Members gathered at the offices of the American Management Association for NYSAE’s 97th Annual Meeting. They voted on bylaws amendments, heard highlights of the year, and elected officers and directors.Members of the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE) amended the association's bylaws and elected new officers and directors as they celebrated NYSAE's 97th Annual Meeting. The Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsored the luncheon, held at the offices of the American Management Association.
David M. Jackson, CMP, Vice President of Sales, Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau, sponsor of NYSAE’s 97th Annual Meeting, spoke about coming to the Pocono Mountains to be “relaxed, rejuvenated, and reinvigorated. We are the real deal.”"Our key industry is tourism," said David M. Jackson, CMP, Vice President of Sales, Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau, sponsor of NYSAE's 97th Annual Meeting. "If you don't come, we don't eat." Jackson spoke about coming to the Pocono Mountains to be "relaxed, rejuvenated, and reinvigorated. We are the real deal," and showed a film highlighting some of the attributes of meeting in the Pocono Mountains, less than 200 miles from New York City.
Bylaws Amendments
Key changes to the bylaws include:
- Addition of Next Generation Regular Membership for individuals under 35;
- Increasing size of Board to 19 from 18 and minimum from 12 to 13;
- Increasing potential of Board service from one three-year term to two three-year terms;
- The Chairman and Chairman-elect shall hold the office for up to two versus currently one year;
- The Executive Committee is expanded to include two members of the Board of Directors, in addition to the officers;
- Non-substantive Bylaws can be amended by the Board of Directors; and
- An indemnification provision has been added for Directors. Article XII. Section 1.
Highlights of Program Year
"The demand for NYSAE's programs and services from the association and not-for-profit community continues to increase," said Michael L. Weamer, President & CEO of the Marfan Foundation, and NYSAE Chair of the Board. Educational Summits and the Professional Development Workshops this year have all experienced excellent reviews from all in attendance, "and, I might add, attendance was excellent," said Weamer.
"I am so pleased with the successful launch of our NextGen SIG," noted Weamer. "These younger members are the future leaders of NYSAE, and I can see that we will be in good hands," said Weamer.
"Special thanks to Kalahari Resorts, as well as all our 2015-16 sponsors for putting us on a strong financial track. Our Board has worked hard this year, meeting six times instead of the usual three, to move the association to a stronger position. To that end, we are pleased that Doug Brown, Paradigm Associaties, will lead us in a organization planning process, beginning in June and continuing through the summer."
NYSAE's online publication InView, under the editorship of Nicole Millman-Falk, continues to be well received. InView enables NYSAE to continue to use technology as a strong vehicle to help promote several NYSAE program, such as MeetNY, which continues as the "Best Hosted Buyer Event" in the Northeast."
The Holiday Party this year was an evening Cocktail Reception at the Hotel Intercontinental Times Square. There was sell-out crowd, reaching capacity of the room. Yes, we have received a very clear message from members that evening programs are preferred as the attendance this year, has once again, exceeded our expectations.
Joel A. Dolci, CAE, NYSAE President and CEO, summarized highlights of the program year, including the very successful MeetNY, held this year at the New York Marriott Marquis. This Best-Hosted-Buyer-Event in the Northeast will be held again at the NY Marriott Marquis on March 8, 2017.Weamer extended special thanks to all NYSAE members and staff, who have performed magnificently this year, giving special notice to Joel A. Dolci, CAE, President and CEO. "He's an extraordinary leader and why I am here."
Dolci echoed Weamer's thoughts about NYSAE' successful Summit and Educational Programs. NYSAE offered eight programs this year, including our shared interest groups. "Our Awards Luncheon in April, at the University Club, was preceded by the Technology Summit in the morning and followed by the Technology Vendor Showcase and Luncheon Reception. "The entire event received very high marks as one of the best this year," said Dolci.
NYSAE is synonymous with strategic alliances. Anyone involved in association and not-for-profit management recognizes the value of strategic alliances. That's what our industry is all about-uniting to advance a common purpose. Strategic alliances were more evident this year than ever before at NYSAE., noted Dolci.
"Our strategic alliance at this year's MeetNY with Meet Kalahari Resort & Conventions was an overwhelming success, and I'll promise you today, if you thought this year's strategic alliance partnership was successful wait until next year when we once again conduct MeetNY at the New Marriot Marquis in the heart of Time Square."
Associate Members and exhibitors will have several opportunities to partner with NYSAE at MeetNY, and promote their brand throughout the entire Northeast Association community. "You can send me an email or give me a call and I'm certain we will be able to accommodate your request," said Dolci.
Development of a stable operation, an active membership, and an organization with a strong offering of programs and services doesn't just happen. It takes the combined talents, skills, and efforts of many people. If there is any credit to be shared for the success of NYSAE, it goes to our membership. "I'm very proud to serve as your President and be part of NYSAE's success."
Dolci extended special thanks to NYSAE's Chairman of the Board, Michael Weamer, who was always there when the decisions had to be made and performed for at such a high level. The committee chairs and vice-chairs, committee members and of course, the officers and directors all contributed magnificently this year. "And, the very capable NYSAE staff, for without their dedication we do not succeed. We are truly blessed to have such dedication. In closing, NYSAE members can be proud of their board, they have their fingers on the pulse of the Northeast association community. I consider myself privileged to be working with 19 of the most professional executives."
Congrats to NYSAE Board Members (left to right): Robert Blumenfeld, Executive Director, ACG New York; Joanne Barry, CAE, Executive Director, New York State Society of CPAs; Jennifer Ian, CAE, Director of Member Services and Chapter Relations, American Thoracic Society; and Robert Spangler, Senior Director of Marketing, New Jersey State Bar Association; and Chair of the Board Michael L. Weamer, President & CEO of the Marfan Foundation.New Officers and Directors
Michael L. Weamer, President & CEO of the Marfan Foundation, was reelected Chair of the Board. Also reelected were Chair-Elect Gerard M. Thiers, CAE, Executive Director, ASAH; and Treasurer Neil Mullanaphy, Director, Meetings and Conventions, American Traffic Safety Services Association. Reelected board members were Joanne Barry, CAE, Executive Director, New York State Society of CPAs, and Charles Riotto, President, International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association.
Newly elected directors, for a three-year terms expiring 2019, were: Stephen Aird, Regional Director of Sales, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB; Robert Blumenfeld, Executive Director, ACG New York; Jennifer Ian, CAE, Director of Member Services and Chapter Relations, American Thoracic Society; and Robert Spangler, Senior Director of Marketing, New Jersey State Bar Association.
Board and Committee Retreat
Members have already received the volunteer Recruitment Drive pamphlet, inviting them to volunteer as a committee member for the coming year and to attend the always productive and fun-filled Board and Committee Retreat, scheduled this year for July 17-18 at the beautiful Hotel Indigo East End on Riverhead Long Island. The Retreat begins with a reception on Sunday evening and will be followed by the the business portion of the getaway on Monday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, when the committees receive their charges and develop the programs for the year. Remember, you must be an NYSAE member to be appointed to a committee.