Greater Chicagoland Chapter Wins 2011 Chapter of the Year

Two years ago, GCPAHCOM began a quest for Chapter of the Year. We began a rebuilding process that involved growth and change in many aspects of our chapter. We moved to a new location which turned out to be a very positive decision. Our membership had dropped and we began a drive to recruit members, as well as re-energize our established members. We had to communicate the importance of the CMM and encourage eligible members to prepare and take the exam. All of our activities were positive but we did not achieve our goal the first year. The second year we increased our momentum and we kept doing what PAHCOM does. PAHCOM shares knowledge. We kept sharing that knowledge. The bar had been set high by our predecessors and this friendly competition within PAHCOM makes us all better managers, colleagues, and human beings.

We worked to fulfill all areas where points could be accrued because those were the areas identified as important to a chapter's success. We had monthly chapter meetings with speakers who presented talks on current topics that affect our jobs as Practice Managers. Because we live in a large geographic area, we offered our meetings on webcast; and we worked to make this better. Our Toys for Tots at our Holiday Party provided many gifts for kids who otherwise would have had a very sad holiday. We hosted two CMM exams, with a series of Study Sessions preceding each exam. We sent articles for the Journal and posted our monthly Newsletters to add to the enjoyment of our publication and electronic media. We had a Membership Drive combined with our Vendor Fair.

As I succinctly summarize our activities that led us to 2011 Chapter of the Year, it looks like it was an easy feat. It wasn't. As in any group, there is a core group who do a lot of the work, others who generally attend meetings and will take on some tasks, and some who are dues paying members. We need all types of members in any organization. It is always our hope that members from one group will move up to a more active role, but each individual has his/her own needs which need to be fulfilled. We hope to spark the PAHCOM "bug" in each of our members in some of our members; and, over the past two years, we have done this. We have members who have been a core, year after year, and have worked tirelessly for our chapter, PAHCOM, and our profession. We have newer members who have joined hands with this initial core to enlarge that core. This "new" melding with the "PAHCOM experienced" has brought us to 2011 Chapter of the Year. Thank you to each and every member of Greater Chicagoland PAHCOM. We will not rest on our accomplishment. Let the friendly competition begin for 2012. Let's share knowledge and ideas. Let's promote our profession. Finally, congratulations to all of the PAHCOM Chapters for all of their accomplishments. Because of all of you, GCPAHCOM is 2011 Chapter of the Year.

Renee Segal, CMM, CPC
President, GCPAHCOM