2011 Heartland Chapter Board of Directors
A Message From Our President ...
President
Dear Heartland Chapter,
Robin O’Connor Manager, Global Accounts HelmsBriscoe
We are well on our way to another great year for our chapter and a new year always brings excitement, fresh ideas, a chance to grow and build on the successes of the previous year! I want to thank Missy Johnson again for her leadership in 2010 and all the volunteers that make our chapter a great family!
President-Elect
We had a wonderful Installation Dinner and successful Silent Auction on February 3rd at the Hilton President Kansas City Hotel. It was a beautiful setting thanks to Sher Wolf at the Hilton President, the attentive hotel staff and the hard work of Belinda Waldo, Kari Ziblut, Michelle Murdock, Brad Plumb, Bobby Riggins, Roger Sherwood, Nonie Lowery and Jennifer Lion.
Mary Ryan Convention Sales Manager Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
Immediate Past-President Missy Johnson, CMP Manager, Meeting Services American Academy of Family Physicians
Treasurer Vicki Comegys Vice President of Sales & Services Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
Secretary
I have been asked by many to share my remarks and goals for those who were not able to attend: As some of you know, in 1986 I started in this business as a college intern from K-State with what is now the Kansas City CVA. Because of that experience and the opportunity it provided me, I feel strongly about engaging our student members in our chapter events. With help from Kristin Kimbrel and Kate Turner, I plan to get our students more involved with specific tasks and identify other possible hospitality student members. Who better to help us improve our presence in social media sites and keeping us “old timers” updated on what our future leaders need from us? We must continue with the great work the Board and Committees have done this past year under Missy’s guidance to bring financial stability back to our chapter. It is my hope that we will have another great year and can give back even more to our community. I know Stephanie Deel and Vanessa Kane are ready for a great year as our Community Service Chairs - continuing our traditions as well as addressing new possibilities.
Ronda Vaughn, CMP Director of Meeting Services Optimist International
As we all know, PCMA prides itself in offering excellent educational programs. With the continued leadership of Jennifer Lion coupled with the passion of Michelle Stoeppler, we are looking forward to a great year of programs and special events!
Directors
It is always exciting to get new volunteers to help with our Committees, but it is also important to have the wisdom and insight from those who have been an active part of our chapter. I’m excited that we have so many dedicated Past-Presidents willing to serve and assist us by participating on our Past-President’s Task Force. I plan to meet with them on a quarterly basis for help with specific tasks or just to check in and get their feedback on how they feel we can continue to improve as a chapter.
Marilyn Koehler (thru 12/31/12) Director of National Accounts Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Sherie L. Howell, CMP, CMM, CGMP (thru 12/31/12) Conference Manager A-S-K Associates, Inc. Amy Harper, CMP (thru 12/31/12) Senior Meeting Planner National Association of Insurance Commissioners Kristen Kimbrel, CMP (thru 12/31/13) Sr. Meeting Planner American Academy of Family Physicians Jennifer Lion, CMP (thru 12/31/13) Meeting & Event Manager Experient Michelle Stoeppler-Taylor (thru 12/31/13) Holiday Inn Select St. Louis Downtown Convention Center
We all enjoy reading the Heartland Beat, which keeps us up to date on the chapter’s latest activities. I’m so grateful Missy has agreed to chair this committee with the assistance of Jenny Conrad as Co-Chair. They have already come up with some great ideas to enhance our communication with our members. I was so happy Lauren Harlan and Marilyn Koehler stepped up to the plate to Chair our Awards and Scholarship Committee. We plan to evaluate the tasks of this committee and develop ideas to encourage members to become more pro-active in recognizing outstanding achievement in our chapter throughout the year and identifying those who may be suitable for scholarship opportunities. I don’t have to say much about our Membership Committee this year due to their expertise. Karin Robinson and Belinda Waldo have already started the planning on 2 exciting membership events in Kansas City and St. Louis. They will continue to develop ideas on recruiting new members throughout the year and keeping our current members satisfied. My chapter goals would not be complete without addressing the great work our Sponsorship Committee has done the past few years, especially during difficult financial times. I know they will continue to be successful this year and for years to come. Michelle Murdock, Kari Ziblut and Teresa Hellman not only played a huge part in the success of our dinner and silent auction, but they will continue to generate sponsorships and support for our events all year. Lastly, I want to thank everyone for their support of me as your 2011 President. This chapter has been my home for many years. Although I couldn’t officially join until I moved to St. Louis due to market assignments, I have always attended events and knew this is the place for me. Many of you have helped me celebrate the good times and supported me through tough times. I can’t thank you enough for that. You are my extended family and I want everyone to have the same feeling about our chapter as I have felt for many years. The word Heart in our chapter name does not just reflect our location; it reflects the love, encouragement and support that our members provide each other. Together we are stronger than we could ever be alone. Here’s to a terrific and prosperous 2011! Cheers, Robin O’Connor 2011 PCMA Heartland Chapter President
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