Karla Simmons
Chicago Chapter President
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The challenging economic climate
has taught us how to be more
resourceful, creative & thoughtful in
how we interact with one another
and how we do business. A new light
has been shined on value. What is
the value of the experience? What is
the value of your expertise? What do
you bring to the table. What is your
differentiator?
The Chicago Chapter continues to
use this challenging environment as the catalyst
for pushing the boundaries. We have been and
will continue to provide vital programs that are
timely and relevant, host learning events that
provide the essential tools for success and create
an inclusive environment that encourages
relationship building, sharing of best practices and
networking. We continue to set the bar high to
differentiate ourselves for the benefit of our
members, sponsors, volunteers and chapter
leaders.
Every year, during the transition period between
in-coming board and out-going board, both
groups convene for a ½ day strategy session to
set the agenda and chapter goals for the year
ahead. Our goals are meant to keep continuous
improvement in mind. How do we become better
as a chapter? How do we become more
thoughtful industry leaders? How do we deliver
on our value-proposition?
Collectively, the decision this year was to set lofty
goals that will build over the next 3 years. Vision
2013 has the following goals:
- Increasing membership to 500 from our current
count of 368
- Maintaining Financial Sustainability
- Succession Plan for Continued Dynamic
Leadership
- CoreNet Global Connectivity
- Volunteer Recognition
Vision 2013 will require unrelenting
focus, which will result in service
deliverables in line with what our
membership wants. Our chapter
continues to encourage diversity by
supporting our young leaders program,
by reaching out to members beyond
Chicago city limits, and continually
seeking new economic developers,
students, end users, service providers.
We continue to put processes in place to
ensure continued leadership, benchmarking best
practices and sustainable programming. A
number of our local chapter leaders also
participate on CoreNet Global committees –
keeping a finger on the pulse of our Atlanta-based
parent company., This participation maintains
synergy between our organizations and heightens
Chicago’s visibility to the global picture.
Our sponsors are vital to the viability of our
chapter. Their investments provide us with the
resources to host networking events, podcast
programs and learning events, scholarships, golf
outings, website maintenance, administrative
services – the list goes on. We are incredibly
grateful for all of our annual sponsors. We
couldn’t do what we do without you.
I end this letter with a call for volunteers. If you
are a paying member of this organization, you
need to be involved. Rest assured, of the 368
Chicago Chapter members, those who reap the
most benefits of membership serve on our board,
work on a committee, or volunteer at events. Are
you ready to maximize the value of your
membership?
Thank you for all you do!
Karla Simmons
President, Chicago Chapter
SimmonsK@allsteeloffice.com
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