August 2016

FOCUS

August 2016

NORTH

SPECIAL ISSUE

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS Published by

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Focus North is published 10 times a year by Associations North, 1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Suite 100, Roseville, MN 55113.

Phone: 651.647.6388 Fax: 651.647.6416 Website: www.associationsnorth.com Email: info@associationsnorth.com

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of Associations North.

The subscription rate for members is $25, which is included in membership dues. Editorial contributors in any area of association management are welcome.

Articles accepted for publication are subject to editing

by Associations North. Advertising is accepted on a space availability basis. Contact angela@associationsnorth.com for further advertising information.

Staff

Kathy Johnson, CAE, President Sarah Ruzek, Director of Education Angela Kisskeys, Marketing & Comm. Manager Chris Villeneuve, Member Services Coordinator

Mission

To advance and serve the association management profession in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Vision

Associations North, our members and their associations will thrive and grow.

In principle and in practice, Associations North values and seeks diversity and inclusiveness within the association management industry. Associations North advocates for and promotes involvement, innovation, and expanded access to leadership opportunities that maximize engagement across underrepresented groups in the Associations North membership.

For advertising information, call 651.647.6388.

Advertisements and listings in this publication are provided as a public service to readers. Associations North is not responsible for errors or omissions, and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. All information is subject to change.

Ann Kvaal, CAE (Chair) Owner AK Communications

Cassie Larson, CAE (Secretary/Treasurer) Executive Director MN Nursery & Landscape Association

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CONTENTS August 2016 FEATURES the 3 Through Decades:

Associations North History

EXTRAS Join for a 5 Members Memorable Evening

14 Proud to Serve You 15 Calendar of Events 19 60th Celebration Photos

is the All the Change 8 Today 10 InThere Tomorrow That is One Constant

21 Spotlight: Roger Toussaint

You Worried About Yesterday

Business North 12 Standard 18 Associations Meeting or Mini Involvement - a Family Reunions?

Affair for the Ewalds

What is your favorite gadget?

My FlexBrew Coffeemaker.

Jenny Prosser (Past -Chair) Vice President of Conferences and Sales LeadingAge Minnesota Dave Radziej, CAE (Chair-Elect) President Printing Industry Midwest

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20 Thank You

Diversity & Inclusion

Board of Directors

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Almost all portable tools from cordless drills to saws all.

Kathy Johnson, CAE (President) President Associations North

Rubber mallet.

You wouldn’t believe what you can do with it.

Cody Nuernberg Executive Director Northwestern Lumber Association

Carmelo Cinqueonce, MBA Executive Director MN Dental Association

Dave Renner, CAE Director, State & Federal Legislation Minnesota Medical Association

John Francis President The Harrington Company

Mark Salter, CAE, ABC Executive Director CFA Society Minnesota

Tara Loftus Account Manager MN Academy of Family Physicians

Robbie Thompson Executive Director Professional Liability Underwriters Society

iPhone.

My laptop.

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Histor 1956

1976

A small group of executives form the Association of Trade Executives. Its 25 members, who are predominantly male, each pay $5 in annual dues.

1950

1960

Renamed the Minnesota Society of Association Executives, the organization is run completely by volunteers.

1960

Ruth Lunde of the Minnesota Nurses Association becomes the first woman to serve as chairman of the board.

1970 Roger Toussaint, executive director of the St. Paul Convention & Visitors Bureau, volunteers to serve as MSAE’s executive secretary. He remains on the job for 25 years.

1963 3

1980

MSAE expands its membership to vendor members. Kathy Johnson is hired as the first full-time staff member.

1988

ry

In 1956, a small group of professionals formed The Association of Trade Executives to advance and serve the association industry. Today, 60 years later, that same commitment holds true with a refreshed logo, look and name.

2012

1992

MSAE embraces a new era of technology, communication and connecting with a social media presence, conference apps and QR codes.

MSAE moves into their first headquarters, Iris Park Place Building, 1885 University Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota.

1990

2000

To better reflect its geographic reach, MSAE becomes the Midwest Society of Association Executives.

2000

2010 2016

MSAE marks its 50th year with more than 900 members and a full schedule of events, including symposiums, networking luncheons and webcasts.

2006

MSAE celebrates 60 years of serving associations and re-brands as Associations North. While the fun, focused and upbeat attitude of our organization remains unchanged, our refreshed brand better reflects our dedication and commitment in Moving Professionals Forward.

2016 4

Members Join for a Memorable Evening 60th Celebration | August 4, 2016 | Aria Minneapolis

High heels and shined shoes emerge from car doors, clicking and stepping their way to the front doors of Aria Minneapolis. There, partygoers are greeted not by a doorman, but by performers on stilts, towering over them, glittering and laughing. This is going to be a good night.

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Guests gathered to celebrate sixty years of associations, with the newlynamed Associations North. For decades, this organization was recognized as the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). Now, its members are proud to say they are part of Associations North.

SEE PHOTOS FROM ASSOCIATIONS NORTH 60TH CELEBRATION ON PAGE 19

“We’re glad the event is taking place here at Aria, which is a great venue in the North Loop area, a fastgrowing and trendy area of town. We’re excited that recently Associations North has rebranded and reintroduced itself to the association community” Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis.

The rebranding and renaming of MSAE to Associations North follows an expansion in membership, growth in services, and a desire to recenter its focus on members.

Both focused on its membership base in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as moving forward and upward, Associations North is aptly named.

Between sips of champagne, gregarious photo booth sessions, and a trip down memory lane, Associations North members reflect on the past sixty years.

Photo Credit: Lauren B Photography

“I have been a member since 1991. I became involved because MSAE, now Associations North, was the best place for me to connect with colleagues as well as clients. It became a network of family and friends that has not only brought a tremendous amount of business, but also a tremendous amount of personal relationships on such a rewarding level. I just can’t imagine life without Associations North in it.” Anna Tanski, Visit Duluth Though the name has changed, Associations North has no intention of changing its focus on serving members.

Whether they share best practices at conventions, or laughs at a networking event, their members are building relationships that will follow them throughout their career.

Lisa Johnson of MN Social Services Association reflects, “I got involved with Associations North in 1988 through my dad, Roger Miller. I’ve been going to events since I graduated college. I’ve been in the association business since I was 15, working for my dad in a tradeshow booth.

I’m now at my twelfth association and I’m still in it!”

We are grateful for the enthusiasm of every member, whether they have been members for decades, or are fresh to the game. Hearing stories such as those of Tara Loftus, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians and Daniel Owens, Olsen Thielen CPA’s members since 2008 and 2006 respectively, reminds us that our members connect in ways beyond their professional networks. The pair met through Associations North’s Young Professional events, and they plan to get married this October. “The young

professionals program was so powerful; we are just two of perhaps a dozen people from the program who are still close to one another,” says Loftus.

Amidst reminiscing and reflection, guests and hosts alike look into the future. Guests celebrate by clinking glasses, enjoying gourmet food stations, tasting delectable desserts, and taking in stunning performances. Kicking off the cocktail hour, an aerial performer climbs a dangling purple scarf. She proceeds to turn, twirl, and tie herself into impossible poses, yards above the crowd’s heads all to the tune of our beloved Prince’s Purple Rain. Following her, women adorned in LED lights dazzle the crowd on stage.

Those same performers soon light themselves aglow as they toss fire through the air, overwhelming the senses.

Between dazzling lights, contorting performers, and live band Free-N-Easy who energized the crowd, guests enjoyed reconnecting over delectable treats, laughing with old friends, and setting the tone for the next sixty years to come. A night that was truly full of surprises, Associations North gave away four Delta Airline tickets and treated VIP’s to a special experience with lounges that included custom cigars, wine, food and gift cards. To thank guests, Associations North sent everyone on their way with a celebratory bottle of champagne and a custom Associations North special edition deck of cards.

A night to remember. It was the perfect way to celebrate the past, present and future. Cheers to the next sixty!

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h t u l Du

With breathtaking beauty

at every turn, Duluth has a flexible selection of meeting spaces, like the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC).

Our experienced convention services team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Visit Duluth: Stacy Oltmanns | (218) 722-4011 DECC: Sue Ellen Moore | 218.623.1204

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Today is the Tomorrow That You Worried About Yesterday ...and so on with the celebration!

For 60 years MSAE (now Associations North) has been educating, researching, planning, providing, teaching, growing, and adapting to the one and only constant in our world, and that is change. And wow! The changes we have seen from 1956 to 2016 are amazing!

The history is a rich tapestry of people, places, projects, members, and memories. Here’s a brief glimpse of your professional association through the decades.

It all began in 1956. A small group of executives (25) formed the Association of Trade Executives. Annual dues were $5.00. It was in 1960 that the organizations name was changed to MSAE – the Minnesota Society of Association Executives. They wanted to learn from each other, share their stories, and improve their own organizations.

In 1963 Roger Toussaint, executive director of the St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau became the volunteer leader/ secretary. He served in this capacity for 25 years.

As the work force began welcoming more and more women, MSAE followed suit and named the first woman to serve as Chairman - Ruth Lunde, from the MN Nurses Association.

In the 80s, MSAE membership opened up to companies who provide associations with products, services, meeting facilities, and convention centers. Kathy Johnson was hired as the first full time MSAE employee.

In the 90s, MSAE moved into their first office headquarters – and debuted a new web page. Plus, membership was opened up to include North and South Dakota. The name was changed to the Midwest Society of Association Executives.

In the 2000s, MSAE experimented with a job shadowing and internship program to raise awareness of association management as a career. MSAE celebrated 50 years and moved into the current Roseville Office Plaza.

In the on-going journey to provide relevance and value for members, in 2016, MSAE embarked on a re-brand and

refresh project, which lead to a new value proposition, logo, name, publications, education and member appreciation events. MSAE became Associations North and is committed to Moving Professionals Forward.

With an eye on striving to be more reflective of the community and society, the mission of the organization has remained consistent – To advance and serve the association management profession in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

As we review the success of the past and the strength of the organization today, we need to continue to adapt, innovate and provide trusted and meaningful information, resources and professional development opportunities that address the ever changing needs of membership based organizations. Associations North will stay committed to taking the steps necessary to remain relevant and strong.

As we have learned, we can’t predict the future but here are a few predictions from Kathy on associations: • Face to face meetings will not go away. (There’s not an app for that.) In fact, people will search out for new and different ways to connect.

• Communication methods will continue to evolve as technological advances push us to new horizons.

• Mobile will continue to be King, Queen, and Royal family.

• Member Based Organizations will thrive, adapt, excel and continue to affect change in our society and communities.

They will expand to become more diverse and more inclusive.

Thanks to this rich history, engaged members and enthusiastic leaders, we have managed far more change than what was predicted. Our past vision of the future was not visionary enough. We will have to continue to look forward and be flexible. Associations will continue to lead the way as they work to help shape America and create positive change in the world. Here’s to many more years of working together for the common good. Cheers!

By: Kathy Johnson, CAE, President, Associations North

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From the Desk of: Toni J. Nuernberg, CAE, CBF

In All the Change, There is One Constant It is said that there is an association for everything – every industry, profession, charity, social group and sports organization! Did you know there is an “association for associations”? Well there is and here in the Midwest it is Associations North.

Associations North mission is simple: to advance and serve associations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Whether well-known associations like the American Medical Association or American Dental Association or a smaller association specific to a local community such as the Grand Avenue Business Association (specific to Grand Avenue in St. Paul, MN), all associations have a mission to serve its members. Associations North helps those of us in the association management profession advance not only our careers, but most importantly to advance the industries we serve.

When I first became a member of Associations North it was the Minnesota Society of Association Executives. As the need for the benefits provided by the association became apparent in other regions of the Midwest such as North and South Dakota, the association expanded to become the “Midwest” SAE. Today, MSAE is now Associations North and has members throughout Minnesota, North and South Dakota, broadening its reach and bringing resources throughout the region.

In the early 2000s, I was honored to serve on the Board of Directors

for Associations North. During this period, Associations North launched its first member website and implemented a new association management system to more effectively automate its database and add functionality to its systems. We also adopted the Carver Model for Governance which helped to focus the board on the outcomes of Associations North activities rather than getting “in the weeds”. The Associations North governance now guides the strategic direction of the association while Associations North President Kathy Johnson and staff advance the strategic goals with tactical execution.

It serves as a model for many associations.

As it was when I originally joined and as it continues to be today, the resources, education and networking opportunities that Associations North offers bring the utmost value to association professionals. In 2008, I took a new position as an Executive Director for an association headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

I was surprised to learn that the benefits I had with Associations North did not exist in Omaha and I can honestly say that I missed it! When I returned to Minnesota in early 2009, Associations North became my “go to” professional association once again.

So as Associations North celebrates its 60th anniversary, what will the future bring? I don’t know that I can answer that question for certain, but what I do know is that its resources will be needed more than ever. Regardless of

whether an association is a charitable or trade organization, we all struggle with many of the same things; membership, non-dues revenue, competition from for-profit entities and a change in the demographics of our volunteers. Associations will continue to face increased pressure to continually utilize new technologies and to embrace social media platforms to reach new generations of members and to communicate with our constituents when and where they desire. All of this has to be done with limited resources.

The need for associations to be advocates for their members will be more important than ever.

The legislative and regulatory landscape that impacts many of the industries we represent as well as our own profession continues to evolve and in many cases will increase. The need for associations to be advocates for their members will be more important than ever.

Associations North is our advocate. I am watching the next generation of emerging association leaders and I know the things they will need are going to change as they advance in their careers, but one thing will remain consistent – the need to develop a professional network and resources that they can rely on. Associations North will be there for them, evolving as needed, leading as expected.

Toni J. Nuernberg, CAE, CBF, President and COO National Association of Credit Management - North Central Affiliate

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From the Desk of: Anna Tanski

Standard Business Meetings or Mini Reunions?

September 1991, after a few weeks of membership, I attended my first MSAE event. Back then it stood for Minnesota Society of Association Executives, and the event was the Fall Retreat. Rochester was hosting the conference and offered $100 airfare to fly down to attend. I boarded in Duluth, connected at MSP and flew down for this event. CRAZY! At that time I had no idea how deeply this incredible organization would weave its way into my professional and personal life. Originally I joined as Anna Schnell which rhymed quite nicely with my colleague and partner Renee Appel. Life changes in 1999 brought me the good fortune of finding Jason and transitioning to Anna Tanski. The beloved Ed Harrington, founder of the Harrington Co and Kathy Sheridan, at the time managing

Through every transition, the foundation of Associations North has remained solid because the building blocks are comprised of individuals who make a difference every day.

her own association management company, made the trip to Duluth to celebrate with us. Jason’s grown to love this group as much as I have, partaking in social events and volunteering by my side.

In 2000, MSAE was now representing the Midwest Society of Association Executives and decided to try hosting the Leadership Conference in winter to see if attendees preferred moving out of the traditional fall timeframe. Duluth was selected to host the conference and since it was an Olympic year we played on that theme, holding team competitions such as curling and ended with the Breakfast of Champions with team photos on customized Wheaties boxes. Eight months pregnant with Steven, I waddled my way through the festivities.

Volunteering has enriched me personally and I developed an even deeper level of engagement professionally. Serving on the board of directors and various committees has expanded my network within this ever-changing membership. The Leadership Academy was an incredible experience I’ll carry forward in my career forever.

Reflecting on memories is nostalgic but also highlights how committed this organization has been to navigating change, initiating change and embracing change.

Through every transition, the foundation of Associations North has remained solid. I strongly believe this is because the building blocks are comprised of individuals who make a difference in this industry every day.

Corny as it may sound, it’s the people I value more than anything. I treasure the connections and lasting relationships that have developed over the past 25 years and can’t wait to establish new ones with members I have yet to meet.

My heart is happier, my career is more rewarding and overall, life is better because of this organization.

What started out as standard business meetings rapidly evolved into mini reunions every time we reconnect.

Genuine bonds that have stood the test of time, life events both joyous and heart-breaking.

My heart is happier, my career more rewarding and overall life is better thanks to being a part of this incredible organization.

Anna Tanski, CEO, Visit Duluth has served on many committees, networking groups, volunteered and participated on the Board of Directors. Anna is a proud 20+ year Associations North member.

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Being a member in Associations North means a direct connection with industry professionals who “get” me and what I do. Attending Association North events and participating at the committee level gives me a better opportunity to build relationships with fellow members.

And so when I have a question or a particular need, these are the people I turn to first.

Juli Schneider

MN Dental Association

Being a part of Associations North has helped me find answers to problems that are so specific to my situation, I’m amazed someone else has experienced the same thing. But that’s why associations are incredible resources – we are in the same business, so we understand.

Jon Horsman, CAE MN Nursery & Landscape Association

Associations North is invaluable in continuing to grow as an association professional and leader.

Nowhere else can you access and grow meaningful local relationships and receive top notch association-specific education. These are your people!

Ann Kvaal, CAE AK Communications

My organization has found great value in Associations North over the years. We appreciate the training and access to fresh ideas, however our biggest value has been found on items you don’t readily see on the member benefit list—quick advice and connections on association operation issues.

Solutions and advice are only a phone call away thanks to Associations North’s professional staff.

Bruce Nustad MN Retailers Association

Associations North is my go-to. When I need a new vendor or meeting space, I look to my Associations North allied member colleagues. When I need some association management advice or a legal opinion, I’ll call one of the many professional connections I’ve made through this association. No matter what it is I go to Associations North.

My membership is integral to my success!

Mary Detloff, CAE Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers

PROUD TO SERVE OUR MEMBERS FOR 60 YEARS. 14

For more details and to register, visit: www.associationsnorth.com/calendar

Calendar Of Events: Mark It + Make It

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Wednesday SEPTEMBER

Education Day At Your Desk!

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thank you for being a member! As part of this year’s member appreciation events, Associations North is treating our members to a free webinar of your choice on 9/14! Select from 75+ On-demand Webinars.

Watch for your free code.

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16-18

Tuesday

Sunday - Tuesday

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER 16-18

Lobbying & Government Relations Minnesota Humanities Center 8:00 am - 12:15 pm

Leadership Conference Arrowwood Resort & Conf. Center

Lobbying & Government Relations Day is new this year! Attend this program to take away new ideas for grassroots strategy, public messaging, increasing member engagement, legislator perspective and PAC compliance.Â

The Leadership Conference is a two-day retreat designed to strengthen association CEO and staff effectiveness through educational programs led by industry experts and peers. You will take away new ideas to implement; proven strategies to enhance your leadership; and make connections with other association professionals and partners.

Upcoming Events August

September

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Membership Networking Group

7

Meeting Management Networking Group

30

Webinar: Overtime - Plan for Big Changes Effective 12/1/16

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Allied Networking Group

13

CEO Networking Group

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Member Appreciation Event: Education Day

October

15

Webinar: Reading, Understanding and Presenting

6

Communications Networking Group

16

Young Professionals Networking Group

11

Webinar: Inclusion - Beyond the Law

20

Lobbying & Government Relations

29

Webinar: Reading, Understanding and Presenting

16-18 Leadership Conference 25

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Financial & Accounting Networking Group

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From the Desk of: Ewald Consulting

Associations North Involvement a Family Affair for the Ewalds Family businesses are a hallmark of America, and families in business are well-known nationwide. Names like Walton, Ford, Cargill and Koch are part of the everyday American lexicon, and their successful enterprises touch every part of life in our country.

Ewald. “As Ewald Consulting grew from a company focused primarily on government relations into a fullservice association management firm, it became more and more clear that Associations North was important to the advancement of the industry.”

Closer to home, thousands of Minnesotans drive past the Carlson Towers every day. They may be on the way to Bachman’s to get some flowers, or to Lund’s & Byerly’s for groceries, unless they’re picking up a pizza at Cosetta.

Home from a long day at work, they may crack open a cold Schell’s, which they got out of the refrigerator purchased at Warners’ Stellian.

Doug Ewald served as the MSAE Chair during the 199798 term. When he retired in 1999, he sold the business to David, who is the company’s president and CEO and recently celebrated 30 years on the job. David, who served as MSAE Chair in 2002-03, said that involvement in what is now Associations North was something they have always encouraged.

When he retired from serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1982, Doug Ewald wasn’t necessarily thinking of starting a family business. His eldest son was studying microbiology – a far cry from the government relations work that Doug pursued as his next role beyond public service. Still, the company Doug started more than 30 years ago has grown, not only into Minnesota’s largest association management firm, but into another successful Minnesota family business.

“You see it reflected in the growth of Ewald Consulting, as the one-man shop my father started in the early 1980s now has more than 75 employees in two offices,” said David Ewald. “We encourage our employees to learn and grow, and involvement with Associations North is a perfect forum for that growth, with the valuable conferences and publications offered to members.”

And along the way, the family behind Ewald Consulting has played a prominent role in growing Associations North. Over the past two decades, three members of the Ewald family – Doug and his sons David and Eric – have served a term as Chair of Associations North (formerly known as the Minnesota Society of Association Executives), making their involvement a true family affair.

“Right from our earliest involvement in MSAE, we recognized its importance to professionals in Minnesota, and it was natural for us to get involved,” said Doug

Eric, the company’s Chicago office General Manager and a partner, served as MSAE Chair in 2011-12, and noted that involvement with Associations North is an honor.

“Our work with associations is all about people, and finding ways to unite individuals with a shared interest,” said Eric Ewald, who joined the company in 1994. “That work dovetails nicely with the greater mission of Associations North, which is all about helping people and organizations grow professionally.”

Jess Myers is Media & Public Relations Specialist in Ewald Consulting’s St. Paul office.

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60TH CELEBRATION Full of surprises, it was the most memorable event of the year! On August 4th, Associations North celebrated 60 years of community, conversation and camaraderie at Aria Minneapolis. At Associations North it isn’t about us, it’s about you, our members... thank you for 60 wonderful years and here’s to many more!

To see more photos, visit: flickr.com/photos/associationslive Bonus! Check out our suprise Associations Make the Difference Video on our YouTube Channel!

Photos Courtesy of Lauren B Photography

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THANK YOU Members, partners, sponsors and friends of Associations North, our 60th Celebration wouldn’t have been as successful without you.

Thank you for your support and dedication.

You make the difference!

.com

AK Communications | American Academy of Neurology | Association Solutions, Inc. Better Business Bureau MN/ND | Bill Gerst | Bremer Bank | Builders Association of the Twin Cities Carol Bufton | CertiFresh Cigars | CliftonLarsonAllen | Eclipse Transportation | Ellingson & Ellingson Elmer Koch | Global Experience Specialists | Judell Anderson, AASP-MN | Kathy Johnson InterDyn BMI | Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, Ltd. | LeadingAge Minnesota | Maguire Agency MemberClicks | Minneapolis Marriott West | Minneapolis South | Minnesota Builders Exchange MN & ND Associated Builders & Contractors | MN & SD Safety Council MN Automobile Dealers Association | MN Electrical Association | MN Grain & Feed Association MN Multi Housing Association | MN Nursery & Landscape Association | MN State Bar Association MN Trucking Association | MN Workers’ Compensation Insurers Association | NACM North Central Northwestern Lumber Association | Olsen Thielen CPA’s | Printing Industry Midwest Professional Liability Underwriting Society | Radisson Blu Mall of America | The Harrington Company Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization | Wellington Management

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Spotlight Biggest Pet Peeve?

Being late. Hate it. If you are late that tells me you’re not interested or you have other things you would rather be doing. If you’re not early, you’re late.

Advice for a new association professional?

Roger Toussaint Retired and Loving It

Roger Toussaint was the Executive Vice President of MSAE for 25 years. His work at MSAE was a labor of love and he described his tenure as simply, a great time. He made relationships that are now some of his greatest friendships and memories. Roger is not only a former leader of Associations North, but a friend, mentor and champion. To a retired Roger, everyday is Saturday.

What inspires you?

Attend. Learn. Be present. Save for your retirement. Save something out of every paycheck, even if it’s just a little.

Challenge. It not just about the challenge, but who is involved and what I am doing.

Who’s your hero?

What fashion trend do you wish would come back?

Mel Jones from the Saint Paul Saints. He was my mentor. He always took time for me and it taught me to take time for others. It didn’t matter who you were or how successful you were, he made time.

He also taught me to invest and save for my retirement. That advice allows me to be able to travel to this day.

Saddle shoes and crinoline skirts.

3 Things You Can’t Live Without 1. Wife 2. Wallet 3. Directions Roger met his wife while she was an airline steward. You couldn’t be married and be a steward, so shortly after meeting Lynn she quit her job. You know Roger is quite a guy and his wife means the world to him when he takes out his wallet to show you a picture of his her when she was 23 years old.

What website do you frequent?

History channel and Discovery Channel.

What is the last gift you gave someone?

Time. Time with my wife, my kids, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Roger has 4 children, 8 grand children and 3 great-grandchildren. The time Roger spends with his family on their lake is truly what means the most to him. With a crackle in his voice, Roger said every other Sunday the family comes over to boat and have a good time and that’s a gift he likes to give.

He fills the boat up with gas, his wife makes lunch and he for some reason spends a lot of money on beverages.

But he wouldn’t trade it for the world.

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A splurge worthy investment?

Travel. It’s worth every penny. That’s why I saved for retirement.

At 80, Roger is still traveling. Roger says his favorite place he’s visited is Thailand. From the culture to the food -even the flowers. Hands down it’s his favorite.

What accomplishment do you consider the most significant in your career?

Being a part of raising $5 million dollars for tourism. On the road, door to door, and even convincing former Governor, Jessie Ventura to help support tourism.

Favorite quote.

Why is there enough time to do it over, but not enough time to do it right the first time?

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