Executive Director’s Report

By Darlyne Erickson. CAE

Membership…It’s all about the connections!

Thank you to everyone who has made the decision to renew their firm’s membership in MFDA. It certainly makes it fun to check the mailbox daily. Even when it is 18-20 below, we look forward to that short trip!! In the spirit of membership, I thought I would share with you what my experience has been, and will continue to be, in association management. It is all about membership. I have my elevator speech ready when someone asks about my chosen career of association management. My response is always “Tell me what you do for a living (lawyer, doctor, nurse, teacher, etc.) and I will bet money that there is an association working on your behalf. I trust that you are a member”. A little history (bear with me now). I was approached by a small association looking for help almost 30 years ago and that was my entry into this world. I was then introduced to the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE - an association of associations) which I immediately joined and ended up working as their Education Director. It was during this time that I met many other groups, including MFDA, whom has always been a member. Now for the acronyms! Membership in MSAE (now Associations North) included every occupation imaginable (including funeral service) and as members we learned from one another. It was because of my participation in MSAE’s Leadership Academy, that I realized that this would be a great program for MFDA. I also joined ASAE (American Society of Association of Executives) and obtained my CAE (Certified Association Executive) which I renew every 3 years, taking courses online to keep up to date. All because of becoming a member. I built my career because of membership and community with others in my field. About the same time I started my small company I decided to join Rotary to connect with professionals in my area. Rotary has been a great addition to my personal and professional life. Paul Harris and I are friends! He sends me a pin every year! So, that is my story, and I am sticking to it. Membership in any organization/ association is valuable. However, when the association represents your livelihood, the sky is the limit when it comes to value. Thank you for continuing to support your given profession. As staff we are doing our darndest to keep that value moving upward. We are honored to work for and with you! We can accomplish so much more when we work together! It is all about connections!

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