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Our annual Strategic Planning Session was held in early December. We had board members, committee members, sponsors, and members at large spend almost all day to help us determine the direction of FPA of MN as we look towards 2024. We decided that our theme in 2024 is to “Challenge the Status Quo!”
There has been a comforting consistency to FPA MN that I could set my yearly schedule to - for example, our monthly meetings, the golf event and the Ascend Conference. In a post-pandemic world, operations have changed, so our organization must also make adjustments. 2024 will be different from business as usual. We have a lot of exciting new happenings that members will find beneficial and energizing!
New Executive Director
Last year, to be fiduciaries to our members, the board sent out a request for proposal for the executive director role. After an exhaustive search and selection process, a contract was signed with Ewald Consulting. We are excited to introduce our new executive director, Katie Wallstein, who officially took over the position on January 1. Throughout a decade-long dynamic career, Katie's dedication has been to strategic development, growth, and impactful leadership within the association world. She believes in the power of collaboration and has a proven track record of bringing together stakeholders, guiding teams, and steering initiatives that deliver tangible, sustainable results.
In addition to Katie, our organization has access to a team of professionals in membership, marketing and communications, events, professional development and sales.
FPA MN sincerely thanks Office Connections - Bonnie Stanley and Jessica Hawthorne - who supported us for nearly 29 years. We wish them the best in their endeavors.
Continuing Education Offerings
NO MORE MONTHLY MEETINGS. Wait, what?
Our organization will now have three in-person chapter meetings, a half-day spring training session, four virtual offerings and our annual ASCEND Conference. Gradually, the world has gone virtual, and continuing education has been no exception. Gears are shifting slightly to reduce the number of in-person meetings and increase the caliber of speakers used. The Programs Committee's goal is to deliver "main stage" speakers.
Take advantage of every meeting!
Sponsorship/Partner Opportunities
Without monthly chapter meetings, there was a need to revisit sponsorship opportunities. Partners are crucial to our chapter; their support represents almost 40% of our yearly revenue. Because of these sponsors, meeting and ASCEND fees are kept reasonably priced.
After meeting with current partners, we developed à la carte options. Now, they can focus on where efforts are best spent.
My gratitude extends to all involved in the planning process. I eagerly anticipate 2024 and collaborating with the board of directors to challenge the status quo and sustain FPA MN's position as one of the premier chapters in the nation!
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