Organizations serve specific purposes that are usually identified in their visions that answer the question why they exist. To achieve the vision, organizations develop mission statements that simply answer how they will do that[i]. The strategy comes after identifying both vision and mission, which sets long term goals as well as measurable objectives and action […]

Are you looking for ways to add non-traditional revenue to fund the mission of your organization? Over my years running chambers of commerce, I have found that the opportunities are only limited by the imagination of you and your members. For now, let’s focus on your office space and the many options you can consider. […]

My great grandpa Cyril and great grandma Adelaide met up in Canada on a buffalo hunt in 1865.  I’m not sure if this excited me to know that I come from stock that embraced adventure or that great grandpa Cyril lived to be almost 102 back when life expectancy was 56.6 years of age for […]

Building Organizational Excellence is a class taught at the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. I start the class by asserting, “Organizational excellence starts with a commitment. To be the best you must have a hunger.” Reaching excellence will distinguish the organization from mediocre ones. In inward evaluation […]

I LOVE CHAMBER & ASSOCIATION WORK. It is and has been a great career; but let’s be honest, this business can have many pitfalls. While this work can be hugely rewarding, it can also be demanding, all-encompassing, and if you let it, maybe even addicting to the point that, unfortunately, for MANY, it’s VERY tough […]