A Visit with PMPI Past President Cornelia Horner

Cornelia Horner has been inspiring PMPI members with her creative spirit and enthusiasm for the industry since she joined the chapter in 1999. Lucky for us, Cornelia moved here from her native Alabama to seek a career on Capitol Hill and lobbying. Cornelia quickly discovered that she really enjoyed what was only an aspect of her position: meeting planning.

 

Enter PMPI. Her boss shared a MPI membership brochure with her and told her, "It would be a good idea for you to join." And so she did. Cornelia said that becoming involved was made all the more easier because, "My friend (Annette) took me under her wing. I went to events, and there was a familiar face."  

"The value of inviting someone to participate is so important." To get the most out of your PMPI chapter, she encourages everyone to connect. Cornelia took the leap and joined her first committee, Leadership Development, doing chapter awards and planning what is now called the Evening of the Stars. She then became a co-chair of the committee and then rose on to various positions on the board.

Participating on committees can be a great safety net; you can learn new skills and talents and stretch yourself in a welcoming environment. While on the PMPI Board, Cornelia volunteered to work with sponsorships. She knew that her association where she worked wanted to start a program and by working with PMPI, she learned a lot about sponsorship! She was able to institute a successful program at work.

PMPI has also been great for instilling confidence as well as for making great connections. Cornelia started at the American Land Title Association as the Director of Meetings. She then was promoted to Vice President and now she is the COO.

"Mentors are great, but sometimes you have to take things into your own hands." Being active in PMPI can help you to uncover YOUR hidden talents. For example, learning how to lead a meeting or getting volunteers to participate. You could be a great communicator or a great writer; there are lots of great things you can do.

I know that I am not alone in being thankful that Cornelia’s boss handed her that MPI brochure!

For 2016, let this be the year you can "Write Your Next Chapter." Opportunities are plentiful.

Faye Pastor, CEM, CMP

PMPI Membership, E&R Committee