April 2011

As a professional growth opportuntiy, I have started the Business of Meetings Certificate Program offered for leaders in meetings management. The Center of Association Leadership through the American Society of Association Executives(ASAE) conducts 4 high-level two day programs.  My first program was entitled Meetings and Expositions Excellence.  This course was designed to help:

• Interpret current trends, key issues, and new competencies in the meetings industry.
• Recognize knowledge management concepts and their role in meetings and programs.
• Evaluate challenges, strategies, and innovations in exhibition management.
• Demonstrate the power of business partner selection and relationship management.
• Highlight key tactics and components involved during successful negotiation.
• Compare international site selection processes, special considerations, and cultural differences.

                It was an exciting learning opportunity!

March 2011

"Believe, Imagine, Dream" was the focus of the South Carolina State Organization Convention that was held March 18-19 in Columbia, South Carolina.I had an opportunity to attend this wonderful event as an international representative. Meeting the fabulous members in the state organizations was so rewarding.  It was also exciting to have the opportunity to visit their state organization headquarters building pictured to the right.  South Carolina members are very dedicated and proud leaders impacting education.

February 2011

In March, the newly established Delta Kappa Gamma Non-Dues-Revenue Committee met for the first time in Austin, Texas.  The committee had an opportunity to visit the studio of Susan Wallace, a local artist, who was commissioned to create our Wall of Roses. It has just been hung at International Headquarters.  This will honor members who as part of their Planned Giving leave a significant donation to one of the Society funds.  There are three levels of giving -$10,000-$24,999, $25,000-$49,999 and $50,000 or above level.  When a person donates, their name and the name of the fund will be engraved on a colored glass leaf which will help bring life and new color to the artistic piece.  Three shades of green represent the levels of giving - Jade, Garnet and Emerald.  Members will be able to make this decision now.  Only 100 leaves are available.  If you would like further information, please contact me at phyllish@dkg.org  Any member contributing at least $1,000 to a Society fund will have their name recorded in a book near the Wall of Roses.

January 2011

How wonderful to be able to see the Wall of Roses come to life at the artist's studio!  This Planned Giving piece of artwork will be hung at DKG International Headquarters in February as a way to honor our members who make significant contributions to the Society. There will be room for 100 members to be recognized for giving levels of $10,000, $25,000 and $50,000.  Start thinking about leaving a gift that will advance the work of the Society.Watch for more details.

December 2011

I flew back to Connecticut to see family and friends over the holidays. The photo was taken Christmas day at my mom's place. My brothers and sisters, their spouses and the 8 grandchildren all gathered to celebrate this wonderul time of the year. Mother Nature even brought us about 12 inches of snow that afternoon and evening.  It certainly was a winter wonderland.! We will cherish these family memories.

November 2010

The University of Texas football games are always exciting to attend.  Although it has not been a good season for the Longhorns, it has been a fun time to get together with friends.  Pictured with me is Marilyn Gregory, the Texas State first vice-presdient and friend from my Golden Gift Leadership/ Management experience. Marilyn and her husband offered me wonderful advice when I transitioned from Connecticut to Texas.

October 2010

DKG members from Alpha chapter met with an exciting program where teachers with less than 10 years experience presented a problem they were facing.  In round table discussions, advice was first given by teachers with 10 ten years or more experience.  It was then followed by advice from retired educators. At the end, a recorder from the group shared the situation and options with the whole membership. The teacher left the meeting with all kinds of options to help her deal with the situation.  This is another example of Delta Kappa Gamma members in action helping each other.