by Ann Wilson
Mile High Chapter President
Recently, the Board Officers and two Board members at large attended the Chapter Leadership Institute hosted by International ALA. This is a two-day program in which ALA staff, the International Board of Directors, and Regional Officers are annually brought together to present information and materials relating to chapter leadership. The program included guidelines for succession planning, tips for educational program development, information for effective chapter leadership and business partner alliances, to name a few. I have had the opportunity to attend CLI programs in the past, and they are always motivating and inspirational.
This year, the program was jump-started with a rousing presentation by Stevie Ray on what defines a successful chapter experience and how we define our chapter. Stevie is a nationally recognized speaker and someone who holds a fond place in his heart for the Mile High Chapter (he spoke at our retreat a few years ago). While I had already written my submission for this newsletter, I scrapped the whole thing in order to take an opportunity to expand on Stevie’s message.
What defines “success” in the minds of our members? Each year the Board asks this question and sends out surveys to determine what members would like to receive from the chapter, and we very much appreciate the feedback. When I asked the other CLI Mile High Chapter attendees what they thought our chapter was, I received a variety of answers – fun, welcoming, educational, inviting, safe, challenging. Can you identify with at least one of these words in regards to the Mile High Chapter? We offer more than 35 programs each year, including educational and networking opportunities, a business partner expo, some golf, and a terrific holiday party, and these events are important to many of our members. Of course, there are also members who are satisfied by simply having access to the list serve. I understand that the value of the Mile High Chapter as perceived by each member varies widely.
Who are we? We will continue to provide numerous programs and services while being an invaluable resource to you and your company. But, through instituting a coordinated Communication Plan this year, the chapter will strive to better define our chapter and the services we provide our members. It is important to realize the support and value of International ALA and the resources found on their website and through their staff, as well as through the Mile High Chapter website and local chapter resources. We will continue to strive to provide each member with what you need to be an effective administrator, office manager, or functional specialist. The Board is available to you and open to your comments and suggestions as you help us define what makes the Mile High Chapter successful. Thank you to each and every member for your participation in making our chapter an outstanding group of legal professionals. That is my definition of the Mile High Chapter.
Ann Wilson is the Office Manager of Robinson Tweedy, P.C. She has been with the firm since May 2012 and has been a member of the Mile High Chapter, ALA since 1997.
