January February 2018

FOCUS

January/February 2018

NORTH

How to Drive Business Innovation in Your Association pg 11

Tax Reform Signals Change for Associations pg 12

Published by

www.associationsnorth.com

GIVING

A RED LIGHT TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING pg 5

How the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Expands its Fight Against a Growing Problem

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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.

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 or call 651-647-6388 for further advertising information.

Staff Angela Kisskeys, Co-Director VP of Operations & Communications Sarah Ruzek, Co-Director VP of Finance & Education

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CONTENTS January/February 2018

Amanda Aldrich Events Manager

FEATURES

Chris Villeneuve Membership & Office Manager

DEPARTMENTS

a Right 5 Giving Light to Human

Mission

Trafficking

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

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Diversity & Inclusion

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.

Thinking

How the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Expands its Fight Against a Growing Problem

Vision

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

Leaders: 7 Advancing Fuel For Forward-

Advancing Engagement + Recruitment: Moving Membership

Managing the “Rainy Day” Fund

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Moving Forward Together

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The Association Life

14 Conversations 15 Calendar of Events 16 Brain Power

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Is It Time to Up Your Membership Game?

Advancing Meetings + Events: In The Details

18 Signature Event 19 The North Experience 20 Et Cetera 21 Spotlight

Entertainment With a Purpose

Advancing 11 Advancing Communications: 12 The Essentials: Stay Connected

Invaluable Insights

How to Drive Business Innovation in Your Association

Tax Reform Signals Change for Associations

Board of Directors What is one job you would be terrible at?

Anything involving Cassie Larson, CAE (Chair) MN Nursery & Landscape Association spatial reasoning

Angela Kisskeys Associations North

Ann Kvaal, CAE (Past-Chair) AK Communications

Justin Bieganek Mercury Creative Group

Nurse

Mark Salter, CAE, ABC (Chair-Elect) CFA Society Minnesota Tara Owens (Secretary/Treasurer) MN Academy of Family Physicians Sarah Ruzek Associations North

Mechanic

Annuity Sales Amazon fulfillment

Anything with too many details

David Siegel, CAE, IOM Builders Association of the Twin Cities

Librarian

Donnie Brown Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® Amanda Friedrich, CMP Visit Saint Paul

Dave Renner, CAE Minnesota Medical Association

Daycare provider

Sales

Robbie Thompson Professional Liability Underwriting Society

Engineer

Fishing Guide

Teacher

Cody Nuernberg Northwestern Lumber Association

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Moving Forward Together: Associations North Partners

Our most memorable moment...

Grand Casino

Why we partner with Associations North…

For me it isn’t just one moment – its many moments that makes membership with Associations North so valuable. It’s the networking, the members and the programs – but, if I had to pick just one – I’d say it’s the golf tournament – even though I don’t golf – I love to drive a golf cart around and visit with everyone!

We appreciate the vast opportunities to meet and talk with meeting planner members and to learn and grow as a company by talking with our fellow suppliers. Associations North has so many great programs, events, staff and most of all members – it is an honor to be counted as a member!

You make learning and networking educational and fun!

PREMIER PARTNERS

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INNOVATOR SPONSORS

ENGAGER SPONSORS

CONNECTOR SPONSORS 3

Featured Sponsor:

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The Association Life

Featured Industry: Wood Whoever you are, whatever you do, there is an association working on your behalf.

Northwestern Lumber Association Connecting lumber and building material retailers to the people, programs, products and resources to help them to be highlyfunctioning, sales-driven businesses in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Wood Component Manufacturers Association The Wood Component Manufacturers Association advances and promotes the interests of the North American wood

American Association of Woodturners

products industry through interactive and innovative manufacturing solutions.

The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is a Minnesota nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide by providing opportunities for education, information, and organization to those interested in turning wood.

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Giving a Red Light to Human Trafficking How the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Expands its Fight Against a Growing Problem

Associations have always been known to work for the good of their patrons. While dedicated staff members primarily focus on offering benefits and opportunities to the organizations’ members, many also reach out to the communities around them, using their resources to support those who need help. That’s exactly what the International Academy of Trial Lawyers accomplishes through its Coalition Against Human Trafficking, where member Fellows and their families work together to eliminate human trafficking through education, litigation, and legislation.

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The initiative began in 2013 but started to accelerate in 2015. After hearing the president of the American Bar Association talk about the plight of human trafficking victims, a proposal emerged to do something about it.

“It was something that was really embraced not only by the Fellows, but also by their spouses and other family members,” the IATL’s Jane Rydholm explained. “The family members come to the meetings too, so we developed an initiative that speaks to every interest.”

Even though members of the public tend to think trafficking doesn’t occur in their communities, or only takes place around large events, it’s something that happens every day in every town and city around Minnesota. It doesn’t only involve traditional prostitution or kidnapping off the streets either. Traffickers are targeting vulnerable individuals such as youth, the homeless, runaways, and those in foster homes. That makes it especially important to reach these victims with the help they need.

Each year, the Coalition hosts meetings about trafficking to help members learn how they can raise awareness. By providing speeches, PowerPoint presentations, letters to the editor, and other materials, the Coalition makes it easy to discuss human trafficking with bar associations and the broader public alike.

“Human trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal industry worldwide, generating an estimated $150 billion worldwide.”

The IATL also reaches out directly to the hospitality industry to help provide hotel, housekeeping, concierge, and food and beverage staff with information on how to identify trafficking victims and what to do if they suspect trafficking is occurring.

“The initiative has brought our organization together and made us more cohesive,” Rydholm said. “It draws on the particular skills of each Fellow so everyone can participate according to their strengths.”

Since IATL members include some of the most esteemed trial lawyers in the world, the Coalition is uniquely positioned to assist with litigating human trafficking.

Most trafficking has moved from the streets to online services like Backpage, a website that publishes classified

ads. IATL Fellows engage in litigation on behalf of victims and advocate for better trafficking laws at state and local levels. In addition, the IATL partners with the National Judicial College to provide an interactive program that helps train judges about trafficking.

While the Coalition does exceptional work on its own, it has also been joining forces with other groups to raise awareness about human trafficking. One IATL Fellow has been involved with the Super Bowl Task Force in Minneapolis, which provided the perfect opportunity to partner with other initiatives around the big event. A local coalition of service providers, law enforcement, and industry leaders have come together over the past year to develop a strategy to address trafficking needs around the Super Bowl.

Through initiatives such as Men as Peacemakers, the Super Bowl Committee has been working to make sure services are available to victims at the time of the game, and has been performing groundbreaking work aimed at changing men’s perception of trafficking.

“For a long time, we’ve ignored the fact that there’s demand for these services – the men who are buying the sex,” Rydholm said. “We are focusing more on that demand and figuring out ways to reduce it.”

Global Management Partners, the organization that administers the IATL, has focused on social accountability as one of its core values. Their clients have meetings all over the world, so it makes sense for them to coordinate with their clients and educate hotels about the plight of human trafficking victims.

The IATL has also begun a new initiative on juvenile justice, targeting the same demographic of vulnerable children as those who are often trafficked.

To learn more about the IATL and the Coalition Against Human Trafficking, visit www.iatl.net.

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Advancing Leaders: Fuel for Forward-Thinking

Managing the “Rainy Day” Fund Bob Harris, CAE Some associations are sitting on considerable reserves, a combination of savings and property. Ask why they have amassed the assets one might hear, “It is our rainy day fund.”

The purpose of the savings is described with varied perspective: “The leaders before us saved the money and it is our job to protect it.”

“We shouldn’t spend it in case we have a crisis.” Or, “We don’t give it much thought, it’s just there.”

An organization’s reserves are part of its strength. Leaving excessive funds untouched may not be the wisest decision. Strong reserves do build confidence and support sustainability.

Reserves are intended to benefit the membership and advance the mission. When an expenditure is essential, I’ve heard boards tell the executive director, “We can’t afford that, it’s not in the budget,” although the savings were flush.

Building Reserves Prudent boards find ways to add to savings each year. A common benchmark for reserves is an amount equal to fifty percent of the annual income. Some associations have policies prescribing a minimum and maximum for savings in relation to the budget.

Several factors affect savings, including environmental challenges, indemnification expectations, 7 government regulation and whether

or not an office is rented or owned.

A board should consider the reserves in relation to the strategic plan.

Strategic Use of Reserves Richard Vincent, Executive Vice President at AGC of Kentucky describes this scenario to facilitate wise use of savings.

During our recent strategic planning session our board of directors adopted a goal of building upon the strengths of our organization to create a showcase chapter. One of the strategies identified to accomplish this goal was to determine how best to utilize our reserves.

We already had a well-defined investment policy. This, coupled with consistent fiscal discipline, established a solid financial foundation for our organization. With this foundation, we sought to develop parameters for what became our “Strategic Reinvestment Initiative.”

This initiative would allow us to leverage reserves for the benefit of members and the industry we serve.

When considering this action our paramount concern was the preservation of long-term financial security. The primary points of consideration were: • Ensuring good financial stewardship of the association’s resources by recommending a responsible, sustainable policy for Board consideration.

• Consideration of the current and future needs of the association to maintain a competitive market presence and deliver impactful member services/industry accomplishments.

• Adherence to the vision of protecting our member’s equity in the organization while capitalizing on opportunities to provide them with a return on their investment.

• Maintaining resources and flexibility for current and future Boards.

In setting out to create guidelines that would meet the expectations above we also kept in mind the overall goals of the policy. Specifically, the current and future funding of strategic plan initiatives and other opportunities that deliver value to our constituency.

Strategic Reinvestment Initiative Policy Annually AGC of Kentucky will reinvest 4 percent of the long-term investment account balance into specific activities identified as priority in our strategic plan. An additional 2 percent may be utilized under certain circumstances but will automatically sunset the following year. The percentages, determined through consultation with our financial advisors, are based upon the three year rolling average account balance. In order to be automatically reauthorized the account must meet minimum balance requirements.

Without implementation of this initiative, aligning financial resources to fund strategic plan goals would have forced tough decisions. With the launching of this policy we are able to demonstrate to members that our reserves are being reinvested to address current industry issues while maintaining safeguards for the future.

The amount of reserves and their use is a strategic decision. When the board meets and leaves savings untouched they are making an unstated decision.

Bob Harris, CAE, provides free governance tips and templates at nonprofitcenter.com.

Advancing Engagement + Recruitment: Moving Membership

Is It Time to Up Your Membership Game?

Melissa Harrison, CEO, Allee Creative

Working a great membership marketing plan involves a lot. It’s the way you communicate your brand to let potential members know you exist. It’s the way you treat them once they make the decision to come to an event.

And it’s the way you continue to develop the relationship once they’ve decided they want to continue getting to know you, too. It’s like dating. In a way.

And while you may feel like people aren’t joiners, I’d challenge you to think about what you can do to up your membership game. Because, just like any relationship, it’s not that people aren’t interested in finding something; it’s more likely that they just aren’t finding what they’re looking for.

First, let’s stop blaming our younger members. The fact is, nearly 60% of professionals under 40 are part of a professional organization and more than three-fourths of those that are not currently a member of one intend to join one. We all want to be a part of something. No matter how old we are.

“We all want to be a part of something. No matter how old we are.”

The following 5 strategies can move your membership relationships in the right direction and help you bring your membership A-game this year.

1. Think about what motivates your target audience.

While we don’t want to blame a specific group for the lack of engagement, we do need to be mindful that we’re working with up to 5 different generations at a time and many of them are motivated by different values. Identify motivators before designing your membership program.

2. Offer training, new skill sets and education.

Networking is not a standalone benefit. If you took away all the branding from another association’s website or

marketing materials, would the “network with your peers” stand out as a benefit for any one particular association?

Your members are hungry for new skill sets, training and education. Focus on stand out programs that will help them grow in their careers.

3. Restructure your events and meetings on their time.

If you continue to host events that fall during the work day, you will miss the chance to engage younger members.

They are working to climb career ladders which means, they can’t afford to take 2 or 3 hours off in the middle of the work day (even if it’s a lunch event—you have to factor in drive time). Think about hosting events before work, after work, evenings and on weekends.

4. Get involved in community outreach and philanthropy.

Showcase that your association is involved in its community. If you partner with community organizations, you’re not only doing good for the community and bringing a sense of camaraderie, you’re also expanding your brand reach and tapping into those who may not even realize you exist. Members, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are looking at what you are doing to support the greater good— and for opportunities to get involved in those areas with other organizations such as yours.

5. Communicate where your members are.

Do potential members know that you exist? Do they realize that your organization is for them (or do they think your organization is just for upper management or their boss?)

Learn where your audience hangs out—even if you don’t use SnapChat, Facebook or Twitter, I would guess a good portion of those you want to reach are there. Think of ways to engage with audiences on those platforms and answer the question, “what’s in it for me?”

Members want to see you as mission-focused. They expect flexibility in what you offer. Be affordable to all member types and above all, be authentic in anything you do. When we start to look at membership models in a way that directly drives value to our ever-changing membership, we will see our organizations grow in a way that is mutually beneficial.

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Advancing Meetings + Events: In The Details mouths regarding the whole event, but they’ll remember that specifically for a long time.

Entertainment With a Purpose We’ve all been to events that leave us smiling, laughing, awestruck, in a great mood or in a combination of all of them. Unfortunately, we’ve also been to the ones that would be more aptly described as uninspiring, boring and have left a lot to be desired. The good ones typically are due to how they cater to the audience, are done with a purpose, and how they involve the people in attendance.

When groups of people come together and share a great experience together, good things happen. When laughs are shared and memories are made together friendships can be made or further strengthened.

When people see a great show they feel happy and very fortunate that they were present to take in the event.

They look forward to having that kind of experience again. Excellent entertainment or speaking is never boring or without intention. It energizes and allows people to have fun—and that is of great purpose in and of itself.

Create lasting, positive memories that all attending will take with them for days, weeks, and even years. A year after most parties, conferences, and various programs, many attendees forget what food was served or how the room was decorated, but they fondly and positively remember the great entertainer or speaker that made them all laugh and made an impact on them. Conversely, they’ll remember those who don’t.

That is why making sure you have the right entertainment is key to a successful event.

The key that drives everything else is simply knowing the audience.

As easy as this sounds, many people planning an event may have something specific in mind and it just doesn’t work the way they hope if the entertainment doesn’t fit the group.

For example, if you have a very social group, an interactive option that gets people singing along, dancing, up on stage or working together may be the best fit. If the group is more subdued and just likes to sit back and enjoy a show, a stage performance may be the better fit.

Just because your group wants a comedian, it is very important to know the group to determine whose delivery and material best fits. For example, an association of farmers will likely have very different taste than an association of computer programmers; they both may love comedy. Different comedians, even if equally as good, may have varying degrees of impact on each group.

Be sure to know what the expectations are for the event. Something that generally goes without saying in the corporate world is that the entertainment should be nonoffensive. People leaving a show offended is the surest way that people will not only have a bad taste in their

It is also very important that you and the entertainer are on the same page for how long the show will be. Many people believe that the longer the performance the better the value. This generally isn’t true and it is always better to have the audience wishing it was 5 minutes longer than leaving thinking it went on too long. The performer or their agent will know what timeframe their best show is and help guide you through the best set up for a successful event.

“When groups of people come together and share a great experience together, good things happen.”

Once you have the right performer, you are on the same page, who is the best fit given what your budget is (assuming you’d want the Rolling Stones or Dave Chappelle, but it’s just not in the cards), you are ready for the single most important thing- HAVE FUN! The best part of what I get to do is not only help people have fun and make memories, but talk through all these steps and get challenged to top it next year. A challenge I’m always up for and love nothing more than hearing back how much fun a client’s party was and how they were thanked for putting on a great night. That never gets old and neither does great entertainment, done right and with a purpose.

Nate Berg, Talent Consultant, G.L. Berg Entertainment. Nate can be reached at 612-361-6002 or nate@glberg.com. Find out more about entertainment options at: www.glberg.com.

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Advancing Communications: Stay Connected

How to Drive Business Innovation in Your Association Scott Steinberg, TechSavvy Global Strategic innovation ranks among the most frequentlycited topics in business today – especially amongst associations, whose members sit at the forefront of fast-changing and often hugely disruptive business environments. It’s therefore no surprise that many association executives are equally concerned about how to drive innovation inside their own organizations, and both remain relevant to members and stay ahead of changing times and trends. In the face of today’s fastmoving, hugely-volatile business world and the ongoing disruptions it often brings, it goes without saying: Many organizations and individuals continue to struggle with the concept of innovation. Thankfully, it may help with the process of reimaging and reinventing your association to be more cutting-edge going forward to recall that, according to leading experts (and Merriam Webster’s dictionary), innovation is far simpler than you may suspect: By definition, it’s simply the introduction of something new.

Certainly, innovation often refers to the concept of gamechanging, breakthrough discoveries and technologies. But more importantly, as we discovered while researching a new book Make Change Work for You: 10 Ways to FutureProof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Uncertainty, it can just as easily refer to new concepts, new marketing strategies, or new ways of repositioning your association to be more meaningful or relevant to current and prospective members.

As challenging as the concept of innovating often sounds, really, when we’re talking about innovation, we’re merely discussing more creative and resourceful approaches to problem solving. And, in truth, you may be surprised at just how simple the process of making your association more agile, more responsive, and more competitive is when you come right down to it. In fact, all it often takes for us to be more successful is just a greater sense of perspective – and a greater willingness to make some seemingly simple, but hugely powerful shifts in strategy and thinking.

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“Innovation is far simpler than you may suspect. By definition, it’s simply the introduction of something new. ” As the following examples help illustrate: • Getting ahead in business today isn’t about having more resources, it’s about being more resourceful.

• Succeeding in challenging environments isn’t about having to be a genius – it’s about being more ingenious instead.

• Slight shifts in strategy and approach (evolutionary) changes can be every bit as powerful as game-changing breakthroughs (revolutionary) changes as well.

• Innovation is simply a matter of perspective – and process of constant reimaging and reinvention • Associations of every size and background can absolutely leverage core principles of innovation to succeed more frequently going forward.

As they remind us, simple tweaks in strategy and approach can often produce powerful windfalls – and help your association succeed more frequently, and stay better in tune with changing times and trends, going forward.

Award-winning professional speaker Scott Steinberg is a bestselling expert on leadership and innovation, and the author of Make Change Work for You: 10 Ways to Future-Proof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Uncertainty. Among today’s leading providers of keynote speeches, workshops and seminars for Fortune 500 firms, his website is www.AKeynoteSpeaker.com.

Advancing The Essentials: Invaluable Insights

Tax Reform Signals Change for Associations Recently passed tax reform legislation has wide-ranging implications throughout American business and society, including tax-exempt associations. Perhaps the greatest uncertainty for many exempt organizations is the potential impact on contribution revenue as a result of the increase in the standard deduction and lowering of tax rates. Beginning in 2018, taxpayers who choose the higher standard deduction would not be able to itemize their charitable contributions. Some say the change could drastically reduce donations as it removes one of the most-favored incentives.

While most of the provisions relate to for-profit businesses, here are some key areas drawing the attention of associations: • Unrelated business income tax (UBIT) - The lower corporate tax rates (top rate dropping from 35 percent to 21 percent) will apply to taxexempt organizations established as a corporation that file Form 990-T to report UBIT. Each unrelated business activity will be taxed separately, and losses from one activity cannot be used to reduce taxable income from another activity. In addition, net operating losses arising after December 31, 2017, are no longer allowed to be carried back and carryforwards are only allowed to offset 80 percent of taxable income.

Each association will have to carefully review their unrelated business income to determine if the impact will be positive or negative.

• UBIT on fringe benefits - UBIT of a tax exempt organization is increased by the amount spent on qualified transportation fringe benefits, parking facilities, and onsite gyms. The goal was to make the tax treatment consistent with for-profit entities since those entities are not able to deduct such costs. While we do await specifics, we do believe that many associations offer these employee benefits and they will be required to pay a tax by filing a 990-T. • Employee achievement awards - Awards for such things as lengthof-service or safety records that are awarded as part of a meaningful presentation can be excluded from the employee’s taxable income as long as they are not disguised compensation.

The excludible amount is limited to $400/person ($1,600 if there is a written plan that doesn’t discriminate in favor of highly-compensated). For amounts paid after December 31, 2017 the excludible award cannot be made in cash, cash equivalents, gift cards, gift coupons, gift certificates, vacations, meals, lodging, tickets to theater or sporting events, or securities. Such awards are includible in compensation as taxable fringe benefits and are subject to payroll tax.

• Affordable Care Act - For months beginning after December 31, 2018, the “individual mandate” of the Affordable Care Act is repealed, resulting in no penalty on individuals who elect not to obtain insurance coverage. However, the “employer mandate” remains in effect, requiring that employers

“Beginning in 2018, taxpayers who choose the higher standard deduction would not be able to itemize their charitable contributions.” with 50 or more full-time employee equivalents must offer ACA-compliant insurance.

In addition to the tax regulations that were changed, two items that could have significantly impacted associations were dropped from the final bill.

• The “Johnson Amendment” remains in place, prohibiting 501(c)3 organizations from engaging in political intervention.

• Taxation of royalty income for licensing of trademarks was not part of the reform bill.

Now that the president has signed the bill into law, implementation of these changes, including additional guidance from the Treasury Department, will be necessary. Many of these provisions will require the IRS to opine on the specifics of the provisions’ implementation. Associations will need to closely evaluate the impact on their organizations and plan accordingly.

John J. Tauer, Managing Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. John can be reached at john.tauer@claconnect.com or find out more at claconnect.com.

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Conversations: In Focus

Different view points. Different solutions.

What is one resolution or goal you have for yourself or your association this year?

Resolution can take on many different meanings, most people look at it as a positive move at the start of the New Year in life or work. For me the word resolution has a negative connotation, because most, including myself, set unrealistic goals that are not achieved.

Linda Stoeckicht Chief Operating Officer Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORSÂŽ

This year I am looking at it from a different angle, so as to not resolve, but find purpose. Purpose provides reason, value, meaning and gives you focus to continue. I have been in association management for 17 years and while we always provide our members with resources and leadership to succeed, we have not always made it easy for them. These days, members are paralyzed by us and others in the industry from all the choices in the latest technology, to must have products, to training options and guru’s. This year I am purposefully looking at all our products and services we provide to our members to eliminate where we should, create new where we must, and simplify the delivery so they can easily receive what they need to succeed.

One of my personal goals is to take the time to enjoy the moment that I am in and try not to get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle.

Brandy Jo Frei, CAE Executive Director North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians

Chris Villeneuve Membership & Office Manager Associations North

2018 is going to be an exciting year at Associations North. One goal I am personally looking forward to is getting out and meeting with our members. We plan to hit the pavement in March and to me this is the start of a wonderful new outreach initiative. I get energized by connecting with our members and I look forward to hopefully seeing many of you in 2018 during one of our visits.

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

Calendar Of Events: Mark It + Make It

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TUESDAY

FEBRUARY

Webinar: ROTOMA A Better Way to Calculate Social Media ROI At Your Desk 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Find out about one social media metric no one is talking about, ROTOMA (Return on Top of Mind Awareness), and why you should start using this strategy instead.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY

Secrets of Member Engagement DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis University Area 8:00 am - 11:30 am See how early engagement leads to life-long engagement, learn how to create a new member engagement program your members will love and understand the key changes you can make to improve an existing onboarding, welcoming, or orientation program.

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FRIDAY

FEBRUARY

Webinar: Beyond Association Silos: 10 Tips to Redesign Conference and Learning Strategy At Your Desk 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Through aspects of design thinking, explore ways to collaborate beyond silos, develop actionable scenarios and break the cycle of “this is how we’ve always done things.”

Upcoming Events March

February 13

CEO Meetup Group

2

Member Visits

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Secrets of Member Engagement

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Webinar: The Art and Science of High Trust Teams

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Webinar: Beyond Association Silos: 10 Tips to Redesign Conference and Learning Strategy

April

May

10

Webinar: Fueling Exceptional New Member Experiences

3

Association CEO Strategy Circles with Mary Byers, CAE

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Tech Summit

8

CEO Meetup Group

18

Meetings Meetup Group

22

Membership Meetup Group

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Communications Meetup Group

Watch for details on exciting new programs coming in 2018!

Interested in serving on a committee or being more active in Associations North? Volunteering is a great way to give back and

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connect with your peers. If you are interested in being a volunteer, let us know at: associationsnorth.com/volunteer.

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Brain Power

Diversity & Inclusion It’s Good for Business

Our newest resource is a Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit consisting of best practices and success stories from associations around the country. In 2018 our D&I efforts are focused in three areas:

As the economy accelerates and associations clamor to keep pace with the growth in their industry, the topic of diversity and inclusion (D&I) is gaining increased focus.

Businesses are trying to attract and strengthen their workforce and clients. Associations are trying to engage deeper within their profession and foster a community that is welcoming to the next generation of membership.

In response to this trend, an abundance of articles, videos, publications and workshops have been generated claiming to provide insight and guidance on how best to position for success in today’s diverse work environment.

1. Offer resources that Associations North members can benefit from in their own D&I initiatives.

Associations North is entering its fourth year of leading the discussion about diversity and inclusion in the association community. In that time, we have chronicled our experience enhancing diversity and inclusion within our own culture as well as how we provide resources to you, our members, in the process.

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2. Strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in the association management profession.

3. Establish and report on metrics to assess the impact of D&I efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in associations.

We have received enthusiastic support for these efforts and invite your participation as we embark on the next phase of the journey. To learn how you can make an impact for Diversity and Inclusion in the association community, contact Sarah Ruzek at sarah@associationsnorth.com.

Visit associationsnorth.com/diversity for more resources and tools to help in your D&I journey.

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The North Experience: Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction

Over 225 attendees Hyped Up the Holidays at the Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction on December 8th! Highlights included the silent auction with over 140 items, Wall of Wine, Punch Board, Heads or Tails Game, make your own sugar tube station and surprise hypnotist entertainment. Plus, $1,470 was raised for our community beneficiary, Girls on the Run Twin Cities.

SAVE THE DATE

Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction D e c embe r 7, 2 018

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SPONSORS

Lauren B Photography • Minneapolis Northwest Tourism • Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd 18

Annual Meeting & Expo Wednesday, June 13 Mysic Lake Center

Enhance your career, build relationships and connect with the Midwest’s association community at our largest conference of the year.

S A V E T H E DA T E

June 13-14, 2018 Two event s . O n e location.

Golf Classic & Cornholapalooza Thursday, June 14 | The Meadows at Mystic Lake Not a golfer? Join us for our first ever Cornholapalooza - bean bag tournament!

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Et Cetera: Association Extras

NEW MEMBERS Andrew Dyb

Association Development Services

Angela Finholt

SBHMR Wealth Management Group

Elizabeth Geren

Minneapolis Airport Marriott

Emily Tweed

JX Event Center

Georgi Alexander

ACG Minnesota

Holland Tudor

Mystic Lake Center

Lisa Albers

Rush Creek Golf Club

Margo Verville

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Paul

Melanie Wilen

Graduate Minneapolis

Veronica Voelker

Ramada Plaza Minneapolis

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS STUDY Associations North’s Compensation & Benefits Study includes relevant data that can be used in making salary and benefit recommendations, provides compensation information for 37 job classifications, offers comparisons based on salaries, budget sizes, staff size, and membership size and more. Interested in a printed or digital copy? Email chris@associationsnorth.com.

BOARD APPLICATIONS - DUE MARCH 2 Be part of the Associations North leadership team and build on the success of this organization by serving on the Board of Directors. You can help shape the Midwest association community with your knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm. The Associations North Board of Directors welcomes members to apply today! associationsnorth.com/board.

2018 YEAR LONG SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Set your budget and customize your sponsorships level for the entire year. Secure sponsorship items for 2018 and enjoy exclusive benefits. If you would like to discuss 2018 opportunities, call Sarah Ruzek at 651-647-6388 or email sarah@associationsnorth.com. Deatils can be found at associationsnorth.com/sponsor18.

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Spotlight: Member In Motion

Kathy Burton

Get to know industry movers and shakers.

Vice President of Membership and Marketing Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota

Favorite cuisine...

Italian.

My personality in one word: Persistent.

An amenity you would add to the workplace...

Favorite toy growing up...

Chair massages.

My pony. Her name was Daisy.

What’s the one dish you will never, ever eat?

One word to describe me as a child...

Tripe.

Bookworm.

Live by the ocean, mountains or in the woods?

Words to live by...

The ocean—or any type of moving water—is there a more soothing sound?

Don’t sweat the small stuff; and it’s all small stuff.

If you really knew me...

I recharge by Driving on country roads.

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I have way too many....

Shoes!

You’d know I am crazy about my grandchildren!

HORSE AROUND

Who says there’s no room for fun at business meetings? Fargo’s innovative meeting venues, top-notch hotels and vibrant downtown scene come together to create meaningful events and memorable takeaways. For horsing around that means business, book your next meeting north of normal. fargomoorhead.org

facebook.com/fargomoorhead

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MORE CHOICES TO STAY. MORE SPACE FOR ASSOCIATION GROUPS.

With over 42 hotels, six new properties, and 9,200 guest rooms, Bloomington is home to the largest concentration of hotels in Minnesota. That means there’s always room for groups to stay, meet and work. And the Mall of America® serves as a dynamic backdrop and instant entertainment complex for evening outings that everyone can enjoy.

Explore Bloomington and book your association group at tcook@bloomingtonmn.org