President's Corner November 2010

What a great time to be a part of a professional organization like ASTD Houston! The members voted on the 2011 Board of Directors in September. You elected the following Vice Presidents: Dennis Hutchison-President Elect; Nannette Daugherty-Professional Development; Amy Close-Programs; Chosieul Riley-Membership; Shirley Crews-Taylor-Communication; Lisa Lancombe-Technology; Susan Watson-Financial; Amy Hart-Marketing; John Lynch-Conference; Debbie Richards-Community Training Network; Mark Prasatik-Past President. Deandrea Woody will be appointed to the Board as Sponsor Relations. These professionals are revved up and ready to go, utilizing your suggestions from the November 9^th “Taking it to the Next Level” dinner and preparing a buffet of informational, developmental and growth opportunities.

The ASTD Houston Chapter experienced a number of incredible firsts in 2010.

The first Tri-Association meeting was held January in concert with the National Speaker’s Association (NSA) and Institute of Management Consultants (IMC)
The June Leveraging Technology for Learning Conference (another first) was a huge success. This event showcased eight different facilitators sharing innovative ways to make technology an active part of training and development.
In September we all saw orange as Chester Elton of “The Orange Revolution” was keynote speaker for the Annual conference & Exposition. Along with six breakout sessions, vendors and networking opportunities this became a sought-after event for the Houston performance improvement community.
ASTD Houston donated all proceeds from the door prizes to the nonprofit organization, Dress for Success (another first).
At the November dinner meeting, Taking It To The Next Level, participants heard members talk about their personal experiences in getting the most from their ASTD Houston membership: getting a job, obtaining your CPLP, starting a consulting business and networking opportunities. Sonia Sharma was awarded the 2010 ASTD Houston Chapter Scholarship Award. From handshakes, smiles and meeting new people to dinner, candles and tiaras (definitely a first) it was a wonderful evening.
The community Training Network (CTN) groups grew this year. These lunch-hour groups enabled members and non member to learn and develop themselves with a variety of subject and speakers. In the Houston area these CTNs meet the needs of professionals in the Medical Center, Downtown, Southeast, Woodlands, Westside and two new locations in planning, Clear Lake and 290 (two more firsts.)
In partnership with ASTD National the Houston Chapter hosted three certificate programs this year for the first time. That allowed professionals to attend certification classes in the Houston area, making certification cost effective. We look forward to hosting several more programs in 2011.
Don’t forget about the Power of Two – an opportunity to get a discounted National membership rate because you are a local member. Both memberships offer spectacular benefits.
Eight of the Houston Chapter Board members attended the Washington ASTD Leadership conference in October. It’s the first time that many from our chapter have attended. If leadership does not set the example of learning, how can we expect to lead?

WOW! If this much was accomplished in 2010, just think how much we can do as you take an active learning and development role in 2011. Join now and find your place in this great network we call ASTD Houston.

ASTD Houston

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