2009-2010 Board is Off and Running!

On July 24, the incoming ’09-’10 SMPS Board members joined me for the annual SMPS planning retreat.   Each year, Board members are sequestered from emails, Blackberry’s, cell phones, “tweets”, and texts for an entire day to focus 100% on making our SMPS Chapter the best it can be!

In light of the current and past economic conditions, it seemed appropriate to me that our theme for this year should be focused on Value. That’s such a small word, but it’s packed with such enormous possibilities.   As we made our way through the day’s agenda, we brainstormed on Value and how we could squeeze the most out of everything we do – from this website and our webinars, to our networking events and lunch programs, even through our record-keeping and Board meetings.  Value is key.

It’s our responsibility to offer you the most value for your membership.  After a lot of discussion and brainstorming, we have come up with some fresh ideas to keep members engaged and involved, to add value to our lunch programs, to offer more budget-friendly events, and we have even created a Sponsorship “Stimulus Package!”  Director of Programs Lauren Smith and her committee have some great ideas for lunch programs, webinars, and workshops this year…and that’s in addition to our quarterly networking events, which will be located all around the Triangle this year.

I hope that all of you will make the most of YOUR own membership to SMPS this year, and take advantage of the many opportunities and events the Chapter offers as part of your annual dues. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Fall Marketing Mixer at Brio Italian Grille, on August 19, 5-7pm!

Happy Marketing,
Melissa Callaway, MBA, CPSM
President, SMPS Research Triangle Chapter

SMPS Research Triangle Board Retreat 2009