Registration Rates Increase Next Week!

Three weeks to go until the inaugural WSAE Women’s Forum convenes WSAE members and non-members working in the association, non-profit and hospitality industries to share ideas, empower one another, celebrate individual and collective successes and ignite meaningful relationships. This event will provide an experience that inspires women in our community to participate and support the development of women as leaders, with an eye towards networking, mentoring, career development and addressing hot topics.

And, it's not just for women! Anyone is eligible to attend, regardless of race, gender, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or family responsibilities.

Featuring these truly outstanding industry leaders:

Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS®

Jennifer Bartolotta, President, Bartolotta & Associates

Marin Medema, CMP, The Osthoff Resort

Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO, VISIT Milwaukee

Susan Thomson, Co-Founder, CEO, ActionCOACH Business & Executive Coaching

Denise Husenica, MBA, CAE, Membership Manager, National Fluid Power Association

Dana Johnson, Executive Director of Sales - Milwaukee Market, Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Michelle Vetterkind, CAE, President and CEO, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association

Christina McCoy, CAE, President and CEO, WSAE

Thank you to event sponsors:

Your Membership

WSAE Is Looking for Talented Association Professionals:

Summit presentation abstract submission is open!

We are trying something new this year, and we invite you to share your expertise with Wisconsin's Association Community at this year's Summit.

We are accepting proposals for sessions that:

• Address an issue or speak to a topic that is specific to associations and membership-based organizations
• Deliver an engaging learner experience (e.g., utilize engaging visuals, elicit participant insights)
• Are education in nature (No sales of products or services will be tolerated.)

Presenters will receive a complimentary registration to attend the Summit. Proposals must be submitted by Thursday, September 22 by 5:00 pm CT. 

WSAE's 2022 Summit is scheduled for November 30-December 1 at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club. This will be a high energy, in-person event! 

What's New in the WSAE Knowledge Hub

Be sure to check out the WSAE Knowledge Hub! This is an entirely FREE library of downloadable educational content ranging from association management white papers, topic-specific webinars, industry product guides, industry analysis and much more. And the library is updated often - Check it out!

Featured resource

The Top 6 Reasons to Join an Association

Use this infographic as a recruitment and retention marketing tool. Post it on your website, put it in presentations, or use it as inspiration for social media posts. Download.

Your Connected Community

Employee handbook

My association's employee handbook was last updated in 2001, so it is time for a refresh! If you have any resources or examples from your own organization that you would be willing to share, please send them my way. Join the conversation.

Relaunch of Real Time Compensation Benchmarking Site Includes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section

WSAE has partnered with other ASEs to make the Real-Time Compensation Benchmarking Survey tool possible. And by giving a little, you will GET A LOT!

• Compare your organization's key operational metrics to others across the industry in real time*.
• Evaluate valuable KPI's, including salaries, benefits, positions/departments, and more!
• Generate customized reports and graphs like the below to inform decisions and keep your organization competitive.

If you have never participated, get started here.

If you have Participated, update your data today!

Please note, this is a comprehensive survey with several sections of data. You do not need to complete the survey all at one time. To save your work and return to the survey later, simply click “Save” at the bottom of any page.

The 2022 Association Benchmarking Report from Naylor Now Available to Download FREE!

WSAE and our members participate in Naylor's benchmarking survey annually. The report of this year's survey has been released. Based on results from the 2022 survey, this one-of-a-kind report provides an in-depth look at the current state of association member engagement, shares best practices based on historical progress and future trends, and helps associations in crafting a strategy that provides value and increases revenue. This year, we learned that the top challenges associations face are shifting, associations continue to do more with less, and new technology customization are key strategies in the years ahead. Download your copy.

Upcoming Events

WSAE Webinar Series

As a CAE-Approved Provider, WSAE provides webinars that meet the professional development requirements needed to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential.

Competing for Quality: Strategies to Become a Top Talent Magnet

August 31, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Virtual Currencies Explainer

September 22, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

5 Steps to Find Your Value Proposition

September 27, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Battle Burnout It’s OK to Say You’re Not OK

October 19, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM 

On-demand Archives

WSAE offers an extensive library of online learning, covering a broad array of association management topics, available 24/7, at your convenience!

We had a great time connecting with our Wisconsin friends and colleagues on August 22 at ASAE - Thank you to all who came to our reception in Nashville!

Thank You Supporters

Thank you to the Wisconsin Reception sponsors:

Welcome New Members

• Sharon Beyer, The Abbey Resort
• Michelle Brown, NARI Milwaukee 
• Alison Hutchinson, Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau

Wisconsin Psychological Association (WPA) Selects Association Resource Center (ARC) to provide Management Services

The Wisconsin Psychological Association (WPA) has selected Association Resource Center (ARC) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to provide association management services to the organization. Jennifer Rzepka, CAE, will serve as Executive Director aided by the many talented and experienced Executive and Coordinator staff to execute their mission.

Rachel Reinders-Saeman, current WPA President, states, “we have been extremely appreciative of ARC's approach to association management. Jennifer has focused on helping us thoughtfully fix our problems and highlight our goals and priorities so that we can accomplish the organization's goals. Her work has been praised by members as being thorough and service-driven.”

Drury Hotels earns record-breaking 17th-consecutive J.D. Power award

They did it again! For the 17th year in a row, the Drury Hotels team has set a record for guest satisfaction. J.D. Power ranked Drury "Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Midscale Hotel Chains” in the J.D. Power 2022 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study.^SM The recognition marks Drury’s 17th consecutive year earning the guest-satisfaction award and sets a record for most consecutive wins in the J.D. Power travel and hospitality category. Read more.

Semmann Joins WGA as Vice President of Government Affairs

The Wisconsin Grocers Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Semmann as the Vice President of Government Affairs effective August 1, 2022.

In this position, Semmann will oversee all aspects of the association’s state and federal legislative affairs, regulatory issues and political affairs.

“We are extremely pleased that Mike will be joining the WGA as the grocery industry and its partners navigate the legislative and regulatory challenges that have significant impacts on grocers, convenience stores, warehouse suppliers, vendors, and related stakeholder groups,” says James Hyland, VP Communications & Public Affairs and Chair of the WGA’s Board of Directors.

WHLA Welcomes New Finance Administrator, Gina De Sota, CPA

The Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association (WHLA) is pleased to announce Gina De Sota, CPA has been hired as WHLA’s new Finance Administrator. She has a variety of experience working in industry and public accounting.

As the Finance Administrator, Gina's responsibilities will include assisting with all financial aspects of the association, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting. Gina will report to WHLA’s President & CEO Bill Elliott, CAE. Gina’s role brings the position back in-house to the WHLA Office in Brookfield, WI. 

“We are incredibly excited to have Gina join our team,” said Elliott. He continued, “She has a strong background in finance management, and her enthusiasm for the position fits great with our culture of offering a fun place to work where people can grow in their careers.” 

New WHLA Board Member Shawn Dortman Announced

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) announced the election of Shawn Dortman to the association’s board of directors for a three-year term.

Dortman is the general manager of LODGE KOHLER in Green Bay. In a career with Kohler Co. that spans 23 years, she most recently worked with Kohler Hospitality and was also resident manager for The American Club and Inn on Woodlake in Kohler, Wisconsin.

“I am honored to be voted as a member of this prestigious board,” said Dortman. She continued, “During my term, I look forward to dutifully serving Wisconsin’s burgeoning hospitality community, forging meaningful relationships and learning from the region’s top industry minds, all while representing Kohler’s signature gracious hospitality.”

Rebecca Brandt, CAE, Elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE)

Rebecca Brandt, CAE, of Executive Director, Inc. (EDI), a Milwaukee-based association management company, was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) at their annual meeting in Austin, TX.

Rebecca (Becky) Brandt, CAE joined Executive Director, Inc. in 2003 and currently serves as the executive director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). She has served as Executive Director of several EDI clients, including the International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL), American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) and the International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative (ITSCC).

She also proudly served as the Executive Director of AAMSE from 2009-2014 which puts her in the unique circumstance of serving on the board of an organization where she previously held the position as the chief staff officer.

“It is wonderful to see Becky elected to the governing board of AAMSE. Given her knowledge of the organization as well as her understanding of national medical societies, she will be an incredible asset to the board,” said EDI President, Kay Whalen, MBA, CAE.

The Foundation of NACE Names Impact Association Management as AMC

Impact Association Management announced a new partnership with the Foundation of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). This partnership will assist FON in its mission to contribute to the catering and events industry through education and investments that support NACE members and chapters.

"As the Foundation of NACE continues to grow we are pleased to announce our new partnership with Impact as our management company,” said Terry Shields, CPCE, CSEP Past President of the Foundation of NACE Board of Trustees. “As we approach our 40-year anniversary, we know that Impact will help guide us towards a new, heightened level of success in all of the Foundation's present and future educational programs."

The Wisconsin County Highway Association Names Impact Association Management as AMC

Impact Association Management announced a new partnership with the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA). This partnership will assist WCHA in its mission to protect and further the common interests of county governments in performing the governmental function of constructing and maintaining

highways.

“The WCHA is very excited to partner with Impact,” said Roland Hawk, P.E., WCHA President. “ Impact’s extensive resources and experience will provide WCHA with a wealth of resources to improve and expand our communications, both internally with members and externally with our transportation stakeholders.”

2022 Evolving Eagle Award Announced

Acumen is proud to announce that Amanda Schellinger was named as the 2022 recipient of the Evolving Eagle award.

Amanda serves the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) as a Membership & Marketing Manager and the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association (AFLA) as a Membership & Sponsorship Manager.

With more than five years of association management experience, she has worn many hats and prides herself on her adaptability. She excels at developing membership and marketing strategy, managing sponsorship deliverables, copywriting and streamlining complex processes. She has a passion for data integrity, creating a positive end-user experience and authentically connecting with both internal and external stakeholders.

“Amanda is an invaluable resource to Acumen and her clients," Betsy Smith, CPA, MST, Association Acumen's President, said. "She has an innovative, proactive and fearless approach to management and strives to improve processes which benefit everyone. Amanda is a well-deserving recipient of the Evolving Eagle award.”

The award is given to the Acumen employee who has grown the most professionally by achieving a specific career goal during the past year and/or who has consistently demonstrated excellence above and beyond expectations and has achieved outstanding results and made the most improvements to a specific client or client’s services.

Kassie Davis Promoted to Accounting Manager

Kassie Davis has been promoted to Accounting Manager at Association Acumen. Kassie will continue to provide high level client service to all of the organizations Association Acumen serves in addition to managing all aspects of accounting, office facilities, and information technology, facilitating external audits, supporting client and new hire transitions and human resources and fearlessly supporting many other areas under the Association Acumen roof. Kassie recently celebrated her seven-year anniversary with Association Acumen.

“Kassie’s dedication and her ability to fearlessly tackle the complex accounting issues, IT, HR and just about anything under the Acumen roof is only a sliver of what makes her so deserving of this promotion," Betsy Smith, CPA, MST, Association Acumen's President, said. "Her astute financial acumen allows her to provide accurate financial reporting to the organizations we manage, as she partners with our client teams. Kassie is truly the Swiss army knife at Acumen.”

Brag a Little Bit - Let Us Help Spread Your Good News!

Did your property recently complete a renovation? Did you launch a new product or service for associations? Perhaps you received a promotion or industry recognition? Let us know! We love to help spread good news related to our industry partner members. Please submit your brags using this form. Please note that there is no additional cost to this promotion - It is included as a benefit of your WSAE membership. 

Check Out These Opportunities Currently Posted in WSAE's Career Headquarters

Association Technology and Membership Coordinator

AMPED Association Management

Middleton, WI; Alexandria, VA; or Remote

Why Do Sign-On Letters Matter So Much?

Remember 2020? How could we forget. Policymakers mischaracterized our community and excluded associations from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Do you remember our community’s three sign-on letters that year? They were written to help demonstrate to Congress that associations needed—deserved—financial relief just the same as other employers across the economy.

I truly believe that willingness to join those letters was the biggest reason why Congress included most of our community in the PPP. Thank you. Almost 9,000 signatories joined the collective letters, which made a huge statement to legislators. As a result, our community received at least $1.2 billion in financial relief.

We must remain vigilant, however, and continue to share the Power of Associations with “each policymaker in America” to ensure we are not again mislabeled—to showcase our “deep-rooted and wide-ranging benefits to our nation.”

Join the NEW Community Sign-On Letter.

Your voice matters. Check out ASAE's fresh, expansive Community Sign-On letter and give your support. ASAE, state societies of association executives and other partners will send the new letter to lawmakers across the country in a campaign to further demonstrate that the Power of Associations “supports policymaking and champions each industry, profession and worker.” Please add your organization to the letter. The goal is hefty, but ANY employer is encouraged to join: small businesses, companies, corporations, other nonprofits, associations’ members, association management companies and their clients, etc. Please note we will only list organizations on the sign-on letter.

WSAE welcomes an average of ten new members monthly, on top of a steady base of members - WSAE enjoys a 93% retention rate. This means that sponsors and advertisers have the opportunity to continually make new contacts while building on the relationships they have already established. If you are interested, you can review the Partnership Prospectus, and contact Chris Caple at ccaple@wsae.org with any questions or to discuss other Partnership opportunities.