Today I participated in the CHA nominating committee which is pretty big responsibility when you consider the membership elected you and two other members (Ed Rogala of Midwest Products and Pam Riddell of Maps to Memories) to be part of the group that creates the slate of new candidates for next year's board. Bob Ferguson, Maureen Ruth and Larry Olliges were also on the committee). It was a great meeting. I'm not at liberty to discuss details but suffice it to say we have a wealth of talent in this industry!

If you've ever wondered why CHA does things a certain way or if you feel you have better ideas, there is an opportunity to participate in the process through task forces. Or perhaps you are a future board candidate.

You know the old 20/80 rule, 20 percent of the folks do 80 percent of the work. My experience is it's less when it comes to associations. But the truth is A. Associations are ALWAYS looking for new blood and B. Service to your industry association is rewarding on many levels.

I've been on various committees and boards over the years both in the industry and within the communications profession and I have always gotten something from it--a great new contact or friend and always a new insight or information I wouldn't otherwise have access to. I think the year I was on a dais with Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart and Sheryl Crow was the highlight of my career. Naturally I have no photographic record of that event (ARGH!) but it was a great day--an opportunity I earned through participation in my industry professional group.

I hear alot of "they should" or "they don't" when it comes to CHA  but really the they  is us. It's our organization and our involvement can influence it. And when you participate, you realize that there are lots of folks with lots of agendas and needs to prioritize.

Participate at whatever level you can! Join a task force. Volunteer at an event, contribute somehow to the media campaign. You don't have to be a big manufacturer or retailer. There are jobs that take a few hours and some with longer commitments. It' s up to you. You just have to be a person of ideas who is willing to work towards a common goal of industry growth.

Contact Steve Berger or Sandy Ghezzi  at CHA and they will connect you to the staffer who can put you to work. It's worth the effort!-- Beth