A Message from the President

Leaves are falling, planning for fall festivities has begun and the ASTD-Cascadia Chapter board is preparing to transition to a new board as we do each and every 1st of November. On a personal note, this means it is time for me to move into the world of Past President of this amazing chapter. To each and every one of you that participated in our chapter in any way over the year, I say THANK YOU!!! It is what each of you brings to this chapter that makes it the premier resource for workplace learning professionals in Oregon and SW Washington. Your willingness to share ideas and expertise, willingness to find time in your busy schedule to attend events and willingness to be active is what has made my year so rewarding and what delivers value to our members and the greater training community.

We started the year last November with an energized board and over 100 active volunteers as well as a membership base coming close to 500. I remember talking to members, volunteers and board members last year about how pleased we all were to see the chapter in such a strong position. I’m thrilled to report that thanks to the continued dedication of now well over 100 volunteers, and the willingness of our member base and community to get involved, we head into the new board year even stronger. While the state of Oregon is ranked #28 in the country for size, the Cascadia Chapter is ranked #4 in size out of all the ASTD chapters across the country. And with inflation around 3 ½ - 4%, we’ve had impressive growth in membership of 17% over the last year! Thank you to everyone that has contributed to our strength.

Our board set to focus on three key areas this year and, in finishing the year, I would like to touch in on some progress . . . . .

Marketing – Offering resources out to a wider and more diverse audience. Through the efforts of our dedicated marketing committee this year, we have made great progress in this area. In addition, a small committee that focused on diversity really helped expand the chapter’s reach into new potential members and affiliated organizations.

Content – Helping participants stretch boundaries through cutting edge programs. Through the efforts of our Events Committee, Training Series Committee, Senior Forum Committee as well as Special Interest Groups and Geographic Interest Groups, we have provided members with the opportunity to connect with other members, top notch trainers and meaty content that keeps them informed and ahead in their jobs. And although you haven’t seen them yet, the Conference Committee has been quietly working away at pulling together a content rich opportunity for you next March, the ‘Beyond the Edge’ Regional Conference.

Technology – Utilizing seamless, robust, user-engaging technology to communicate and serve our membership. The end of the board year also brings to an end the long relationship our chapter has had with a particular board member that has had a big impact on our technology efforts, Aaron Munter. Aaron’s leadership in the technology efforts over the last several years has really kept our chapter running smoothly as well as introducing members to tools that can be used in their organizations like podcast. Although Aaron does officially roll off the board, we know we will still see him around the chapter and continue to hear him on the very successful, Podcascadia.

A special thanks goes out to the other supporting committees for all of their efforts this year too . . . . . Finance, Membership, Volunteers, Moodle, Job Posting and more!!! You have all provided great insight, support and leadership to keep this chapter with a sound foundation to keep moving into the future.

And finally, a very special THANKS to the 2006 Cascadia Chapter Board of Directors and our amazing Business Manager, Kathleen Bergquist. The initiative, energy and dedication each of you has brought to your role with the chapter (while also trying to live a life!) have been inspiring to me. Serving with you has been amazing.

I hope to see many of our members this fall at the upcoming training series, events and more. It’s renewal time which is also a great time to tell us what you’d like to see next year. Feel free to drop us a line with your renewal letting us know how we can continue to provide you more resources to support you in the coming year.

Happy Fall!!!!

Sheryl Alstrin
President
sheryl@nwcorecollection.com

Return to Top