treasurer position for both the Society and the Foundation Board of Trustees.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered, please complete the online application ( self-nomination or nominate someone else). All candidates must be GSAE members in good standing. Deadline for nominations is September 30, 2025.
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GSAE recognizes excellence by presenting a variety of awards to members, including our highest honor, the Clifford M. Clarke Award. To nominate a member for an award, simply contact GSAE, at gsae "at" gsae.org.
The deadline for nominations is Monday, September 29, 2025
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We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Please send an email to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org if you are interested in learning more about 2025 committee and SIG leadership opportunities.
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- Concentrated Course begins Sept. 15.
- Virtual CRAM 1 Week Course begins Nov. 7.
- GSAE members have a code in the Member Offers tab of their profile.
- CRAM course fees are based on current/previous attendance, so no discount code is needed.
Other CAE course options are available online.
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Did you know our Career Headquarters links to ASAE's national site? **And** if you buy a posting through us, GSAE gets a royalty payment to support the Society's programming. Check out the Careers section at the bottom of this e-newsletter for the latest Georgia postings.
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Explore GSAE's entirely FREE library of downloadable content, including white papers, guides, infographics, case studies, industry analysis, and so much more! Consider this your one-stop shop when looking for current topics you need to learn about that are influencing our entire industry.
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GSAE is seeking members interested in sharing effective practices, compelling case studies, and pilot programs. Have another story idea? Contact Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org if you are interested in contributing to our community knowledge.
- Fall 2025 – Association Management Companies: Adapting to What Associations Need Now - editorial content due Monday, September 29
- Also seeking guest columnists – 700–1,200 words, anytime.
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Take the guesswork out of email marketing with our free Best Practices for Email Marketing Guide. Whether you're searching for a subject line that gets clicks, want to improve your design or need help staying compliant, this guide covers it all. You’ll also learn how to personalize content using data and new tools so your emails land with more impact and drive better results.
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Are you or your member organizations wondering how you’ll be impacted by the Trump Administration’s Big Beautiful Bill? Fisher Phillips has created a recap of key workplace provisions in the new federal budget. Contact Terri Stewart FPatlanta@fisherphillips.com for the latest developments courtesy of your GSAE membership.
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2025 Southern SAE Reception Sponsors at ASAE's Annual Meeting & Expo
Big thanks to our Southern SAE Reception sponsors at this year's ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo.
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Webinars, Podcasts, & Blogs from Around the Web
GSAE compiles a compendium of podcasts, blogs, and resources from association land that we think will help you be better at your job.
Highlights this month include new issues from Association Brain Food (free education!), podcasts from our SAE colleagues, and a new Rogue Tulip's Radio Free 501c episode. Follow, listen, and learn!
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- Recordings of livestreamed and virtual meetings are available on our GSAE1917 YouTube Channel through GSAEtv.
- GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are complimentary, self-directed groups of GSAE members that focus on a particular area of interest. Join through your member profile or send an email to GSAE.
- More upcoming meetings will be announced throughout the year.
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NextGen Shared Interest Group: Embrace Next-Generation Leadership - and Deliver Value Now | 3:00 pm
