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IAMC Insider: WHEN A GOOD PLAN COMES TOGETHER

IAMC Chair

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about IAMC’s board of directors’ meetings, which happened Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 in Atlanta. Our January meeting is important because this session traditionally is our strategic plan kickoff for the following year.

The in-person turnout of board members and committee chairs was impressive, considering all hold down demanding jobs. Every board member attended, save one who had a health issue, and this person joined the conversations by phone.

The deliberations and dialogue were dynamic, constructive and positive in tone. There was mutual respect among those present. This factor underpins the large amount of work we achieved.

The first day was dedicated to bringing everyone up to the same level on the status of IAMC’s work and activities based on our 2018 strategic plan, which was approved at the fall 2017 Member Business Meeting. After hearing work-team leaders’ reports and discussions, I can tell you IAMC is in good shape toward achieving our commitments to membership. Members can see our 2018 goals on IAMC’s website.

On day two, we worked through a strategic planning exercise. A professional facilitator, Otis White of Civic Strategies Inc., managed the process. We looked at a time period of 10 years (IAMC 2028), and we detailed shorter term goals for next year.

What are some of the issues we discussed? Any IAMC member will not be surprised. The topics included: 
Professional Forums – This is IAMC’s flagship experience. We plan to ensure attendees leave these feeling the time was a beneficial investment in the success of their companies and their careers.

Membership — This is the core of every professional association. We’ll sharpen the value of each membership component. 

Corporate real estate content — We need to accelerate its development and delivery to the members. 

IAMC International — We plan to assure our international strategy is forward-thinking and beneficial to our members and the organization.

Overall, IAMC is on track to support its members, financially sound, and planning for a dynamic future. 
Like every business, we have challenges. But my takeaway from these meetings is that we have an amazing team of leaders, who have deep experience in the organization, a broad range of business skills, and a commitment to make IAMC more valuable to the members over the next 10 years. I love it when a good plan comes together. 

I can’t wait for the Savannah Forum. Laurie and I are looking forward to no snow, warm weather and seeing our IAMC friends again.

Best regards,
Mark Eichkorn
Chair, IAMC Board of Directors