Subscribe via RSSA Letter from the 2022/2023 SMPS Seattle President
Hello SMPS Seattle Members and Guests,
As we approach the end of another remarkable SMPS year, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared together. This year has been a testament to our collective resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit as we navigated the new norm of virtual and in-person professional development. Working with the board of directors, volunteers and getting to see many of you in person (and virtually) has truly been the highlight of my year.
As my year as president comes to a close, I am humbled by the commitment I have witnessed from our members, guests, and volunteers. I want to thank the board members, volunteers, and those who worked so hard to get our chapter to where we are today. This year was truly a year of growth for me as I stepped into a role I wasn’t sure I was qualified for. But through the support of past and present board members, friends, family, and of course, my amazing team at DCI, this was an experience I learned a lot from and will reflect upon, helping others in their journey to leadership. I appreciate everyone’s encouragement and support, not only of myself but of everyone in the chapter. We truly have a unique and amazing community in our corner of the US.
Our chapter’s achievements, both big and small, reflect the passion and hard work that each and every one of you brings to SMPS Seattle. Following is a quick overview of a few things our chapter accomplished this past year:
Education– As a chapter dedicated to education for marketers and business developers, the Education Committee worked extensively to provide a variety of topics that hits each of the 6 Domains of Practice. Our next program is on September 27, Selling to Solving: Transform your A/E/C Team’s Business Development Mindset. We hope you can join us for one of the two sessions taught by Johnston Framework.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion – While there is still learning to be had and work to do to progress our chapter’s inclusivity, the DEI committee was instrumental in getting the DEI survey out to our membership and organizing the DEI focus group sessions in July. Results from the survey and focus groups are vital to our strategic planning efforts for the next three years and beyond.
Three-Year Strategic Plan – In 2020, SMPS Seattle developed a new strategic plan. As that plan comes to a close and a new three-year plan begins, I want to congratulate the board of directors for the past three years in being able to meet and/or exceed each of the goals. The pandemic certainly changed the way our chapter operated, but everyone was able to pivot a re-focus to achieve our goals.
As we step into a new year and a new three-year strategic plan, we will continue to build upon the lessons learned and develop innovative ways to continue making our chapter the most inclusive chapter we can be. Join us at the Annual Kick-off on September 20 at JTM Construction to learn more about our goals for the next several years.
Conferences – This year, A LOT of SMPS Seattle members were able to make it to the regional and national conferences. We had more than 50 people at PRC last year and almost 40 at Amplify in August. Seattle certainly knows how to represent! I hope to see many more of you at the upcoming Pacific Regional Conference in March! The conference is in Portland on March 13-15, 2024.
On behalf of the 2022/2023 board of directors, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each member, friend, and sponsor of the SMPS Seattle chapter. Your collaboration, feedback, and dedication to our chapter have made a positive impact on our community and beyond.
I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together next year.
Jessica Congdon, CPSM
