By Sharon Lee, IABC/Calgary President
I hope everyone had a great summer. Is it just me, or did summer fly by? Having said that, I’m excited to start the 2018/2019 year with a group of very talented individuals on our board. If you haven’t had a chance to check out who your board is, you can do so here. Trust me. They are amazing, and I feel honoured to be a part of this team.
It’s been a busy summer for us. The board met in June to work on our 3-year strategic plan. Jolene Ondrik from Eye on Culture was there to facilitate the session. We discussed what worked and what could be improved to better serve our members. We also had an opportunity to get to know each other more by doing the Lumina Spark personality test; thank you again to Eye on Culture for the sponsorship.
While we continue to work towards creating connections, developing our members and advancing the profession, we also have a focus this year – to collaborate more. We know for us to serve you better, we need to build relationships with other like-minded organizations.
We also must continue to listen. IABC is about people and building a community. All of us are dedicated to ensuring you feel supported so that no matter what career stage you are in, we can be your hub for best practices, in-depth learning and career guidance. Please reach out if you have any suggestions and feedback; we are all ears!
Now that we are ‘falling’ back into our routine, here are a few things to look forward to:
First social event on Sept. 19
Our first social event is on Wednesday, Sept. 19th at Last Best Brewery. Join us for a pint and catch up with your IABC friends! New to IABC? This is a great time to come meet the board and learn more about us! Register here! Our fantastic Professional Development team has lined up the schedule for the next few months so keep your eye on our website and e-newsletter for more information on upcoming events.
CMP and SCMP Exams will be held on Oct. 20
Oct. 20th is fast approaching. You still have time to apply with the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) to take the Communication Management Professional (CMP) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) exam. Why become certified? Well, earning your professional certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, and provide evidence of your outstanding abilities. Learn more here.
Mentorship program
Our popular mentorship program will be resuming. Since its launch a few years ago, it has been steadily growing. This program is just another way for us to engage current and prospective professional communicators in a community committed to the highest standards of professional excellence. And, it is free for members! Learn more here.
Lastly, we are always looking for volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about IABC and acquire a new skill. You can check out the opportunities here. Don’t see one that fits you? Just email us!
I know fall is a busy time for everyone as we transition and gear up for the last few months of the year, but I look forward to meeting and seeing you at our events. If you ever want to give me a shout, feel free to reach out to me or any of us on the board.
Until next time,
Sharon Lee
