July 2016 by Associations North

FOCUS

July 2016

NORTH

KEEPING A TRADITIONAL CRAFT

ALIVE

The Next Wave of Leadership pg 7

Your Right to Influence the Vote pg 12

pg5

Growing membership with every turn. Published by

www.associationsnorth.com

Focus North is published 9 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.

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. 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.

Board of Directors Ann Kvaal, CAE (Chair) Owner AK Communications Jenny Prosser (Past -Chair) Vice President of Conferences and Sales LeadingAge Minnesota Dave Radziej, CAE (Chair-Elect) President Printing Industry Midwest Cassie Larson, CAE (Secretary/Treasurer) Executive Director MN Nursery & Landscape Association

CONTENTS July 2016 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

a Traditional Leaders: 5 Keeping 7 Advancing Craft Alive Fuel For ForwardThinking

Growing Membership With Every Turn

The Next Wave of Leadership

Advancing Engagement + Recruitment: Moving Membership

Statistical Significance VS Managerial Significance

Advancing Meetings + Events: In The Details Sagacious and Substantive Gists We Should Appreciate and Respect Regarding Learning

Advancing 11 Advancing Communications: 12 The Essentials: Stay Connected

Moving Forward Together

The Association Life

14 Conversations 15 Calendar of Events 16 Brain Power 18 Signature Event 19 The North Experience 20 Et Cetera 21 Spotlight

Invaluable Insights Your Right to Influence the Vote

3 Ways to Minimize Interruptions

What is your favorite app? Toggle and Facebook.

Kathy Johnson, CAE (President) President Associations North

Dashlane.

Carmelo Cinqueonce, MBA Executive Director MN Dental Association App = must equal appetizer and personally I like French fries.

It changes on a weekly basis, but right now I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live without dropbox.

John Francis President The Harrington Company Tara Loftus Account Manager Adapta Interactive

Cody Nuernberg Executive Director Northwestern Lumber Association

ESPN.

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

Google maps.

Mark Salter, CAE, ABC Executive Director CFA Society Minnesota

Todolist.

Robbie Thompson Executive Director Professional Liability Underwriters Association

Wunderlist, Tiny Beans and Silent Mode Widget.

Moving Forward Together: Associations North Partners

Featured Sponsor: Allegra Downtown St. Paul/Image 360 Why I partner with Associations North… Our partnership with Associations North has given us the opportunity to meet new members all across the board. With this, we have established new partnerships, practices, and created relationships that will last a lifetime. It has been both educational and fun, learning about a company other than our own, and seeing how they handle their day-to-day operations. Partnering with Associations North has been nothing but positive and I look forward to our future endeavors.

What is your most memorable moment helping an Associations North member and why is it special to you? There have been so many great moments working with Associations North members. It has led to new friendships and many projects with other businesses and local nonprofits, too. I’ve also enjoyed the last minute projects that we bail members out on, like getting an email for a signage project at one 1:00, needing it to be done by 3:00. Ha! We always have a good time with Associations North and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are here…at any time.

Jim Flaherty

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The Association Life

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

MN Trucking Association Provides advocacy, information and support to ensure safe transportation and a successful trucking industry.

Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota Serving independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers.

MN School Bus Operators Association Supporting safe and efficient school transportation.

MN Transportation Alliance Advocates for a safe and effective transportation system that works for all Minnesotans.

MN Automobile Dealers Association A trade association providing a range of services to its 450 franchised new car and truck dealer members in Minnesota.

Keeping a Traditional Craft Alive

The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) has celebrated 30 birthdays, thanks to their adaptability and thousands of generous members. Long-forgotten by high school shop classes and the next generation, woodturning will prove a challenging art to keep alive in the coming decades.

Woodturning is a form of woodworking that involves a lathe, a machine that holds and spins wood, while the artist shapes it with sharp carving tools. The AAW’s 150,000 members turn everything from pens to bowls to intricate art pieces. A selection of these pieces can be viewed in AAW’s gallery in the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. For the last 30 years, AAW members have primarily connected to the association through its bimonthly, award winning newsletters as well as the annual symposium. They connect with one another far more regularly, at one of 350 chapter meetings across the world. At these meetings, members of all skill levels and areas of interest share their knowledge and collaborate on outreach projects. At all levels, the goal of AAW is for turners to learn and grow in their craft. Phil McDonald, CEO, AAW, elaborates, “At the institute of the association, the culture they established was one of openness and sharing, which really is rare amongst crafts. With woodturners, there is an openness and exchange of information that has been the basis of the association for 30 years.” It is this sense of community--members’ willingness to teach others, share the craft, and reach out to new turners--that will allow AAW to help the craft flourish. “The basis of the association is to help educate people around their use of the wood lathe, but it’s much much more than that,” says McDonald. Woodturners from every corner of the world are willing to share their craft in any capacity that will help others. McDonald says of AAW’s members, “Not only do they have an affinity for the craft, they also want to give back in some way.”

By 2008, only 28% of high schools still had a traditional wood shop. If we envision what our association might look like in 20 or 30 years, it’s anybody’s guess. But, it’s a pretty easy conclusion that it will need to look entirely different.” Photo Credit: AAW/Tib Shaw

The Association fosters spirit of giving back through efforts such as their St. Paul gallery, where they lead tours and educate potential turners. They have also formed Women In Turning, a group dedicated to lifting up current women turners, and recruiting new ones as well. By facilitating a culture of connectedness among woodturners, the AAW has positioned itself to continually

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

you can find on associationsnorth.com: • Membership Recruitment Ideas • Retention Sample Plans • Membership Campaign Ideas We are all about collaboration. Have a resource that would help others? Email it to angela@associationsnorth.com.

grow its reach in a craft that would easily fall by the wayside without them. When members see their peers sharing their stories in the American Woodturner (AAW’s bi-monthly newsletter), or hear a mentor divulging trade secrets to a beginner, they are inspired to share the craft rather than hold it tighter to their chests. You can witness AAW members volunteering their time and skill across the country. Oftentimes, these volunteers come in the shape of experienced teachers mentoring a new turner, or chapters hosting outreach events to give non-turners the chance to try out the craft. One member spends significant time reaching out to visually impaired individuals and organizing local chapters for them. Another member connected with a non-profit to send lathes to Honduras with the goal of creating a microeconomy. As more kids grow up without exposure to woodworking and other crafts, AAW’s skill with one-on-one outreach will be pivotal in their growth. However, it is not the only marketing tool they plan to leverage going forward. “Over the past 2 years, we’ve been engaged in a pretty rigorous self-evaluation--an environmental scan--and doing the research so we can put together a new strategic plan,” says McDonald. Specifically, AAW will reshape their online experience to be more user-friendly and to share resources for a generation of online learners. From learning modules to an aggregation of public woodturning videos, to highquality resources for chapter leaders, the AAW online experience will be driven toward growing the craft in a way it has never been shared before. McDonald reflects on the importance of AAW’s adaptability going forward, “By 2008, only 28% of high schools still had a traditional wood shop. If we envision what our association might look like in 20 or 30 years, it’s anybody’s guess. But, it’s a pretty easy conclusion that it will need to look entirely different.” Have a story to tell? Email angela@associationsnorth.com.

Advancing Leaders: Fuel For Forward-Thinking

The Next Wave of Leadership The equation for organizational success is fairly simple: Results (the what) are equal to Employee Productivity multiplied by Leadership (the how). For too long, organizations have focused primarily on one part of this equation in producing results: employee productivity. If your organization hopes to continue to achieve the results that members have come to expect, then you are going to need to shift your focus to organizational leadership. Consider these statistics: • 26% of employees are actively disengaged • 45% of employees are not engaged • 29% of employees are engaged Couple that with the fact that the Bureau of Labor statistics projects a labor shortage of 5 million workers by 2020. And, to further exacerbate matters, the continuing boomer retirement will create both a knowledge and leadership gap for many organizations. Plus, a recent poll by OfficeTeam showed that 71% of American workers say “they do not want to be the boss at their workplace.” Problem or Opportunity? That all depends on what actions your organization takes now. In the short-term, attracting, developing and retaining key leaders should be job one. Creating a culture where leaders can develop the skills necessary

to ensure the organizations future success and growth is critical. These include excellent communication skills, relationship skills, and critical thinking skills. However, based on current trends, your organization will be well-served by focusing on developing and grooming a different kind of leader, that is, those leaders who may not formally hold that title within your organization.

“It is time for a new generation of leadership to cope with new problems and new opportunities. For there is a new world to be won.” - John F. Kennedy Core Behavioral Competencies for Leading without Authority What make these leaders effective? Those leaders who are effective in leading others -- particularly when they are not in a boss / subordinate relationship -- typically exhibit the following behaviors: 1. They are ethical in their actions. They are clear about their values, goals, and expectations. They do what they say they will and are willing to admit to mistakes. 2. They are well connected. They nurture relationships at all levels. They know where to go for information, both inside and outside of their organization, and they are willing to share information when appropriate.

3. They are good collaborators. Rather then tell people what to do, they ask people for their ideas. They offer ideas as part of a broader solution. They model or demonstrate the behaviors they would like to see. 4. They use personal influence effectively. They get people to do things for them because they want to, not because they have to.

71% of American workers say “they do not want to be the boss at their workplace.”

5. They understand how to manage conflict. They look beneath the conflict to identify solutions. They know when and how to utilize various approaches when resolving conflict. 6. They learn from experience. They continually examine outcomes -- both good and bad. They place a high value on lessons learned and quickly utilize these learnings to make adjustments. 7. They provide feedback. They coach people both formally and informally, and view this as a natural part of any relationship or process. People exhibiting these core behaviors are able to create an environment of trust and an environment where people feel connected to their work. As organizational hierarchies continue to flatten out and as leaders continue to have increased span of control, success in leading others where you do not have direct authority or power over them will become critical. Regina Barr, consultant, executive coach and speaker, is the Founder & CEO of Red Ladder, Inc. and Women at the Top®. For more information visit www.reginabarr.com

Advancing Engagement + Recruitment: Moving Membership

Statistical Significance vs. Managerial Significance Organizations conduct research in order to make better informed decisions. Frequently, associations conduct member surveys to determine members needs, how individual members benefit from attending the annual conference, how members rate the quality of the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s member benefits, continuing education or advocacy efforts, or perhaps which continuing education programs should be offered. By segmenting survey responses by various member characteristics (e.g. member type, age/generation, formal education, geographic region, certifications held, member tenure, or employment situation) the Board and the management team can determine if different member segments require different solutions, or if one solution is appropriate for the entire membership as a single entity. The first step in the decision-making process is to determine where responses are significantly different among member segments. This type of significance is called statistical significance. Statistical significance is a function of the number of individuals who completed the survey, not the percentage of respondents who completed the survey, and it measures the likelihood that the differences between member segments are the result of real differences in attitudes and opinions, and not differences that may be related to chance or sampling error. The size of the difference that is required to be statistically significant is dependent upon the number of individuals who answered a particular question. The fewer the number of respondents, the greater the difference that will be required to achieve statistical significance. The statistical significance between two numbers can easily be calculated using software, such as STATSâ&#x201E;˘ 2.0, which can be downloaded free of charge from Decision Analyst (www.decisionanalyst.com).

Once it has been determined that the differences are statistically significant, the management team can then decide whether the differences are managerially significant. Managerial significance is the extent to which the difference justifies that management should take some action. For example, the results of the research might show that male members visit the association website more frequently than female members, and that the difference is statistically significant. It is then up to management to decide whether that information requires further action.

Statistical Significance

measures the likelihood that the differences between member segments are the result of real differences in attitudes and opinions, and not differences that may be related to chance or sampling error.

Management will likely first consider reasons why male members visit the website more frequently, and then consider whether or not increasing the frequency with which female members visit the website is a worthwhile goal to pursue. Not all statistically significant differences require managerial attention, but management should only focus on differences that are first statistically significant. Larry J. Seibert, Ph.D. is the President/CEO of Association Metrics, a research and consulting firm that specializes in voice-of-the-member association research for strategic planning. He can be reached at larry@associationmetrics.com or by phone at 317-840-2303.

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Advancing Meetings + Events: In The Details 4. The Most Effective Learning Strategies Are Counterintuitive

Sagacious and Substantive Gists We Should Appreciate and Respect Regarding Learning Learning: it is probably one of the most misunderstood and misapplied concepts today.

prepare our memory systems as cues for specific learnings and prompts on how to successfully apply them.

Many of us assume learning results from attending a class. We believe that our brains are like sponges that just absorb whatever it hears or sees.

2. We Need To Keep Learning And Remembering All Of Our Lives

We presume that learning is a byproduct of listening to a lecture. We’ve even given names to this type of learning: auditory learning and passive learning. Oh how we’ve deluded ourselves into a false sense of security about learning. Five Wise Research-Proven Learning Points We Must Comprehend I bet that you and I both believe that learning is important. It’s a fundamental tool that we all need today. Here are five fundamental researchproven points about learning we need to appreciate, comprehend, respect and apply. 1. To Be Useful, Learning Requires Memory If we can’t remember what we’ve learned, what use is it? Not only do we want to help our participants learn new skills or information, we want to help them remember it so they can apply it. We have to find ways to provide triggers, more than just the traditional handout action plan. Those cognitive triggers, as Dr. Will Thalheimer calls them, are ways to

Our learning should never stop. It is not a drive-by conference or workshop event. Succeeding at work requires a mastery of job skills. And those skills are constantly evolving. So we have to consistently learn, unlearn and relearn. Learning is not something that stops once we leave school. It is something we must do for the remainder of our lives. And if you’re good at learning, you’ll have an advantage in life. 3. Learning Is An Acquired Skill Just like playing the guitar, baking a cake or hitting a homerun, learning is an acquired skill. It is something we can attain through understanding, practice and application. It is not a byproduct of sitting in a class. Nor is it the byproduct of attentively listening to someone else tell you how to do something. It requires thinking, connecting, sense-making and application. To improve your mastery of a job or hobby, we’ve got to become better learners. That requires metacognition, an understanding of our own thinking processes as well as meta learning—an awareness and understanding of the process of learning itself instead of just knowledge.

As the authors of Make It Stick: The Science Of Successful Learning point out, most of what we think about how we learn is actually wrong. We are really poor judges of when we’ve learned something and when we haven’t. For example, many of us believe that reading and rereading are effective learning strategies. However, the authors cite research that proves they are some of the least effective tactics.

Learning: it is probably one of the most misunderstood and misapplied concepts today. Similarly many of us get frustrated when learning is hard. We want easy learning. However learning should make us wrestle with our current beliefs. The more difficult learning is, the more effort it takes to master it and the more we are going to remember it. 5. Critical To Our Success Is Learning, Unlearning And Relearning One of the hardest things you’ll have to do to be successful in the future, is unlearning. If you’ve always done something the same way in the past, the brain thinks that’s the only way to do it in the future. You’ll have to unlearn past successes to be successful in the future. Jeff Hurt, EVP, Education & Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting. Jeff encourages meetings and events to adopt Evidence Based Education (EBE) methods based on neuroscience, cognitive psychology and biology. Contact Jeff at (214) 941-4330 or jhurt@velvetchainsaw.com.

Advancing Communications: Stay Connected

3 Ways to Immediately Minimize Interruptions Audrey Thomas, CSP, Organized Audrey Reduce interruptions from others.

Interruptions are all around us. Research is showing that, on average, we spend about three minutes on a task before an interruption occurs. Three minutes. Is it any wonder why we’re finding it difficult to get things done? Here are ideas and strategies in three areas to help reduce interruptions and increase your focus. Shut off electronic notifications. Email notification sounds and symbols include chimes and dings as well as those obnoxious balloons that pop up in the lower right hand corner of your computer screen. These alerts get a response 70% of the time within six seconds, which is faster than letting your phone ring three times. In other words, they are very effective in interrupting your focus.

Because we receive the majority of our interruptions from co-workers, it’s helpful to let them know when you need uninterrupted time. The easiest way to do this is to provide a signal such as a simple “Do not disturb” sign. If you want to have some fun, use yellow Caution tape strung across your office door. Rearranging your office so you are not facing the door is another way to gain focus and reduce interruptions. When you face the entrance to your office it is quite easy to make eye contact with those walking by. And eye contact is sometimes perceived by others as an invitation to stop in. The third way to reduce interruptions from others is to shut off instant messaging. Most companies do not require this tool to be used so opting out or simply shutting it off will allow you greater focus and less interruptions. Clean up your physical space.

70%

of the time you answer an email notification or alert within six seconds, which is faster than letting your phone ring three times.

Appointment reminders are another form of electronic interruption. Most appointments on your calendar do not require a reminder so when possible, shut this feature off. If you want to shut them off altogether, you can do so in your calendar’s settings area. Cell phones interrupt us with beeps, vibrations and flashing lights. Adjusting these particular settings will go a long way in removing unnecessary interruptions. You’ll need to decide how badly you want to be interrupted when a text arrives, or you’ve missed a call or someone is now following you on Twitter.

Clutter is a distraction so having a messy office will only contribute to having less focus. Take time to sort and purge stacks of paper sitting on, under or around your desk. If you’ve got “stuff” that’s been taking up space, find a home for it. You might also have personal items in your office such as lunch dishes that need to be taken home. Secondly, exit (not just minimize) all computer programs except the one you need to work on a specific project. This will provide better opportunity for focus and less temptation to jump in between projects. Interruptions are part of office atmospheres and they will always be there. But being proactive in minimizing them will help you take control of your personal productivity by creating an environment that is more peaceful and conducive to getting more done. Audrey Thomas, CSP, best known as Organized Audrey, is all about efficiency. Her audiences love her ideas for getting more done with less stress. Her favorite hobby is deleting emails. Ring her up at 866-767-0455 or www.OrganizedAudrey.com

Advancing The Essentials: Invaluable Insights

Your Right to Influence the Vote As temperatures heat up, so do the political races Nicole Prelgo, Mercury Creative Group

In 2016, nationwide spending is expected to top $11.4 billion, which is a 20 percent increase over 2014. As an association, you have the right to participate in the political process and more associations are investing heavily in government affairs to protect the rights of their members. Since the landmark Citizens United decision in 2010, the ways in which associations, which are classified as exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c) (4),(5), or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code, can become involved in the process has expanded. Prior to Citizens United, an association could assist in soliciting limited individual contributions into a political action committee (PAC) and then contribute limited amounts directly to candidates. Today an association can establish a political fund where

As an association, you have the right to participate in the political process and more associations are investing heavily in government affairs to protect the rights of their members.

it can solicit unlimited contributions, including funds from corporations, or general funds to independently advocate for or against a candidate. In addition, many associations are seeing an opportunity to consolidate funds

from other like-minded associations to invest in targeted areas to increase the likelihood of success. This coordinated activity often involves an independent expenditure fund.

non-deductible dues for its members, or pay a tax on lobbying expenditures. Lobbyists must be registered at the state and federal level and additional regulatory reporting is required.

Political expenditures defined the word political is often used in a broader sense than what is defined by the IRS. In the remaining content of this article, we will refer to all related activities as advocacy. For an association, there are three types of advocacy-related activities:

• Political expenditures — This includes participation or intervention, directly or indirectly, in a political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Historically, connected PACs were used to contribute to candidate’s committees, but today, a majority of the expenditures are occurring through independent expenditures. An association is prohibited from having the influencing of elections as its primary activity. The IRS is currently debating the definition of primary, but the current rule of thumb is less than 40%. Political expenses typically have tax consequences and significant reporting disclosures to the association whether these activities are done directly or indirectly. Often the organization’s structure and the way funds are solicited can often be modified to limit both tax exposure and the extent of disclosures required.

• Issue advocacy —The promotion of a position on an issue which is consistent with your member’s views such as “we support lower taxes.” These communications occur year round and are not directly connected with a legislative vote or election. Issue advocacy is allowable in unlimited amounts by an association and these expenditures do not have tax consequences. This activity is considered part of your primary mission. • Lobbying — Lobbying activities involve attempts to influence Individuals once they have been elected or appointed to office. This includes influencing the legislative process through direct lobbying or grassroots activity such as directing your members to call their representative on an issue up for a vote. An association can do an unlimited amount of lobbying but must report an equivalent amount as

>> Want to learn more? Search the Top 10 Common Pitfalls of political expenditures on associationsnorth.com. This article is not intended to address the requirements of 501(c) (3) organizations for which the rules are significantly different. John J. Tauer is a Principal with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, a professional services firm providing business consulting, outsourcing, wealth advisory, and public accounting services to nonprofits. His email address is john.tauer@CLAconnect.com.

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Conversations: In Focus

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

You were given two ears and one mouth. Make sure you listen twice as much as you talk.

Jim Amundson President & CEO Independent Community Bankers of MN

Spend some time in your members’ places of business. You’ll gain a better understanding of not only their issues and daily challenges, but longer-term challenges and opportunities, as well. That knowledge and understanding will:

Judell Anderson, CAE Executive Director Alliance of Automotive Service

1) allow you to identify ways the association can be of service and, 2) help you build rapport and credibility with the members when they see that you understand what’s important to them.

Providers of Minnesota

Be ready to learn! And make sure people understand that you are learning. You will learn about yourself, your organization and your team/ co-workers on levels that you have never been to before. You won’t/don’t have all of the answers but you will surely have to find them. Additionally, don’t be afraid to put your own stamp on things. Risks are a part of life. Take them! Cody Nuernberg President Northwestern Lumber Association

Write down what you want to accomplish and find a mentor who has a proven track record of accomplishing that and more.

Judi Rubin President Minnesota Electrical Association

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

Calendar Of Events: Mark It + Make It

Thursday AUGUST

Wednesday SEPTEMBER

60th Celebration Aria Minneapolis 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Education Day At Your Desk! 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Let’s celebrate Associations North members (past and present) and toast to community, conversation and camaraderie. Full of surprises, it will be the best experience of the year.

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.

Tuesday

SEPTEMBER

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

Watch for your free code.

Upcoming Events July

August

21/22 Member Appreciation Event: Headshots Day

60th Celebration

Webinar: Change Management for the 21st Century

Webinar: Taming the E-mail Beast Using MS Outlook

Financial & Accounting Networking Group

Webinar: 4 Ways to Master Your Business Relationships &

September

Connections

Membership Networking Group

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

Meeting Management Networking Group

Allied Networking Group

CEO Networking Group

Member Appreciation Event: Education Day

Communications Networking Group

Webinar: Reading, Understanding and Presenting

Webinar: Inclusion - Beyond the Law

Financial Statements to the Board: Part 1

16-18 Leadership Conference

Young Professionals Networking Group

Lobbying & Government Relations

Webinar: Reading, Understanding and Presenting Financial Statements to the Board: Part 2

October

Financial & Accounting Networking Group

Brain Power

Two Truths and a Lie

“No and Yes” is how our branding task force and board of directors answered those questions respectively, and here’s why:

Tara Loftus, Windmill Design Ever heard of the game Two Truths and a Lie? You share three statements about yourself, and everyone else has to guess which statement is not true. We’ll be playing this game from time to time to help address any questions with our name change. Which statement is not true? a) The meaning of “north” is about advancement, forward thinking. b) The meaning of “north” is about our Midwest locale. c) The meaning of “north” is about direction. Some of you will see the correct answer, nod and be pleased, “Yup, that makes sense.” Others of you will see it and have a reaction that falls somewhere between miffed and irate. I mean, “Isn’t having “Midwest” as part of our name important? It’s who our members are and how we’re different from ASAE and other SAE’s,” you point out.

Through a guided, months-long branding exercise, we distilled our unique value proposition down to the single essential value of “advancement.” More than any other aspect of who we are, this is what makes us unique and trumps other important – yet secondary – differentiators like local, trusted and fun. Therefore, everything about our name, tagline and brand identity elements will reflect the essential value. True, “north” has a geographical meaning, however its meaning for Associations North is not a literal one, rather it’s about moving professionals forward – in an upward direction, “due north,” as the flagship – first at the individual level, then organizationally. Is there a double meaning to be found? We’ll let you decide that. Associations North welcomes feedback as we continue to roll out our rebrand this year and next. Send feedback to angela@associationsnorth.com.Answer: A

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new carpeting, drapes and linens

• Oaks Reunion House & Cabin 690 remodeled to accommodate smaller retreats & team meetings

resort on gull lake • brainerd, mn

1-800-272-4867 craguns.com

• Lodge Rooms

refurbished with new paint, carpet, mattresses, linens and baths

Call 1-800-272-4867 today for your personal tour of our upgrades! 16

IT’S

CONNECT TIME Sometimes business has to be taken care of, and sometimes it has to be in person. With 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, state-of-the-art a/v equipment, 500 hotel rooms and award winning catering, Treasure Island is the perfect place to stay connected with your clients, partners and vendors. Let’s get down to business together.

TIcasino.com | 1-80 0 -2 2 2-707 7

Signature Event

October 16-18 Leadership Conference Sunday, October 16 - Tuesday, October 18 Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center Connect with 140+ members and thought leaders at this years Leadership Conference. Nationally recognized association speaker, Mary Byers, will help your association stay relevant and competitive. Plus, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be inspired and provided with tools to help you do your job better. More details at: associationsnorth.com/leadership.

1. 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners 2. Ted Smith and Tom Getzke enjoying the conference 3. Teambuilding trivia contest 4. Connect with over 150 association executives and members 5. Interactive education sessions

The North Experience: Golf Classic

Another fabulous golf tournament in the books! We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have asked for better weather, Prestwick Golf Club impressed us for the 2nd year in a row and we had more fashionable foursomes, new games and winners to note. Thank you to all who participated!

To see more photos, visit the Associations North Flickr pa ge: www.flickr.c om/photos/ associations live