May 2012

I had the honor of attending the Indiana State Organization Conference.  It was a wonderful and exciting conference.  The members in Indiana are fabulous and they are anxiously awaiting our arrival!  They will be hosting the 2014 International Convention in Indianapolis. During my visit to Indiana, I had the opportunity to visit the J.W. Marriott, the site of the 2014 Internatioanl Convention.  This is a brand new, gorgeous hotel in an ideal location, convenient to many places in downtown Indianapolis. The staff is anxiously awaiting our arrival.  While there, we had an opportunity to tour this wonderful, modern facility. Think of yourself relaxing in this comforting environment, enjoying the wonderful fellowship of Delta Kappa Gamma members, actively participating in professionl breakout sessions, listening to wonderful speakers, making decisions that will impact the future of the Society and maybe even doing a bit of touring around the area. It is never too early to start planning and saving for this event. Mark your calendar for July 28-August 1, 2014.

April 2012

The American Society of Association Executives held their Great Ideas Conference in Colorado Springs.  Corlea, Linda, Nita and I came away ignited after attending this energizing event. This educational opportunity included more than 80 exceptional learning opportunities and two powerful general sessions featuring John Kao and Carmine Gallo. We, the DKG adminsitrative staff, connected at breakfast with Carmine Gallo.  Carmine is a former CNN business anchor and writes Your Communications Coach for Forbes.com. He is the author of The Inovation Secrets of Steve Jobs and the newly released, The Power of Foursquare. His keynote address entitled Standing Out in the Markeplace: Inspiring Lessons From Apple, Foursquare, and Other Creative Brands motivated his audience to unlock their creative potential and foster an environment that encourages innovation. Do we do this in our families? Do we do this with our friends? Do we do this in our classrooms?  How about with our co-workers? Take time to reflect over this thought.  Think of the endless possibilities and creative potential.

March 2012

We all know how important teamwork is to the success of an event.  Well, I had an opportunity to view first hand a different form of teamwork in action.  Attending my first "Team Roping" event in Salado, Texas was an exciting learning experience for me.  James Scott, husband of Nita, our Membership Administrator, is a team roper. During this event he was randonly chosen to team up with a partner.  While on horseback,one partner needed to rope the horms of a steer and the other the legs in a quick paced timed event. They both brought talent, skill and experience. All wonderful qualities that I hope one brings to a team.

February 2012

We all need to take time to relax.  It is even better when you can get away.  I was able to do this and spend time with family. Puerto Vallarta was the destination of a mini family vacation.  I joined my mom, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew for a wonderful relaxing vacation.  They traveled from Connecticut and I met them in Mexico.  During our special time together, we experienced an extreme dolphin swim that proved to be very exciting. It was amazing to dive underwater being led by two dolphins. I came back tanned and very relaxed. Take time for yourself.  It can be energizing!

January 2012

During the holidays, I hope many of you had a chance to visit with family. I always look forward to a trip back to Conncecticut where I gather with my mom, all my brothers and sisters, all their spouses, and especially my eight nieces and nephews.  It is a special time to be together and truly appreciate family.  Our family members all make that extra effort to travel and be together for traditional events and just fun time together.  As you can see, I am training them to be Univeristy of Texas fans!

December 2011

The Get Motivated! Business Seminar in Austin was an exciting event that offered inspirational thoughts on perserverance, success, investing, sales & negotiation, competitiveness, leadership, motivation, management and excellence. Featured speakers were Rudy Giuliani, Mary Buffet, Krish Dhanam, Mary Lou Retton, General Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, Howard Putnam, General Stanley McChrystal and Bill Cosby. I left this successful seminar inspired!

November 2011

On October 31 and November 1, I attended the second part of the four part series for The Business of Meetings Certificate Program sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).  The course was Leadership and Communication. The course was designed to help me

Ø  Assess my own leadership strengths and styles

Ø  Develop my leadership skills based on several criteria, including being a change and creativity agent

Ø  Practice my communication skills, including listening, delegating, presenting, persuading, facilitating and providing and receiving feedback

Ø  Understand different forms of decision-making and when they are appropriate

Ø  Manage my relationships and interpersonal skills with my staff, peers, committees, boards, industry partners, and other key stakeholders

Ø  Create a climate of inclusiveness that promotes understanding and respect for diversity and exemplifies the highest ethical conduct.

This experience was insightful and gave me an opportunity to reflect and develop my skills.