At this event the Charleston Chapter recognizes administrative support staff from all over the greater Charleston area. This year's keynote speaker was Gus R. Douglass, Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
You may think that is odd, but Commissioner Douglass was awarded 1970 Businessman of the Year by the chapter. We are still a chapter, he is still Commissioner, so we invited him back to hear about some of the changes he's seen over the last 37 years. It was a great presentation, I was thrilled to have him participate!
We also awarded our 2007 Professional Member of the Year award, which is awarded based upon points earned in a variety of leadership and education categories, and our Senior Member of the Year award, recognizing one of our outstanding merited members.
It was really thrilling for me to see the morning event come together. As chapter president I have watched my board work together to hold a fabulous event. They worked very hard and deserve as much praise as I can possibly muster. While they are generally modest and try to turn the responsibility back onto me, I remind them that I am only the ship's captain, I am only showing the direction. They are the ones doing the work and have done a tremendous job!
We had a 39% increase in attendance over our regular montly meetings! That is really saying something!
Coordinating events like these is never easy. There are a million things to remember, from name tents and certificates of appreciation to menues, displays and registration. Getting the word out through paid advertisments, community newsletters, letters to the editor, radio spots and electronic mail (my favorite) is really pretty demanding. While you can send simliar information for advertisements or press releases, when submitting letters to the editor or articles for publication you can not send the same article to different print media.
And you can't forget to consider how your guests will feel. When they come in the room are they greeted? Do they feel welcome? Are seating arrangments clear? Is the room temperature comfortable?
My team imagined each step, from walking into the front door to registration, seating, getting the food, listening to the speaker, receiving their gifts and exiting. With the exception of a couple minor glitches, the morning went off with a bang!
I am so happy with my team I just can't contain myself!
GREAT JOB LADIES!
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