We are halfway through executing MHEDA programs for 2011 and in the midst of developing and planning programs for 2012. As mentioned many times before, MHEDA’s strategic planning process is the key to our success, the organizational engine that drives us toward the future. Strategic planning allows us to develop programs that help you (and us!) go beyond average.
A big part of this planning process is conducting an environmental analysis, both internally and externally, to evaluate the marketplace in which we are operating. Correspondingly, we must look internally at the resources we have available to deliver valuable and relevant programs to you. One component of this analysis is MHEDA’s Membership Survey, which tells us what’s on your mind about the challenges you face and how MHEDA can address them. 96 percent of survey respondents told us we are performing at an above average level. We will continue to do our best to earn that rating from you, but we will always seek to achieve a 100 percent “A” rating. We are committed to improving our value proposition for you and appreciate the opportunity to do so. Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback and suggestions for future programming.
We are just coming off of a very successful Convention. After three tough years in this industry, we welcomed a large number of Distributor and Supplier/Associate Members in Phoenix. For the first time, we also invited customers to attend. We heard some exceptionally positive comments from those of you who attended and also received some valuable suggestions for future programs. Those who have been involved with MHEDA over the years know that we are always excited to make changes and try new things—we are not risk-averse! So thank you to all who have shared comments and who made the investment to attend Convention. If you couldn’t make it this year, we hope to see you in Miami from May 5-9, 2012. Programming for next year is well underway!
In This Issue
As we are in the planning phase for next year’s event, I had the chance to meet a speaker who makes a point: “You Can’t Afford to be Average.” That struck a chord with me, particularly when I read the member profile about Southern Acquisitions. Here’s a company that lives and breathes its mission statement, “To be the most trusted sales and service distributor in our market.” Southern Acquisitions measures that statement, proactively and often, with its customer base to make sure it is not average but “the most trusted.” Good stuff. Check it out.
Also in the pages of this issue, you will read about the next generation and how we can all mentor and cultivate new talent in our respective organizations. Read about the innovative ways MHEDA members are recruiting and mentoring their young professionals beginning on page 26. Many of you hire interns for the summer or even during the school year through cooperative education programs. For tips on how to reach out to students, read the online exclusive article, “Recruiting On College Campuses,” featuring an interview with Mimi Collins, the communications director of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, who shares tips on finding young talent at universities. Remember, many students are seeking employment in our industry and have posted their resumes on MHEDA’s website at www.mheda.org/careercenter. Be sure to visit this site and also post your job opportunities there.
As always, we welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions for improvement. We know you have options for training, professional development, networking and industry resources. Thank you for putting your faith in MHEDA and making us your trusted resource.
 |
Liz Richards Executive Vice President MHEDA |