How the IABC board brings value to members
I check my bank account and credit card almost daily, serve as our household CFO, and work in financial services public affairs communications. So, the idea of taking on the IABC MN Treasurer role this year seemed like a somewhat natural fit. My fellow IABC MN board member Paul Omodt has served as our Treasurer for several years and we all owe him our gratitude for his work. I have big shoes to fill!
During the last two years during COVID, the IABC MN Board prioritized finding savings in anticipation of potential lower dues and adjusting to new realities around in-person meetings. For example, we worked with IABC national offices to consolidate insurance coverage across chapters that resulted in real savings for the Minnesota chapter. Meanwhile, we have prioritized holding events at outdoor venues and invested in technology platforms to be able to continue to connect and collaborate during COVID.
IABC MN takes a finance approach that balances maintaining sufficient reserves with bringing value to our members. Our philosophy is that we are stewards of members’ dues and should invest their money back into each member by putting together professional development and networking events. This includes members enjoying free coffee at “Connections Groups,” members getting access to most IABC MN events at no charge, and members supporting young professionals through a newly-launched $2,000 scholarship. We also invest in our community with programs like Gift of Communications where our members volunteer their time to partner with area nonprofits to provide pro bono communications services for a day. Our priority is to help grow and strengthen the Minnesota communicators network by offering an engaging member experience.
We are working on our 2022 budget now and we are committed to upholding our approach of investing in our members and the community in the year to come. I hope to see IABC MN members at events this year and would love to hear from you how to best reinvest your dues to support your ongoing professional growth.
Happy holidays and happy budgeting to all!
