Association Leaders Celebrate Results of the International Initiatives Conference

Contact
Chandra A. Briggman

Date
February 27, 2003




Plexus Consulting Group, LLC
1620 Eye Street, NW
Suite 210
Washington, DC 20006
Phone:  202-785-8940
Fax:      202-785-8949
Email:   info@plexusconsulting.com

Nearly 100 individuals representing over 70 organizations gathered to express their interest in government-funded international development

The Center for Association Leadership along with Plexus Consulting Group and Association Management Solutions proudly announce the success of the first International Initiatives Conference. Nearly 100 individuals attended and heard insights from development experts representing the World Food Logistics Organization, Department of Commerce, US Trade and Development Agency, USAID, US Export-Import Bank, US Global Technology Network and BearingPoint.

"We are very pleased and energized by the turnout for the conference, which marked the first step toward strengthening cooperation between lending agencies and the association community,” says Susan Sarfati, President and CEO, GWSAE and The Center for Association Leadership.  Ms. Sarfati goes on to say, "The speakers underscored their agencies’ desire to better understand and collaborate with associations. The initiatives program will enable major progress in building agency intelligence of the association market and at the same time, give associations unprecedented access to the services and funds of the lending agencies.”

The conference marked the launch of the “International Initiatives of the Center for Association Leadership.” Among associations that attended the inaugural event, American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) has expressed interest in active participation in the program. "At this time and place, our members need economic opportunities to open up new markets,” says Jean Wills, Executive Vice President. “We need seed money, far beyond what member dues can ever provide, to help our members connect to a broader audience. The International Initiatives Program connects funding agencies with front line associations rather than with consulting groups that interface between the two.  This relationship requires a facilitator, and I believe that the program addresses that need."

Monday’s event was intended to be an introduction to the International Initiatives Program. It will be followed by a detailed information session for organizations interested in active participation in the program.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Center for Association Leadership’s Marriott Learning Center located in the Ronald Reagan / International Trade Building—1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC.

Organizations interested in the initiative program but were not able to attend the event may request information packets by contacting Shannon McFarland at 202-785-8940 or smcfarland@plexusconsulting.com. They may also attend the March 4^th information session.

About The Center for Association Leadership
Center for Association Leadership, founded by the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives (GWSAE), is a portal to powerful and unparalleled learning experiences and resources that have the potential to transform the association profession. It offers an extensive array of programs, knowledge resources, and community networks that provide unlimited opportunities to find new ways to achieve personal and professional success. Learn more about the Center’s services at www.centeronline.org.  

About Plexus Consulting Group
Plexus Consulting Group is a management-consulting firm that provides marketing, management, and strategic planning services to association, for-profit, and governmental entities in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Plexus’s network of affiliate offices cover all these markets. The firm is headed by Steven Worth-a 25-year consulting veteran whose former professional titles include: Director of International Public Affairs and Communications, Deloitte, Touche, Tohmatsu; Managing Director of Hill and Knowlton Brussels, and Press Liaison for the U.S. Senate Majority Leader’s office.  For more information, visit the firm’s website at www.plexusconsulting.com.

About Association Management Solutions
Association Management Solutions (AMS) provides professional management for organizations and for targeted programs. The company enables associations to minimize infrastructure and overhead expenditures and adapt to changing market needs by offering professional resources and expertise on a contract basis. AMS provides ongoing management and evaluation of professional resources that ensure associations are realizing their goals and return on investment. For more information on AMS, visit the company’s website at www.assnmgtsolutions.com.