Sustaining the Momentum

November is the kick off of the new board year for our chapter and what a busy November it is! We are only days away from the 2nd Annual Regional Conference on November 17-18. Last year's conference was a huge success and the conference team has again raised the bar in terms of quality of programs, keynote speakers, exhibitors and networking opportunities. And, we're set to raise the bar on attendance numbers, too! Not only will you be energized and informed from the lineup of presenters, attending the conference gives you a great opportunity to network with some 200 other workplace learning professionals in the area.

I step into this leadership role with the chapter at an exciting time of high energy, high growth and high expectations of sustainable momentum. Last month, we hit an all-time record of 503 members in the chapter. That volunteerism is also at an all time high is no coincidence. There is a buzz going around in our chapter and it shows by the number of people stepping up to contribute their time, energy and expertise to make our chapter even stronger. The volunteers involved in the chapter provide valuable input about the type of programs and services we are delivering to you, our valued members.

Our board for the new year is a great mix of returning board members and new board members, seasoned workplace learning professionals as well as some earlier in their journey, internal and external training professionals and technical and instructor-led focused. Although our diverse backgrounds and experiences provide continual varied perspectives, we can't do it all without you. We need to hear from you! There are many ways to be heard...

The most effective: Get involved with the chapter through volunteering and get to know the other 150 volunteers who make this chapter hum!

If timing isn't on your side at the moment to volunteer, then make sure you are heard in other ways...

• Attend events offered by the chapter and take time to give us feedback. The evaluation process provides a great opportunity for feedback on each program as well as any bigger picture ideas you have for the chapter.
• Take the time to respond to chapter surveys. As well as polling smaller groups on a regular basis, we will be doing a large membership survey early in 2006 and we need your feedback.
• Talk to us! There are always board members and other key volunteers at every event on the calendar, so take time to introduce yourself and tell us what's on your mind. Additionally, contact information to the board is available online so feel free to drop us a note or give us a call. We will always aim to be back in touch with you within a few days.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the conference later this week. Thanks for your support and commitment to the chapter. Together, we will continue to be the premier resource for training and development in Oregon and SW Washington.

Sheryl Alstrin
President
sheryl@nwcorecollection.com

Return to Top