As we wrap up the SMPS Maine 2009-2010 chapter year, we look back on the goals that we set at the beginning of the year, and take a hard look at what worked, and what we need to work on as we move the SMPS Maine Chapter forward. This has been a year of great challenges; the downturn in the worldwide economy has impacted each of us at the local level in some manner. This has been most evident in a declining membership and a need to cancel several key programs at the last minute due to client scheduling conflicts. On the good news/bad news scale, this definitely tilted the scale to the debit side.
On the positive side, SMPS Maine has achieved some wonderful successes over the past year. As part of reinventing the chapter, we looked at ways to reengage our member firms through sponsorships and more active involvement. One way that we gained sponsors through these challenging economic times was to have member firms host our education programs. Over the past year five firms stepped forward to host an event. This approach saved the chapter a significant amount of money and at the same time allowed the sponsoring firms to showcase their services and capabilities. This was truly a win-win situation.
We were also able to secure gold, silver and in-kind sponsorships from several key firms including: GEI, Woodard & Curran, SMRT and CD&M Communications. The generosity of these four firms resulted in a healthy balance sheet as we close out this year.
One of the greatest successes of this chapter year was the reestablishment of the excellence in A/E/C marketing communications after a 3-year hiatus. The 2010 SMPS Beacon Award winners will be recognized on June 10, 2010 at the SMPS Maine Chapter awards banquet. The success of this competition highlights the outstanding quality of marketing communications within the Maine Chapter.
I close out my year as Chapter president with gratitude for the confidence that was placed in me to “reinvent” the SMPS Maine Chapter to a solid financial base. I will be passing the gavel to a dynamic board that will be able to implement programs to encourage membership growth and to formulate strong programs. I encourage each of you to look at ways to become more actively involved in our chapter. Involvement at the local level connects you to a national and regional network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals within our industry. I look forward to continuing to serve on your board and to connecting with each of you as we embark on the 2010-2011 SMPS Maine Chapter Year!
Katy Hews, SMPS Maine Chapter President
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