The leaves are changing, the air is becoming crisp, and we are entering a new season.  Fall is a great time to recommit to goals, overcoming challenges, and continuing your education.   What better way to do this than by attending a regional conference.   In September, the regional conference will be held in Anaheim.   With a fantastic agenda, filled with excellent speakers and a wide variety of topics, you can earn CEU’s and engage in networking opportunities.   I highly encourage anyone who has not attended a conference before to please consider doing so.  I think you will be amazed at the opportunity it brings and how much you will learn.

September also begins officer election season.   This is the month to make sure you are speaking to your chapter members about the positions, what each one entails, and how rewarding becoming an officer can be.   Make sure to encourage those who may be hesitant to nominate themselves to jump in and give it a try.  Encourage all of your chapter members to attend the election meeting in November and to think about volunteering for non officer roles in the coming year, such as speakers, proctors, etc.     This is also a great time to look at your upcoming meetings and events for the last quarter of 2018 and see where you may have opportunity to engage your chapter members in volunteering to assist the officers.  Do you have the ability to schedule additional exams if you have volunteers for second proctors?  Could your officers use assistance in signing in members to meetings, serving food, or putting on a year end event?   These are all great ways in which to engage your chapter members and potentially find future chapter officers.

Enjoy the changing season, spend time with family and friends, and keep looking to the future.

Sherri McDow, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CCC, CCS
AAPCCA Board of Directors, Treasurer
Region 8 Representative