President's Message - December, 2008

PRESIDENT’S HOLIDAY MESSAGE
December 2008
Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season!

On behalf of the NNJ ASTD Board, I extend best wishes for a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year.

As we close out 2008 and ring in 2009, we have many accomplishments to be proud of.  In 2008, we launched many new initiatives and innovative programs highlighted below.

2008 Chapter Successes:

Our successes are attributed to the outstanding efforts and diligence exhibited by our Board Leaders and Committee volunteers.  The Team successfully met all ... of our Chapter Objectives including:

• Developed New and Innovative Member Communications
  • Re-launch of our NNJ ASTD Website to include streamlined registration process, user-friendly features and rich content.
  • New Weekly Event Updates
• Delivered Innovative Programs to Exceed Members’ Learning Needs
  • Interactive Program Meetings – Round Tables and small groups facilitated by Senior Learning Leaders.
  • New Professional Development Meeting format and structure – Launched new half- day workshops.  Our workshops were held at a state of the art learning facility, Ricoh (NNJ A.S.T.D. Corporate partner.
• Disney Institute – NNJ ASTD co-sponsored the Disney Leadership Institute workshop with Fairleigh Dickinson University.  Disney shared best practices of The Walt Disney Company that come to life every day at Disney Destinations around the world.  Participants were introduced to "the business behind the magic" – proven Disney business strategies that are adaptable to any organization to help increase customer loyalty, drive business results, and retain employees.
• New Joint Speed Networking Program (with NY City Metro Chapter) – Jack Appleman, V.P. Marketing, recommended and led this successful event.
• Exceeded Chapter Financial Plan
  • Exceeded our Chapter financial objectives.
  • Our Total Assets through November 30, 2008 totaled $29,983.48.
  • The NNJ ASTD Profit and Loss Statement for January through November 30, 2008 is provided as an attachment.

2008 Strategic Initiatives

Our 2008 Strategic initiatives were met and even surpassed by the Team.  As we continue to focus on Learning and Development Excellence in 2009 by providing our members with valuable programs and services, your input will propel us into the future.

Strategic Initiatives included:

• Increase Membership by 20% - The NNJ ASTD membership was increased by 20% this year!  We continue to bring in members from new industries and members from ASTD National.
• Develop a robust Marketing Plan - We developed a comprehensive marketing plan which marketed our Chapter programs and services to current and prospective members, both local and national.  The plan included a targeted approach to communications. Traditional mailings, which are preferred by a majority of members, were used to support our efforts.
• Event Planning – Our new technology was leveraged this year to advertise events on the NNJ ASTD website.  A strong partnership was formed with Chapter V.P.s from Programs, Professional Development, Executive Breakfasts and Special Interest Groups to develop holistic programs.  The strategy focused on bringing event themes together for all of the groups to create “program synergy”.

2008 Chapter Recognition

At the December Holiday Meeting, several individuals and organizations were recognized for their tremendous contributions and exceptional performance in 2008 including:

• Ricoh of Americas Corporation -  Ralph Ganger Organization Award
• Ed Parkin, V.P. Technology  – Ralph Ganger Individual Award
• Pam Sammarco, V.P. Leadership Development – Presidential Appreciation Award
• Scott Cohen, President-Elect – Presidential Appreciation Award
• Debra Hamilton, V.P. Communications  – Presidential Appreciation Award
• Claudia Sandonato, Past-President  – Outgoing Leader Award

We are very appreciative of our long-standing relationships with NJRC SHRM and Mid-NJ ASTD.  Our joint events were very successful this year!

Community Contribution

We donated a portion of our meeting proceeds to fund a drive sponsored by Toys R Us, benefiting the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation.

Toys R Us has been very generous in providing our Chapter with their beautiful site to host all of our Chapter Executive Breakfasts.

Next Chapter Meeting

To be announced soon….

Karen Nowosad, V.P. Programs, will be introducing a new and exciting Chapter Program meeting format and schedule!

Closing Message

In closing, I am very proud to have led the NNJ ASTD Chapter this year.  The team has accomplished outstanding results by bringing innovative programs and services to our membership.

I also thank our Members, for all of your support and contributions to the Chapter.  Your participation and enthusiasm around Workplace Learning and Development enables all of us as Training Leaders to continue to grow in our profession.

The NNJ ASTD extends a warm welcome to Scott Cohen, our in-coming President.  Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Workplace Learning arena.  I know that he will be a shining leader for our Chapter in 2009.

Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
Warmest Regards,

Robin Moriates
NNJ ASTD President
908-625-3454
raqtenn@aol.com
  

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