GSAE eNewsletter

Georgia Society of Association Executives

AMA Executive Conference Centers
University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education
Callaway Gardens
Featured Stories
Register by Friday, December 4 for the early bird discount!
To register multiple people from the same company, please use the fax back registration form.

Join us December 9 at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center for GSAE's Holiday Luncheon Extravaganza, including the awards show, silent auction and annual business meeting. Please see a list of 2015 award recipients in the Member News section below.

Donate to the Holiday Silent Auction
Donating to the Auction is a great way to show your support and help raise funds to help continue GSAE’s mission of advancing the profession of association management and enhancing the professionalism of association executives. We're asking all GSAE members and friends for support of the Silent Auction this year. Any donation of any size will be most appreciated and welcomed – we can even package smaller donations together to create a fabulous gift basket or experience! 
 
Food Drive to Benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank
Our annual food drive to benefit one of our favorite charities, the Atlanta Community Food Bank is another great way to celebrate the season. Donors will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 retail gift card. Please help us support the crucial role the food bank plays in our community. A list of suggested items is available online, but the food bank always needs the following: peanut butter, canned tuna, beans, soups, fruits and vegetables, dried pastas (especially mac and cheese), 100% fruit juice, and whole grain, low sugar cereals.
 
Schedule:
10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Silent Auction & Networking Reception
12-1:30 p.m. – Luncheon, Awards Show and Officer Installation
1:30 p.m. – Silent Auction Cash-out

Cost:
GSAE Member: Early Bird – $40; Late (after 12/4/15) – $55
Additional attendees from the same company: Early Bird – $35; Late (after 12/4/15) – $50
GSAE Guest: Early Bird – $50; Late (after 12/4/15) – $65

Thank you to our sponsors:
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Georgia Center's UGA Hotel and Conference Center



AV Sponsor: PRG

The "Voice of GSAE" – Tom Branch, Lava Post Production





Thank you to our host property: Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
 
 
If you are an association professional or third party meeting planner, complete the meetings and purchasing survey and you'll be entered in a drawing for a $100, $50 or $25 American Express Gift Card. You do not have to be the final decision-maker to participate! The meetings and purchasing survey will be open until December 4, 2015.
 
Member News
Please join us in congratulating our Award recipients. Videos featuring the award winners will premier at the December 9 ceremony and will be available on GSAEtv afterward.

The Stephen Styron Award is presented in honor of one of GSAE’s past presidents. This award is given to the volunteer leaders the current chair feels have done the most outstanding job. The 2015 recipients are Spence Downs, Solutions Advisor, MemberClicks, and Amy Kane, CAE, Director, Awards and Grants, Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Renamed in 2010, the Skelton-Massey Award recognizes the member who sponsors the most new members, strengthening GSAE in size and effectiveness. We hope the award, named after two legendary recruiters and GSAE past presidents, inspires members to promote GSAE’s value and benefits loudly and often. The 2015 recipient is Natalie Nardone, CMP, CAE, President, Nardone Consulting Group.

The Chair’s Award is presented to the member that the chair feels has made a significant contribution to the Society, advancing the aims, ideals and standards of GSAE and association management. The 2015 recipient is Mary J. Wheatley, IOM, CAE, Executive Director, Rheumatology Research Foundation.

The Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award is presented to an association executive with ten years or less of experience in associations who demonstrates leadership through service to GSAE, their own association and to their community. The award was named in 2014 to honor past president Sharon Hunt, CAE, who mentored a generation of association leaders during her career. The 2015 recipient is Jacob Wilder, Director of Communications and Technology, Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia.

The Peggy Seigler Corporate Member of the Year is presented to the corporate supplier member who has demonstrated outstanding and continuous service to the association community in Georgia. Named in 2015, the award honors the many contributions of Peggy Seigler, MPA, CDME, a beloved and valued member of the community. The 2015 recipient is Cheryl DB Talley, Sales Manager, Hyatt Regency Savannah.

The Alan R. Johnson Award, established in 1994 and named in memory of a past chair of the GSAE Foundation, is given to an association executive in Georgia who has demonstrated qualities of teamwork, vision and servant leadership. The 2015 recipient is Mike Pennington, CAE, Senior Account Executive, Kellen.

The Clifford M. Clarke Award is GSAE’s highest recognition, bestowed upon a Georgia association executive who has demonstrated exemplary personal leadership and service. The award honors outstanding accomplishments and service in association management. Established in 1969, the award is named for the late Clifford M. Clarke, President Emeritus of the Arthritis Foundation. Mr. Clarke was the first Georgian to serve as Chief Elected Officer of ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and served two terms as president of GSAE. The 2015 recipient is Lori K. Spear, CAE, Executive Vice President, SAIS.
 
Karen Keys, Sales Manager, Francis Marion Hotel, and her husband welcomed their second child on September 29. Lucas Shea Keys was born at 6:54 p.m., weighing just over 8 lbs. and 21.5" long. Big brother Liam is especially proud! Karen will be returning to the Francis Marion in late December – until then, she'll be enjoying lots of snuggle time at home.
 
If your organization is looking for technology professionals to fill open "tech" positions in your association, Technology Association of Georgia launched a new job board recently at www.techfetch.com/job/tagonline. For more information, contact LaTonya Rich, Director of Talent Acquisition, at Latonya@tagonline.org.
 
Jennifer Thompson, National Sales Manager, Visit Savannah, is delighted to share that Savannah has been named the No. 5 Top Small City in the U.S. in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2015. The ranking was decided by more than 128,000 participants in the publication’s annual poll. "This type of positive exposure goes a long way to helping us tell the great story of the overall Savannah experience," said Joseph Marinelli, Visit Savannah President. "Great restaurants, new retail offerings, terrific tours and attractions – all in a destination that people want to visit."
 
Loren Einstein, Senior Sales Manager, is excited to announce the hotel's name change to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee (formerly The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation).  The property recently unveiled new services and amenities at the Cottages by the Lake and The Lake House to offer guests a new level of leisure and luxury. The updated accommodations include five 1,800-square-foot, two-bedroom cottages, one 2,400-square-foot three-bedroom cottage and one 5,400-square-foot, four-bedroom Lake House. Read the press release here.
 
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Wyndham Bay Point Resort & Spa
GSAE News & Events

Thursday, December 17
GSAE Board of Directors Meeting
2-4 p.m.
MemberClicks, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Piedmont Center, Bldg. 12, Ste. 110, Atlanta

Webinars – $45 per credit hour
  • Thursday, December 17, 2015
  • The Power of Story: How & Why Story Telling has Become a Crucial 21st Century Skill
  • Wednesday, January 6, 2016
  • Effective Performance Management & Discipline
  • Thursday, January 21, 2016
  • What You Need To Know About Member Surveys
  • Thursday, February 4, 2016
  • Refreshing Your Convention

  • View all upcoming live webinars here and on-demand webinars here.
     
    We are pleased to announce the following slate of officers and Board Members for 2016.

    Chair: David Ellis, CAE
    Chair-Elect: Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP
    Treasurer: Gene Stinson, CAE, PCED, CEcD, HLM
    Past Chair: Jim Fowler, CAE

    Directors: Julie Anderson, CAE; Jon Krueger; Gale Macke; Joel Peacock; Bryan Tolar; Mark Sedgley; Sarah J. Berke, CAE; Kristen Hartman, CAE; Lee Lemke, CAE; Carol Hall.

    Our thanks to our board members who have completed their terms this year:
    Todd Daniel, CAE; Natalie Nardone, CAE; Mike Walsh, CAE; Sheryl Ehlers

    The Nominating Committee endorses the slate for the GSAE Foundation Board of Trustees.
    Chair: Pat Dunwoody, CAE, LEED AP; Chair-Elect: LeeAnne Minnick; Treasurer: Robin D. Lane, CAE; Past Chair: Mike Giles.

    Respectfully submitted:
    Susan Cheshire, CAE; Jim Fowler, CAE; David Ellis, CAE; Angela Holland, CAE; Mike Pennington, CAE
     
    GSAE is committed to building community in the association management profession and among our corporate supplier members. We strive to provide you with the relevant information, professional development opportunities and resources you need to be better at your job. Renew online today!

    If you need to renew multiple staff members or add new ones, just email Jane Anne. If you have any questions or need an invoice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jane Anne.

    We look forward to serving your educational needs and helping you connect with other GSAE leaders in 2016. It’s going to be exciting!
     
    Although the 2016 GSAE Quarterly Luncheon & Participation Fair is still a few months away, it's never too early to start thinking of ways to expand your GSAE involvement! If you're ready to join a committee or Shared Interest Group, simply login to your profile, scroll down to Community, click on Groups and then view and join any you are interested in. If you are interested in leading a committee, task force or Shared Interest Group, simply email GSAE.

    We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. From welcoming new members to helping experienced ones prepare for the CAE exam, planning the education programming to making recommendations to the Board of Directors, GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Learn more about our committees here.

    GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) offer one of the best resources for association executives and professionals. These self-directed groups of GSAE members focus on a particular area and delve into various topics within that area. In addition to learning from the "experts" in a particular area of interest, GSAE's SIGs offer members a place to discuss with peers issues of personal relevance. Learn more about our SIGs here.
     
    February 17 – GSAE Quarterly Luncheon
    April 20 – GSAE Quarterly Luncheon
    June 1-3 – GSAE Annual Meeting in Athens, Georgia
    July 13 – GSAE Summer Luncheon
    September 21 – GSAE Quarterly Luncheon, The Abit Massey Lecture Series
    November 16 – GSAE Tradeshow & Quarterly Luncheon
    December 14 – GSAE Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show & Silent Auction

    2016 GSAE Hosting Opportunities
    The host property of each luncheon will receive a reserved table during registration, the opportunity to place materials at each place setting, podium time, significant exposure and an attendee mailing list following the luncheon. This is a great opportunity to showcase your property! All GSAE luncheons are on Wednesdays and all 2016 dates are currently available.
     
    GSAEtv
    Stay connected to the latest industry news and educational information for the association executive community with GSAEtv. New videos are available every month at videos.gsae.org.

    Don't miss this month's video, which takes a look at cutting-edge event trends and strategies. There are plenty of considerations when planning an event: amenities, live stream, venues, etc. In this video, Jim Anderson, CAE, president and CEO of CalSAE, and Geraldine Bordelon, CMP, Director of Destination Sales at Visit Baton Rouge, share cutting-edge tips to ensure your event runs smoothly, on budget and leaves members excited to return.

     
    News Briefs
    A key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the excise tax is now viewed by many legislators on both sides of the aisle as likely to lower the value of employees’ benefits packages and result in greater costs for consumers when it takes effect in 2018. 

    The tax was created to help pay for expanding coverage to the uninsured under the ACA and to reduce health care usage and costs. Under the ACA, beginning in 2018, both fully insured and self-funded employer health plans will be assessed a non-refundable 40 percent excise tax on the dollar amount of any employee premiums that exceed annual limits of $10,200 for individual coverage and $27,500 for family coverage. Read more at www.thepowerofa.org
     
    Special event permits are required when the provision of alcohol is tied to any monetary exchange or transfer of funds, and the location where the event will be held does not hold a state retail alcohol license. This would include the outright selling of alcoholic beverages at an event (cash bar) as well as other methods for charging, such as entry fees or donations. Read the full opinion from the Department of Revenue here.
     


    ASAE has opened up registration for American Associations Day, the only fly-in for association professionals. With the upcoming potential 40 percent tax on healthcare plans and new overtime rule there is no shortage of issues that threaten the association community. Join us to learn about the issues, meet association professionals from your state and around the country, and attend the ASAE Board Reception. The dates are March 9-10, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

    There is no registration fee for this event. Additionally, a scholarship is available for attendees who make Hill visits that are from outside the D.C.-metro area. This event also includes 3.25 CAE credit hours. To RSVP for this year’s fly-in, contact Mary Kate Cunningham, ASAE Public Policy Department staff, at (202) 626-2787 or mcunningham@asaecenter.org. Find out more at ThePowerOfA.org/hillvisit.
     
    To participate in this confidential study, please click here

    The survey is comprehensive and will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. In addition to receiving a complimentary overview of the research, every participant will be eligible to receive one of 10 $25 Amazon gift cards.

    The information generated from this survey will help you understand critical changes in the association business environment for the economy, information, workforce, global and government factors. The survey benchmarks nearly 60 different implications on association strategy ranging from membership, to meetings and education and government advocacy.

    The final analysis, provided to you through a white paper, will give you a comprehensive look at the association business environment that you can share with your leadership and help inform their discussions on the future of your association. The outcome will show you where your organization is similar or different from a national sample of trade and professional associations.
     
    This study is produced by Association Laboratory, an independent strategic research firm specializing in association business strategy.

    Note from Wendy: If enough members from our community participate, we will receive a state-specific executive summary. Please take time to help our community benchmark association strategies. Click here to take the survey. Thanks!
     
    Taking meetings to the next level, The Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta launched Climb the Peach, a unique teambuilding activity for meeting attendees. During this new on-site specialty event, meeting attendees are challenged to climb the 72 stories to the top of The Westin Peachtree Plaza. Climb the Peach allows meeting groups to ascend on a journey 723 feet in the air atop the Atlanta skyline. For more information, please contact Craig Cupit, Director of Sales & Marketing, at (404) 589-7532.
     
    Experts share tips and best practices for connecting with all-age members and research from the 2015 Association Communication Benchmarking Study backs it up. Read more in Association Adviser.
     
    Georgia Society of Association Executives
    1270 Caroline St. NE Ste. D120 #359 Atlanta, GA 30307