September October 2019

FOCUS NORTH September/October 2019

Sparking Interest in the Trades

The Electrical Association supports its current members while building the industry’s future. PG 5

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Focus North is published 6 times a year by Associations North 1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Suite 100, Roseville, MN 55113

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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.

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Staff Angela Kisskeys, Co-Director VP of Operations & Communications

CONTENTS

Sarah Ruzek, Co-Director VP of Finance & Education

September/October 2019

FEATURES

Chris Villeneuve Membership & Office Manager

Interest in Leaders: 5 Sparking 7 Advancing the Trades Fuel For Forward-

Mission

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

Thinking

The Electrical Association supports its current members while building the industry’s future.

Vision

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

8 Advancing Engagement +

Diversity & Inclusion

+ Events: 10 Meetings In The Details Advancing

Recruitment: Moving Membership

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.

Do You Have a Plan for Your Strategic Plan?

How to Feature Your Members on Social Media

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Advancing Diversity & Inclusion: Journey Forward Get to Know Associations North Diversity & Inclusion (ANDI) Leadership Program

The Ethics of Trade Show Giving and Taking

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Moving Forward Together

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What’s CO-ing On?

12 The North Experience 18 Conversations 19 Calendar of Events 20 Brain Power 24 Et Cetera 25 Spotlight: Member in Motion

16 Advancing 15 Advancing Communications: The Essentials: Stay Connected

Invaluable Insights

Essential Tips if You Must do a PowerPoint

Wage Theft Laws in Minnesota – A Growing Trend

Board of Directors Your go-to for fast fuel?

Mark Salter, CAE, ABC (Chair) CFA Society Minnesota

Sarah Ruzek Associations North

Cassie Larson, CAE (Past - Chair) Diet Coke.

MN Nursery & Landscape Association

Angela Kisskeys Associations North

Robbie Thompson (Chair - Elect) Professional Liability Underwriting Society

Justin Bieganek Mercury Creative Group

Clara Albert, CAE MN Electrical Association

Chocolate.

Cliff Bar.

David Siegel, CAE, IOM (Secretary / Treasurer) Builders Association of the Twin Cities

Kind Bar.

Banana.

Quest Bar or kids fruit snacks in my purse.

Chocolate Chip Quest Bar.

Cliff Bar.

Janel Fick Global Management Partners LLC Amanda Friedrich, CMP Visit Saint Paul

Coffee.

Cody Nuernberg Northwestern Lumber Association Dave Renner, CAE Minnesota Medical Association

Beef Jerky.

Mountain Dew.

Peanuts or chips.

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Moving Forward Together: Associations North Partners

YEAR LONG SPONSOR: CommunityBrands

Why we partner with Associations North…

Getting involved with Associations North has given YourMembership the opportunity to build relationships and help support the tech needs of its members.

Favorite Associations North memory…

The Associations North conference was such a great event that encouraged collaboration and networking among members. 2018 was my first time attending and they hosted a cabin crawl. This gave me the opportunity to quickly get to know the other members and expand my network. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to help me make lasting connections and encouraged my involvement in the educational sessions that followed.

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What’s CO-ing On?

2019 Leadership Conference, a Welcoming Experience We can’t take credit for the weather, but thank Mother Nature for your support and gracious forecast to set the stage for the 2019 Leadership Conference in Rochester.

The 2019 Leadership Conference gave attendees the opportunity to experience Rochester while connecting with industry colleagues and gaining insights to apply at their respective associations. Each year, the Leadership Conference provides unexpected memories and moments to make that year special. Here are some highlights from this year’s Leadership Conference.

With Associations North’s new fiscal year change, the 63rd Annual Meeting was held on Monday, October 7. Mark Salter, CAE, CFA Society recapped highlights from the past year and introduced Robbie Thompson, JD, Professional Liability Underwriting Society as the 2020 chair, David Siegel, CAE, IOM, BATC/Housing First Minnesota as Chair-Elect and Clara Albert, CAE, Executive Director, Minnesota Electrical Association as Secretary/Treasurer. New board members were announced and will start their term January 1, 2020: • Mary Detloff, CAE, Executive Director, Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers • Maria Huntley, CAE, MAM, CEO, MN Academy of Family Physicians • Karla Keller Torp, Executive Director, MN Shopping Center Association • Christi Kokaisel, MBA, CAE, Director of Membership, American Academy of Neurology 2019 was a year of strategy and in 2020 we look forward to implementing changes that will help continue to move professionals forward.

It’s always an honor presenting our best volunteers and supporting organizations. We are so proud of the many volunteers who work so hard for this association and encourage you all to get more involved. This year, the following individuals and organizations were recognized: • Janel Fick, Global Management Partners, Association Volunteer of the Year • Karen Pehrson, Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Allied Volunteer of the Year • Melvin Tennant, CAE, Meet Minneapolis, Makes a Difference • Bloomington CVB, Best Supporting Company of the Year

There was one memory that will stand out as a favorite to us from the 2019 Leadership Conference, the 2019 Associations North Diversity & Inclusion (ANDI) Graduation ceremony. The Diversity & Inclusion Committee has been hard at work the past two years developing a new leadership opportunity, securing funding, marketing the program, pairing mentors to mentees and designing a meaningful and progressive cohort leadership experience to fully engage diverse members of the association community within their organization and Associations North. Monday night provided an opportunity to celebrate this hard work.

Angela Lammers with Cetera Services, LLC captured everyone’s attention with a powerful speech on being seen and eloquently captured her ANDI Leadership Program experience. Angela left attendees… well, speechless.

Associations North was proud to graduate the following ANDI participants: • • • • •

Arzu Alimohd, Ewald Consulting Lenette Bender, Global Management Partners / SVIN Angela Lammers, Cetera Services, LLC Juee Trivedi, MN Hospital Association / UCare Iván Woyno, MN Youth Soccer Association (not present)

We are looking forward to the 2020 ANDI Leadership Program. Please consider applying or recommending a colleague in the industry by visiting associationsnorth.com/ ANDI. It was another fabulous year of educational sessions, networking, entertainment and connections. Thank you to the attendees, planning committee, volunteers, partners, sponsors and Experience Rochester for making the 2019 Leadership Conference a success. To see more pictures from the conference, see page 12.

And to Mother Nature, thank you for giving us weather that memorable, just like this conference.

Co-Directors, Associations North

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Sparking Interest in the Trades The Electrical Association supports its current members while building the industry’s future.

When an industry shifts and evolves over time, it becomes especially important for its association to change with it. The Electrical Association is doing just that to support its electrical contractor members around Minnesota, whether it is being a resource to contractors who have spent decades on the job or visiting schools to support the next generation of electrical contractors.

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“We work hard to provide something to each of our 300 members,” explained Executive Director Clara Albert. “Their needs are diverse, but whether they’re looking for help with regulatory compliance, lobbying, or education, we have them covered.”

As the electrical industry has been progressing in the 21st century, the Electrical Association has been adapting to serve a rapidly changing workforce. Since it can take years for an aspiring electrical contractor to set up their own business – starting out as an apprentice, then a journey worker, then a master electrician – the association has developed a four-year, in-house apprenticeship program to help contractors along the way.

This unique, “earn while you learn” program occurs online every Tuesday evening for a few hours. Instead of driving to a physical classroom, participants can sign on wherever they’re at for training. This allows the Electrical Association to reach members in greater Minnesota, as well as in other states.

“We’re getting the facts out there that college is not the only option for students,” Albert said. “It has been great to raise awareness about how fulfilling working in the trades can be.”

Companies from Texas, Montana, and New Hampshire are also using this registered program for their employees.

“The apprenticeship program has grown to include over 300 participants today compared to only 100 participants six years ago,” Albert said. “It’s inspiring to see companies put resources into employee training.”

The Electrical Association also offers opportunities for its members to obtain continuing education credits to keep their licenses. Responding to the needs of younger generations for greater flexibility, the organization conducts live-online training. Instead of completing credits in person, electricians use WebEx video software to communicate back and forth with an instructor. This allows them to log on from anywhere – as it is most convenient for them.

While it may sound like a straightforward solution to better offer training and education to its members, regulatory hurdles often get in the way. Even though the organization’s work is centered in Minnesota, it has relationships with people in several different states.

The Electrical Association recently offered a demonstration of an online WebEx class to a regulatory agency in Iowa to see how it could work; after working with the Electrical Association, Iowa has approved the online course as an option for continuing education.

“A big company that does business in seven different states may find it difficult to work through the laws and rules of each state,” Albert said. “It’s a benefit to our membership when we can help them navigate all the different boards of electricity.”

In addition to its apprenticeship program and continuing education efforts, the Electrical Association also helps build the industry’s workforce with a job posting board, resume page, and partnerships with community-based organizations and coalitions like Project Build Minnesota. With the goal of sharing how satisfying a career in the trades can be, the association has brought its message to middle and high schools to encourage interest in the electrical industry.

At the Electrical Association’s school events, students learn how to make electrical connections by building light-up helicopters made from paper, sticky copper wire, triangle LED lights, a battery, and a binder clip. If they completed the circuit correctly, the lights turn on, and students can take the helicopter home to share with their families.

Members of the Electrical Association are also encouraged to talk to local schools in their communities too, and the association provides career kits and videos for presentations.

The hope is to give students a taste of the opportunities awaiting them in the electrical industry.

“We are getting the facts out there that college is not the only option for students,” Albert said. “It has been great to raise awareness about how fulfilling working in the trades can be.”

To learn more about the Electrical Association, visit www.electricalassociation.com.

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Advancing Leaders: Fuel for Forward-Thinking

Do You Have a Plan for Your Strategic Plan?

Barbara Sierota, Curtis Strategy

A typical strategic plan takes months to create and when the final plan is voted in, it can feel like the process is complete. However, creating your organization’s strategy is not an end in itself. The culmination of the planning process marks the start to executing the strategic direction envisioned for the organization. In order to ensure success, a well thought-out and detailed plan for implementation is required.

An implementation plan should be devised in conjunction with the strategic planning process. There are four areas to consider before implementing your strategic plan: Culture, Resources, Accountability, and Systems.

Culture - An organization’s culture is formed over time through shared values. Organizations that have successfully implemented their strategic plans value employee engagement and communication at all levels.

“Implementing the strategic plan is arguably more important than determining the organization’s strategy.”

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The staff will ultimately be responsible for executing the plan so it makes sense to involve them in strategic discussions throughout the process by listening to their ideas, obtaining feedback, and acting on their suggestions when applicable. This not only builds trust between leadership and staff but also helps set the stage for ownership and accountability during implementation.

When everyone in the organization is working toward the same purpose, productivity and morale increase leading to more successful outcomes.

Resources - Organizational capacity is a factor when designing strategy. An assessment of both the financial and human resources needed to move the plan forward is required for success.

Budgets should be reviewed and aligned with strategic priorities. If the organization is lacking the appropriate staff or skills, additional resources may be needed. The overall organizational structure should be reviewed to ensure the structure aligns with strategy.

Without this alignment and the right resources necessary to implement the plan, it becomes difficult to impossible to make progress.

Accountability - During the planning process we guide clients in creating business plans at the tactical level, which includes timelines and assignments. These tactical plans become the foundation for each department’s role in carrying out the overall strategic plan.

Incorporating strategic initiatives into employees’ job responsibilities assigns accountability and increases engagement which helps them understand how they fit into the overall strategy. Empowering employees by encouraging decisionmaking and providing a safe space to take risks also helps with accountability and ownership. Regularly scheduled strategy meetings at each level of the organization are helpful as long as the intent is to review progress, provide a means of escalation and problem solving, and to hold people accountable to their tasks and objectives.

Systems - Management and tracking systems help drive the implementation process by providing a snapshot of how the team is doing against the plan.

The use of a project dashboard keeps leadership engaged and provides a means of accountability for those implementing the plan. The use of a system supports teams by providing a platform to discuss barriers and solutions with leadership.

It helps to structure meetings and directs focus for time in between meetings so that it is spent working on the right priorities.

Time frames, progress tracking, milestones, and issues requiring escalation should be included to provide a snapshot of the implementation status.

This helps eliminate any surprises as to why deadlines may go off course.

Incentives should be considered to reinforce the contributions of top performers in moving the organization’s strategic vision forward.

Implementing the strategic plan is arguably more important than determining the organization’s strategy. It is what will determine how impactful changes will be made within the organization. With careful planning an organization’s strategic vision is better attainable, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Advancing Engagement + Recruitment: Moving Membership

How to Feature Your Members on Social Media Leah Spielman, Ingenuity Marketing Group, LLC

Social media is a powerful tool that associations can use to increase engagement. It can help with member retention, attract new members, enhance public relations and increase traffic to your website. Featuring current members on your organization’s social channels is one great way to gain all of these benefits. Everyone loves a good shout-out! Here are some tips for implementing a regular member feature into your social media strategy.

Once the member has provided answers, write the feature post. Pick and choose which questions and answers to use. Also keep in mind that some members may want to approve these posts before they are published. If you don’t have the resources available within your organization, you can hire a professional to conduct your member interviews, write the feature and/or handle approvals and publishing according to each social site’s format.

Structure Showcasing members can be tricky, so make a plan.

Determine what criteria would allow a member to be featured on your social media channels. If your association has a large membership base, this could be based on membership level. It could also be done on a rotating basis for existing members. For new members, this could be offered as a welcome benefit. Write up the ground rules for your member feature so that you can communicate the feature to all members consistently.

Posting Now that you have a written member feature, it’s time to pull together the other assets of the post.

Frequency You also need to decide how frequently you will have a member feature. If you have a lot of members, you could implement it weekly; if your membership is a bit smaller, choose to do a feature once or twice a month. After you determine your frequency, consider a catchy title for the feature such as “Member Monday.”

Content At this point, come up with 5-8 questions to ask members that can be utilized to write up a member feature for social media.

Use a mix of professional and personal questions.

For example: • Why did you choose to join our association?

• What value do you get by being a part of our association?

• What association events do you typically participate in?

• What do you enjoy on the weekend?

• If you were not on your current career path, what would you be doing?

• Finish this sentence: It’s a good day when…

Graphics and imagery – Use images to help increase your post’s reach (views). Social posts with images are prioritized and are more likely to appear in users’ feeds. Work with a graphic designer to create a template that can incorporate an individual’s photo, name, organization and role, and even the organization’s logo. By utilizing a template, you build recognition around the recurring themes within your social media strategy. Use a free tool like Canva if you do not have access to a designer.

Tag members – There is great value in tagging members within social media posts. This expands your reach and shows your members that you know who they are. It’s generally accepted to tag organizations on social channels where they also have profiles. When it comes to individuals, however, we recommend only tagging them on LinkedIn because it is a more business-oriented social site.

Your goal, like any organization on social media, is to increase member engagement. To accomplish this, you have to take the first step to engage them. If you lead by example, it will lay the groundwork for other individuals and organizations to engage the same way with your association. By implementing a member feature complete with great visuals and tagging, you give your members permission to tag you in their shout-outs back to you. This ‘social interaction’ will expand your reach exponentially to other current and prospective members.

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Advancing Meetings + Events: In The Details

The Ethics of Trade Show Giving and Taking

Joan L. Eisenstodt, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC

Many of you will give or receive gifts, be entertained by those with whom business is done or with whom we have done business, referred business or one day may do business.

Prior to attending a trade show, vendors send emails or other communications inviting us to visit their stands, often offering incentives to stop by: having your name entered into a drawing or receiving a gift just for stopping by. We may also be invited to an event at which vendors will entertain buyers during trade show afterhours.

What goes into your thinking as you chose to whom to give or entertain, and for the recipients, to accept a gift or invitation or have your name entered for a drawing? How much would the potential of “defending” your actions— now, to an ethics committee or to HR or other officials in your company or professional organization—play in your choice of what and how much you gift to, or accept from, someone?

Justifications In facilitating ethics discussions, I’ve heard every justification about why customers may accept what’s offered – points, meals, entertainment, gifts, personal favors – or may even solicit gifts or favors. Some justifications include: • “I’m underpaid; I deserve something nice.”

• “I’m not a CMP so there are no industry codes that apply.”

• “I took vacation time to attend the trade show so whatever I ‘win’ [from a drawing or give away] belongs to

me only.” [Counter argument: if your badge shows you are employed by or representing a company, you are there in fact on their behalf.]

• “Suppliers have to meet their quotas for ‘contacts’ at trade shows. They have the stuff to give away so why not take what they are giving?”

• At a show where the prize drawing for planners was $10,000.00, the best justification I’d ever heard: “I’ll take it if I win. I’ll wait to see if I’m judged at the ‘Pearly Gates’.”

The other side of ‘giving’ Over 40+ years of working in this industry, I’ve received calls and emails asking what to do when: • a planner observed vendors going through a bowl of cards at a trade show instead of randomly drawing a winner, selected someone they want to win.

• an association client asked the vendor for points and free hotel stays for booking.

• booking unqualified and approved business so the supplier gets the credit and the planner gets something in return for helping the supplier meet their numbers.

• fudging expense reports to show that the lunch or dinner was with a qualified client versus a friend.

These are serious issues. What does one do when one is either tempted to offer or take items, and more, what to do when unethical – by industry or one’s company’s policies – are violated?

Questions and Actions To Consider I learned long ago that each person’s reputation is the only thing that sets

us apart. Some of you may be industry veterans and remember when lists of familiarization (“fam”) trip abusers were published.

In most cases, other than chatter behind the scenes, few want to be the one to call out unethical behaviors. How do we decide when it’s appropriate to offer and accept gifts, tchotchkes or invitations?

“How do we decide when it’s appropriate to offer and accept gifts?”

Suggested Actions to Help Avoid Unethical Trade Show Situations • Read your employers code of ethics and question how situations specific to what we face at trade shows and in hospitality apply.

• Share your employer’s code with those with whom you are doing business.

• Agree at the start of a business relationship, even one that has a long friendship behind it or becomes a friendship, by what ethics conduct you will together abide.

• Determine how your codes guide you for tradeshow drawings, invitations to events, giving and receiving gifts and attending hosted-buyer events. If the codes are not that specific, discuss how they can be.

• When in doubt, consider the tax implications of what you accept and whether this really is worth your reputation.

Then decide how you want to be perceived professionally and when defending your life. You will, I believe, ‘do the right thing.’

Disclaimer: This is written by Joan L. Eisenstodt, Principal, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC, Washington, DC. It is provided as a thought piece. It may not reflect the opinions of Associations North, its officers or staff and its sponsors. Some portions of this were guided by a previously published Meetings Today’s Friday with Joan Newsletter.

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Advancing Diversity & Inclusion: Journey Forward

Get to Know Associations North Diversity & Inclusion (ANDI) Leadership Program

Associations North just wrapped up its first year of the Associations North Diversity & Inclusion (ANDI) Leadership Program and we invite you to learn more about this exciting program.

Why create the ANDI program? What is it?

The overall purpose of the ANDI leadership program is to advance the professional growth of association professionals from under-represented populations. The program serves Associations North’s increasingly diverse membership, and works to grow diversity and inclusion within Associations North and the association community as a whole.

The ANDI program teaches participants how to apply leadership concepts to challenges they are currently facing in their roles or may face in association leadership positions.

It also presents opportunities for participants to expand their association industry networks. All of this is done with a diversity and inclusion lens, meaning that the participants are shown how to weave a diversity and inclusion focus into their professional actions.

How is the information presented to participants?

The ANDI program has multiple sessions which involve a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, small group discussions, working sessions, peer coaching, and individual assignments and assessments. The program provides participants with complimentary attendance at core Associations North conferences and events. A mentorship component provides an opportunity for participants to strengthen skills and develop meaningful connections.

What do participants learn?

With a focus on diversity and inclusion, ANDI participants learn how to lead high-functioning teams, engage in inclusive communications, adapt messaging for various individuals and audiences, efficiently delegate to foster accountability, and effectively critique performance. They also develop oral presentation and writing skills.

Who facilitates the ANDI program?

Amy Tolbert, PhD, CSP is Principal of ECCO International and a Fellow at the Carlson School of Management,

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University of Minnesota. Dr. Tolbert develops organizations and individuals in the areas of diversity and leadership competency development. Dr. Tolbert earned her doctorate in Human Resource Development, focusing on international/crosscultural and diversity education/training, from the University of Minnesota. Other ECCO International Associates are brought into the mix to present various perspectives, perceptions and experiences.

Who are this year’s ANDI program participants and what do they have to say about the program?

The 2019 ANDI class includes: • Arzu Alimohd – Ewald Consulting • Lenette Bender – Global Management Partners | SVIN • Angela Lammers – Cetera Services, LLC • Juee Trivedi – MN Hospital Association | UCare • Ivan Woyno – MN Youth Soccer Association Some of the comments they shared are: This program has given me so much thought-provoking information as well as insight into my current work environment! In one word - transformational!

- Iván Woyno The ANDI Leadership Program has been a pivotal experience for me, allowing me to take charge of my career and identify and maximize my leadership skills in my work. The best feature of the program is the development of a network of driven, diverse and dedicated individuals that can mentor and assist each other and future participants!

– Juee Trivedi If you are interested in sponsoring the ANDI program or being a participant in the 2020 program – we welcome you to visit associationsnorth.com/diversity or contact us at info@associationsnorth.com.

Applications for the 2020 Associations North Diversity & Inclusion Leadership (ANDI) Program are now being accepted through 10/25.

Find out more at: associationsnorth.com/andi.

The North Experience: Leadership Conference

Each year, the Leadership Conference provides new opportunities to connect, inspire and lead and this year was no exception. Highlights included honoring our Outstanding Volunteer Award winners, hosting the ANDI Diversity & Inclusion Graduation, impactful keynote speakers, in-depth workshops, tours and conversations to advance the industry.

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Community Insights

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Better Meetings. Adventurous Destination.

The experienced staff at Visit Mankato are ready to transform your ordinary conference or event into an exceptional experience for your attendees. Connect with our team to learn more about the exciting opportunities of an AdvenTour to experience firsthand what your event would look like. ad·ven·tour [ad-ven-toor] n. – an excursion to discover Mankato’s arts & culture, entertainment, adventure or wine & brew experiences.

An AdvenTour would allow you as the planner the opportunity to explore Mankato’s arts and culture, entertainment, off the grid adventures or wine and brew experiences to discover the unlimited possibilities for your event!

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Advancing Communications: Stay Connected

Essential Tips if You Must do a PowerPoint Catherine Iste, Humint Advisors

The buzz around the office is positive. Your co-worker shared with you a sneak peek and it looks exciting.

Showtime is in ten minutes, you have your popcorn and have just enough time to stop by Jen’s to grab some of the good chocolates off her desk and get a good seat. The conference room fills up and the excitement is almost palpable. The lights dim, the projector clicks on and the slides brighten the faces of eager anticipation around the table. Let the 2:00pm PowerPoint presentation begin!

If that is not the reaction you normally get when delivering a PowerPoint, here are some essential tips – whether you are shy or gregarious - to make your next presentation more engaging.

She who protests too much First, do you really have to do a PowerPoint? Because everyone does, because you usually do, and because your boss said so may be good reasons, but they are not immutable laws. Breaking with tradition is often the easiest way to increase engagement.

In addition, figuring out why we think we have to do one can also help engagement. By understanding whether this is the best, only or usual way to convey the information, we can get to the core of why we are using this tool to solve this problem and then use it more effectively.

FUN-damentals A slide presentation can be fun, unless we ignore the basic rules. Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule is still relevant today: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font. Period. Even though we can jazz up the slide transitions and add videos – hold back.

To add visual interest, add a full screen, relevant picture and talk over it. Websites like Unsplash and Pexels and even the image tool within PowerPoint allow us to easily add amazing, royalty and copyright free images to our slides.

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Encore!

For those of us who may have to create a slide deck every week, this may not be enough to keep us interested, let alone our audience. In that case, check out some of the

10/20/30 RULE

“Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule is still relevant today: 10 slides. 20 minutes. 30-point font. Period.” slide presentation alternatives out there. Prezi, Go Animate, and VideoScribe are just a few of the non-slide alternatives out there. There may be a learning curve with a new tool but remember: if we want to make something engaging, we first have to ensure we are engaged in making it.

Content?

Once we have confirmed why we are creating a presentation and have established the design and tech we will use to do it, we must spend some time on the content and delivery.

Here, the basics of adult learning still ring true: be clear about what is being presented, why and how it relates to the audience right now. Start and end on time and set clear expectations around that time. Include breaks if the presentation is longer than 20 minutes and if it is not, include fun, interactive breaks like giving a piece of chocolate for any audience participation.

And finally, provide a takeaway that summarizes the key points that is not the printed-out notes page. It should be a summary of the content presented in a way that we would normally read a summary (narrative or outline with key points) and it should be handed out in the beginning so that the audience knows they can interact with you instead of trying to write everything down.

The bottom line is, by nailing the basics and getting engaged in the process, slide presentations can be (almost) as much fun as a matinee.

Advancing The Essentials: Invaluable Insights

Wage Theft Laws in Minnesota – A Growing Trend Arlene Vernon, HRx, Inc.

Hopefully, you’re already aware of the Minnesota Wage Theft Law requirements – a law that almost silently became law on July 1, 2019. Some of my clients haven’t heard about it, some don’t think it applies to them, and some just aren’t making the effort to comply. Here’s one more reminder that the law is our new reality, applies to all employers, and the penalties for noncompliance are steep.

To compound these new regulations, if you are headquartered in Minneapolis, have employees who regularly work in Minneapolis or have employees who work in Minneapolis for 80 or more hours per year, you must comply with additional notification requirements beginning January 1, 2020. If this is you, my suggestion is to comply with the two laws now to make it part of your routine, rather than updating your new forms and notices in January. The easiest way to look at the law is to break it into components:

(e.g., move from one accrual to the next). Only the Minneapolis ordinance requires that all employees receive a wage notice before January 1st.

I’m recommending to most of my clients that they distribute the notices to all employees as soon as is convenient.

That way the primary burden is done and you’ll only have to give wage notices to new employees going forward. Be sure to have each employee sign the notice, then place the signed document in the employee’s personnel file as evidence.

“Here’s one more reminder that the law is our new reality, applies to all employers, and penalties for non-compliance are steep.”

Pay Statements: Check your employees’ pay details stubs to ensure that you meet MN’s requirements (listed on their website), which includes employer’s address, phone number and basis of pay. If you have Minneapolis employees as defined above you must also include the current balance of Sick and Safe Time or PTO (if your PTO includes SST).

Employee Change Notice: MN requires that employees receive a written notice describing any change in pay or time off before the change occurs. Minnesota does not require that employees sign this notice, BUT Minneapolis does. I recommend that all change notices are signed (actual or electronic) as evidence of the employee’s receipt. If you’re ever audited (and the State has hired additional auditors solely for this purpose), you’re better protected.

Employee Wage Notice: MN requires that new employees receive a notice upon hire. For your current employees, Wage Notices are due prior to their first wage change or time off benefit change

Notice Format: Start with the MN Wage Notice from their website. Then modify it to fit your organization’s needs. I’ve been creating separate exempt and non-exempt forms. Their

sample form includes information you’re not required by law to include, so compare their form with their law and delete the extraneous fields. You must include the various language choices, but you don’t have to include the translation resources. With a little creativity, one of my clients got everything to fit on one page.

Change Notice: If you don’t give employees written notice of pay increases or changes to their Time Off schedules, then you need a new system. One of my clients informs their employees of their PTO accrual rates on January 1 of each year. That certainly is easier than trying to track each person’s rate individually. I’ve been creating Change Forms for my clients that include Wage data as well as shifts in Time Off from one length of service band to the next.

Change Notice: Anything that changes on the notice requires a change notice.

Even if you relocate your offices, each employee must receive a change notice.

Look at Every Type of Pay: These laws aren’t limited to regular rates of pay. If you have bonuses, commissions, spiffs, weekend rates, or any other creative pay method, they must be included in the notice. The objective of the laws is to ensure your full transparency regarding employee pay. Don’t miss something you take for granted.

There’s more that goes into the law than can be captured here. But hopefully these reminders and tips will help.

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In what ways does your organization promote wellness?

Featuring 2020 New Board Members

Christi Kokaisel, CAE, MBA Director of Membership, American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

We are a small staff of 2, so we promote a flexible work environment. We carry a work hard, play hard mentality – one needs to have fun while doing their job even when its stressful. Life it too short so one needs time to laugh along the way while being productive. If lots of hours are worked on given projects/at events we encourage staff to take time back to their personal schedules.

Mary Detloff, CAE Executive Director Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers

Truly flexible work environment, encourage and model balanced work hours, generous vacation, sick and holiday (my favorite is holiday time given for all work days between Christmas and New Years).

AAN offers health club reimbursement, free bike storage, flu-shot clinic, optional walking meetings, and flexible work schedules. Popular with the AAN staff is our “free fruit Tuesday,” which provides employees a healthy snack each week. This year the AAN put on its first staff wellness fair that included opportunities to speak with health companies, watch healthy cooking demonstrations, visit with therapy dogs, and learn about wellness education.

Karla Keller Torp Executive Director Minnesota Shopping Center Association

It starts with being aware of what we need individually and as a group. We share the ups and downs of life with one another and allow each other the space to be real and authentic. We provide flexible hours and scheduling to work around real life. Best of all we enjoy Murphy Monday, when my Scottish Terrier joins us in the office. He’s a major de-stressor!

Maria Huntley, CAE CEO Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians

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Calendar Of Events: Mark It + Make It For more details and to register, visit: www.associationsnorth.com/calendar

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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER

30

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER

6

WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER

Webinar: More than Ahas and Eureka Moments At Your Desk 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Webinar: The Successful Mentoring Mindset At Your Desk 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Meeting Planners Symposium Rush Creek Golf Club Maple Grove, MN 8:00 am - 3:15 pm

Complimentary for all members!

Mindful thinking is the new competitive edge leading to better decision-making, innovative creative strategies, and business success. Discover how to design transformative meetings that induce participant mindshifts.

Discover the subtle nuances of mentoring and how you can put this powerful tool to work.

Get clarity on all of the different methods that can be utilized to build a platform that allows you to build relationships, grow business and create value for your members.

A transformative learning experience awaits you! Engage in deep learning, craft the transformational learner experience and connect with your peers on issues important to association meetings at this year’s Meeting Planners Symposium.

Upcoming Events October 23

Meetings Meetup Group

6

Meeting Planners Symposium

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Complimentary Webinar: More than Ahas and Eureka Moments -

7

Webinar: Association Storytelling

Designing Transformative Thinking Meetings for a MindShift

8

CEO Meetup Group

30

Webinar: Webinar: The Successful Mentoring Mindset - What

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Communications Meetup Group

Mentoring Can Do for You and Your Association Business

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Membership Meetup Group

December

19

November

January 2020

6

Keepin’ It Cozy Celebration & Silent Auction

8

Webinar: Practical Cybersecurity for Association Leaders

6

CAE Exam

9

CAE Informational Meeting

10

Advocacy Meetup Group

12

Webinar: Creating Fans, Not Just Clients

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Webinar: Fuel Member Engagement with Feedback -

How to Listen at Scale

BRAIN POWER

Becoming a Parent Made Me Believe in Associations More Than Ever

By: Tara Owens, CAE

When you become a mom at 36 you think you know it all. At least I did.

Hasn’t everything I’ve achieved up until this point prepared me for this role? Isn’t this why I waited so long to do this, so all of this experience could inform the most rewarding endeavor yet? Yes to both of those.

But, no, I definitely did not know it all.

Kind of like those first years out of school when you get to (finally) put all that top-notch learning to good use - and be paid! - and you feel so much anticipation and enthusiasm because you’ve finally arrived. “This is it!”

And then, the surge of reality... Outlook has a very steep learning curve when everyone assumes you know how to use it; people, especially the ones you really want to impress, don’t automatically listen to your ideas because you filled out the W2; and there are several new concepts that school never touched on - like tact, “influencing” and company culture.

The reality is REAL. So too is the newborn reality. Those first weeks at home, I found I had all the equipment, but none of the tools. I had the exercise ball the newborn care class had recommended for soothing the baby, but not the insight that combining the bouncing with shushing and swaddling would almost guarantee the soothing would last. I mean, what good is soothing if it doesn’t last?!

I absolutely needed more tools. I needed: ● Content that distilled the “need to know” from the “good to know,” because the last thing I wanted at this very noisy time was more noise. ● Education that was tailored to the exact stage of my baby’s development, because knowledge is power, and nothing zaps your power like the witching hour. ● A community of people that were living the same reality at the exact same time I was, because it is essential to success that you not feel alone. ● Connection to a mentor who could help me navigate the peaks and valleys of this foreign landscape because everyone knows the most valuable tips and trade secrets are rarely found in books.

In short, I needed an association. Associations, through the tools they provide, make a job - especially a new one - just a little easier, a lot more meaningful, and possibly, just maybe, sustainable for the long-term. As the trusted custodians of the time, talent and treasury of the professions we serve, associations are opportunely positioned to be exceptional tool-makers, if we see the opportunity. How can you create, promote, brand or re-package “tools” for your members, especially at pivot points in their career when their circumstances change and they find themselves as vulnerable as a new parent?

Even one useful tool would make you beloved or even indispensable to your members. Even by the 36-year-old ones who think they know it all.

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a Transformative Learning Experience

MEETING PLANNERS SYMPOSIUM RUSH CREEK GOLF CLUB | 11.6.19 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM

Deep Learning + Experience = Transformation Engage in deep learning, craft the transformational learner experience and connect with your peers on issues important to association meetings at this year’s Meeting Planners Symposium.

Join Me October 25 for a

Complimentary Webinar!

New this year: • Learn how to create brain friendly conferences • Pitch and vote on Unconference sessions • Unique opportunities to connect with peers

More than Ahas and Eureka Moments: Designing Transformative Thinking Meetings for a MindShift

Register for Webinar & Symposium at:

associationsnorth.com/meetingplanners

5 Hours

Featuring Jeff Hurt, Empowered Epiphanies 22

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Et Cetera: Association Extras

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! Kristine Benjamin

Cereals and Grains Association

Ross Bernstein

Ross Berstein Speaking

Cole Koidahl

Upstream Tech Solutions (Formerly CRS Computer Rental)

Ashley Loew

Hotel Emery

Michael Meyer

Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District

Josh Peterson

Visit Bemidji

David Radziej

MN Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Assn.

Steve Records

Grain Elevator and Processing Society

Madison Rohde

Meet Minneapolis

SEEKING SILENT AUCTION ITEMS BY NOVEMBER 15 First, save the date for December 6! Then, start thinking of that donation. As you know, it’s never too early to start thinking of that perfect silent auction donation for Associations North Keepin’ it Cozy Celebration & Silent Auction. Over 100 items are needed and your support helps raise funds for Associations North education and scholarships. Silent Auction item donations are due by November 15. Donate at: associationsnorth.com/donatecelebration19.

OFFICE SPACE RENTAL The Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, a small association with an in-office staff of two, is looking for a tenant to share their beautiful Eagan office. Enjoy a private office and use of their conference room on the first floor, corner suite filled with tons of light and overlooking a wooded pond, walking path and putting green. Bonus: They’re across the street from the Vikings training facility, a Costco is opening in November within ¼ mile, and Murphy the Scottish Terrier works there, too. Available immediately. Email Mary Detloff at mdetloff@mnspe.org.

2020 FOCUS AUTHORS WANTED In addition to Associations North volunteer opportunities, have you considered becoming a published author? Focus North is seeking authors for the 2020 editorial calendar. Establish yourself as an association expert in front of 1,200+ readers.

Seeking editorial topics on membership, communications, CEO, legal, financial, meetings/education, diversity and inclusion and more. Interested? Email Angela@associationsnorth.com.

NEW TO MEETUP GROUPS? Meetup Groups are small, informal meetings comprised of Associations North members who have shared interests.

Stay informed, learn new skills and connect with Associations North members. Meetup Groups to include: Advocacy, CEO, Communications, Meetings and Membership. Find the next meet up group on Associations North calendar or learn more at: associationsnorth.com/meetups.

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SPOTLIGHT: MEMBER IN MOTION Get to know industry movers and shakers.

Carrie Chang, MBA Chief Executive Officer Minneapolis Area REALTORS®

Words to live by...

“Without courage we cannot practice any virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” – Maya Angelou

What is something on your bucket list?

Going on a safari in Africa.

Your personality in one word?

What gets you out of bed every day?

Passionate.

Gratitude for my awesome family and career.

I feel very lucky!

How do you recharge and relax?

What is one thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again?

Play tennis.

Barefoot waterskiing.

What is your favorite book, podcast or blog?

Podcast: “Coaching for Leaders” with Dave Stachowiak

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While surfing social media, we can find you on...

Instagram.

Keepin’ It Cozy Celebration & Silent Auction Friday, December 6 | 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens

Join over 200 of your Associations North friends on December 6!

Enjoy bidding at the silent auction with over 100 items, entertainment, and much more. Details at: associationsnorth.com/celebration Donate a silent auction item by November 15!

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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