DECEMBER CHAPTER HIGHLIGHT: Pikes Peak Chapter, by Jennifer Patterson, Chapter President
What are your plans for the Chapter this year?
The Pikes Peak Chapter has several exciting events planned and several that are in the works. In December, we have our Holiday Social where we will have a presentation from one of our members on the difference between generations in the workplace. Our Early Careerist group has several social events planned such as Whirly Ball, bowling and a leadership panel where young Financial Managers can interact with the current leaders. The Chapter is also planning a Regional PDI that will be held during the March-April timeframe. All of these events are very exciting and the executive committee is working hard to offer many opportunities to our members.
What event or program has had the best response from your Chapter?
In August at the Chapter’s Membership meeting, we had an outstanding turnout for our guest speaker Ms. Pamela Franceschi, SES, Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), Columbus. We had over 50 members attend! Ms. Franceschi’s presentation, “The Power of Data Analytics” discussed how drilling down and looking at data from different perspectives can offer many benefits and solve problems. She provided examples of some of the issues that DFAS is tackling with this concept. Everyone enjoyed the presentation and we were truly grateful that Ms. Franceschi could take time out of her busy schedule to provide the presentation.
How have you been able to engage and grow your membership?
We have tried a few different avenues to grow membership. Our chapter has eight separate units that have members and/or potential members. So, in order to maximize interest, we have each unit host a monthly membership meeting. There are so many unique missions in the area and we want to offer many different educational opportunities with the end goal of drawing more interest in ASMC. Another way that we have increased membership, is to hold a membership drive and offer to pay a portion of the new member’s fee. All the individual has to do is show the receipt. We are still working on this year’s plan, but hope to make it just as successful.
What is your favorite chapter memory?
It is hard to single out one memory from the past year and a half as President. Both last year and this year, I have had an amazing executive committee to back me up. We all have busy schedules and every one of them go the extra mile to make this Chapter successful for the members. Last year was really special to the chapter because we co-hosted the National PDI. It was so fulfilling to see all of the behind the scenes hard work benefit so many. I hope to make many more memories with this chapter.
