“I am very pleased with how our two-day strategic planning session 
unfolded. The Plexus Consultant worked with our executive committee prior to the meeting, which helped make sure that our board was on the same page 
regarding the objectives for the meeting. We concluded the session with
 a solid plan, including measurable goals and tasks, and I'm confident 
it will provide the society a solid foundation on which to grow. I'm 
very grateful to have had Plexus Consulting Group lead the board through this process."

Rebecca Brandt, CAE, Executive Director

International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL)

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“Headquartered in the United States and with offices in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo, the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc., (ISC)²®, is the global, not-for-profit leader in educating and certifying information security professionals throughout their careers. We are recognized for Gold Standard certifications and world class education programs.

In 2012 we retained Plexus Consulting Group, LLC (Plexus) to assess where we stood in key markets around the world. Through an assortment of quantitative and qualitative research techniques over the course of a year Plexus provided (ISC)2 staff and volunteer leadership an insightful and comprehensive analysis of our global markets that will serve us well as we put into place our growth strategies. I can recommend Plexus highly to any organization seeking to enter or expand upon its presence in markets anywhere on the globe."

W. Hord Tipton CISSP-ISSEP, CAP, CISA

Executive Director (ISC)2

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“The CEDIA Board of Directors and the organization itself had just gone through a few tumultuous years before we contacted Plexus Consulting Group for guidance.  Over the course of a year Plexus provided the tools and guidance for a more effective and strategic board meeting, a better handle on the real challenges we should be studying, and set us on a three year path to achieve the associations goals.  As our industry slowly revives from a challenging economic environment, Plexus Consulting Group has positioned CEDIA to be out in front of the recovery and to anticipate our member’s needs for years to come.

Donald L. Gilpin

Executive Director & COO

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association – CEDIA”

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Association Leadership through Partnership Symposium.   Over the course of the past year, Plexus Consulting has been doing research within the association community and beyond utilizing global management surveys.   They will be presenting the results of this work publicly for the first time during the upcoming symposium and will go into evolving and emerging economic, demographic, political and business management issues and trends.

I offer a first-hand testimonial that the preliminary results of their efforts were presented in a consolidated format to the leaders of my organization.   The presentation and discussion were insightful and allowed our leaders to benchmark against current trends and best practices from within the scientific and engineering community.  The program is also designed to work through real-life scenarios and how they affect your own organization.

I will be attending the upcoming workshop with my chief elected officer and another member of our executive committee.   During the program we will be comparing our own learning and management styles with those of our volunteer leaders and peers to see how each style can be woven together to produce a productive, effective, and efficient leadership team.  We will also be discussing social media and how best to use these new tools and measure our return on investment.

The ultimate goal is to experience a more informed and optimized partnership between your organization's professional and volunteer leadership!

Patrick Gouhin, Executive Director & CEO
 International Society of Automation

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Quote from a participant in the two-day Association Leadership Through Partnership (ALP) CESSE symposium:

"The CESSE Leadership Forum is a must attend event for any new Leader. While the presentations were specifically targeted for Non Profit associations, the topics and content are very relevant to For Profit organizations. The Forum affirmed my understanding of the critical role that a leader must play in developing strategy, governance structure, and partnerships. The netwrking and interaction was great. And perhaps most importantly I learned how my own natural attributes can help me to work with the team of leaders at ISA to accomplish the Society's goals."

Peggie Koons, International Society of Automation

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Quote from a participant in the two-day Association Leadership Through Partnership (ALP) CESSE symposium:

"This new program is excellent and right on target. The content and delivery were refreshing. A must attend for all CEO's and Volunteer Leaders. We will be back next year!"

Tony Keane, President/CEO of IFMA

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Quote from a participant in the two-day Association Leadership Through Partnership (ALP) CESSE symposium:

"The presenters were highly experienced in association management, and current issues pertaining to such. Coverage of relevent topics was effective and the approach very pragmatic. Highly recommend this to association leaders of the future."

Jon Seller, First Vice Chair of IFMA

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Quote from a participant in the two-day Association Leadership Through Partnership (ALP) CESSE symposium:

"Overall it was a fantastic event. I enjoyed the interaction with the other association representatives as well as the interaction within our association."

Jeffrey Gamber, Direct Board Chair of the International Society of Automation

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Quote from a participant in the two-day Association Leadership Through Partnership (ALP) CESSE symposium:

"Thank you, I very much enjoyed the last two days…. And even after attending at least 9 similar presentations… both by ASAE and CESSE."

Tom Brahms, Executive Director and CEO of the Institute of Transportation Engineers

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Sustainable outcome of a USAID project in Jordan to create a strategic
business plan for the Private Hospital Association:

"I am the CEO for Private Hospitals Association (PHA), actually I am
one of the outcomes of the Private Hospitals Association Strategy Based
Business Plan prepared by (Plexus Consulting Group) in 2008 for USAID in
Jordan. Recently, the PHA has organized a workshop (involving) the
members and stakeholders in the healthcare sector in Jordan to
demonstrate (and) evaluate the previous 2008-2012 (business) strategy
(while) receiving members' and stakeholders' suggestions and
recommendations for building (our) new (four-year) strategy including,
vision, mission, SWOT, goals and  objectives (based on what Plexus did
for us four years ago)."

Abdallah Hindawi, CEO for Private Hospitals Association (PHA)

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THANK YOU for absolutely everything! Your session was so well received; all the attendees loved it, and it was a wonderful way to kick off the conference. I truly appreciate your travel, and your commitment to serving ASAE, PSAE, and the non-profit association community!

Kate Shaughnessy Hankle, MBA, CVA

Manager of International & Leadership Development, Oncology Nursing Society

Thanks for a great session. All of the feedback I've heard has been very positive. I don't think any of us have ever worked through a planning session that efficiently before.

Deb Roepke

Board Member, The Giving Circle of Alexandria

It would definitely have been a longer and more painful process trying to get to where we are on our own. Also, your help has left us energy and momentum and a framework for moving forward.

Cathleen Phelps

Board Member, The Giving Circle of Alexandria

Please accept my sincere thanks for your contributions to our ISA Leaders’ Training at ISA Headquarters last Friday. Learning about the experiences of other associations and some of the challenges they faced and addressed is very beneficial in our quest to improve ISA. Your presentation drove home the importance of looking for new ways to work more effectively between volunteers and staff. I have received numerous positive comments from our participants and I know the training you provided will help all of us improve our society’s performance and maximize the contributions of our volunteers and staff. I look forward to future opportunities to use your talents to help us at ISA.

Robert E. Lindeman

2012 ISA President

Excellence is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities. The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command engaged Plexus Consulting Group to develop its first strategic plan. During the entire process, Plexus showed an exceptional level of commitment and dedication to this effort. Plexus has helped us to chart a course for the future and to identify opportunities for action. Plexus deserves to be acknowledged for their true professionalism and outstanding capabilities.

Robert Betz, PhD, Chairman,
Salvation Army National Capital Area Command Advisory Board, Washington, DC

We are a small, conservative organization which experienced a period of rapid growth, then flat and declining membership. Several unsuccessful attempts to address our marketing needs brought us to the realization that we needed expert, professional help in determining our optimum marketing direction. We investigated several consulting firms that work with associations, and found that the Plexus Consulting Group had the most successful experience in cases such as ours.
Knowing we have significant budgetary constraints, Plexus was flexible and able to juggle necessary resources in the research phase of our project, which allowed us to combine some meetings and save money. And their experience paid off in the meetings themselves as the Plexus consultant was able to anticipate which issues would require more discussion time for our particular group and which ones wouldn’t, so that the meetings were extremely productive.
Under the expert guidance of Plexus, we were able to craft an overall long-term marketing direction for our association, determine who our real target market should be, and identify tasks and timelines to travel the roadmap toward increased member acquisition and retention.
I would recommend Plexus to any organization struggling with organizational or marketing challenges.

Paul Nesbitt
Executive Director
NPMA

The response to the Leadership Development Seminars has been overwhelmingly positive from our attendees, which mainly included our council leadership drawn from the business, civic and education communities around the country. Your presentation on Rethinking Membership models addressed one of our most important national network issues in a thought-provoking, instructive and engaging way.
With sincere appreciation,

Dr. Lori E. Murray
Interim President & CEO
World Affairs Councils of America

Regarding the keynote address given at the International Coastal Cleanup Conference:
We have already started with our cleanups and the presentation by Steve Worth came to fruition as I have material that I am already starting to stockpile for the 2011 cleanup. Ocean Conservancy – once again thanks for the injection of motivation!!!!!!!

John Kieser
Environmental Manager [Cape]
Plastics Federation of South Africa

The strategic planning we did together earlier in 2010 really helped me shape some expansion ideas moving forward….

Erik A. Kimel
Business Entrepreneur and Peer2Peer Tutors, Founder

The work that you did for the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program was extremely valuable to us, we are still following the basic framework developed from that research and the strategic planning sessions which you facilitated.   It is one of the best investments that we have ever made.
You will be pleased to know that the CFE program has experienced a 20-25% year over year growth in enrollments for the last 5 years, we have over 90% renewal rate in the re-certification program, and nearly 30% participation rate by IFA member companies.   CFE has become the gold standard for professional development, continuing education program in the franchising industry.  Our goal is to get that 30% number up to about 50% of all member companies. 

John R. Reynolds
President
IFA Educational Foundation

On giving the keynote address at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives:
"On behalf of the Officers and Board Members of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), I write to express our deepest appreciation for your participation in our 2010 Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh.
Your presentation was extremely well received.   I was approached many times over the remaining course of the meeting by attendees with comments about how much they learned and were propelled by both the content and perspective that you brought to the session. I hope you were as gratified as I to see so many among the audience taking notes during your presentation.
Your new book made its way to me.  Thanks very much.  Can’t wait to read it.  From the comments made during the CESSE meeting, I think it will be a best seller with this community.  Just what many of us need."

Bill Davis
Executive Director
American Anthropological Association

On presenting research designed to help develop AICPA’s globalization strategy:
"Your presentation was very well-received and I also heard many compliments on the report….  Your expertise and knowledge were greatly appreciated by the group as was your willingness to engage in dialogue with us."

Nancy-Anne Potts
Research Manager, Office of Strategy Management
American Institute of CPA's

On giving the keynote address at the International Coastal Cleanup Coordinators Conference for the Ocean Conservancy in Cancun, Mexico:
Thank you for joining us at this year's International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Coordinators Conference in Cancun, Mexico. We were honored to have you as our keynote speaker; your presentation set the tone for our focus on the "Power of Parternships"

Vikki N. Spruill
President & CEO
Ocean Conservancy

On conducting a briefing of the OLA Board of Directors on good governance practices:
You did great!!!!!! many thanks for your patience! Great feedback. I'm so grateful! Just what we needed.

Lisa S. McGreevy
President & CEO
Online Lenders Alliance

Thank you again for your time and expertise this weekend. Your facilitation certainly kept us on track and resulted in an excellent plan that will serve our organization well.

Janice Stoudemire, CBA, ABA, ATA
President
Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs

On Plexus’s work for AMTA’s globalization strategic development plan:
Thank you for doing all the research and the presentation. The Board members and (our executive director) are very happy with the final outcome.

Megan Rosol
Research and Development Manager
American Massage Therapy Association

Not once but twice in the past year I’ve had the pleasure to work with Plexus Consulting Group of Washington, D. C.  My first experience was as the co-chair of the Alexandria City Public School’s strategic planning committee.  During the six-month strategic planning process, Plexus was invaluable in assisting our system in developing a meaningful and extremely useful strategic plan.  This was not the simplest of groups with whom they’ve worked as we wished to involve a large representation of stakeholders.  The planning sessions which were held over a period of five months with sometimes upwards of 50 individuals participating not only went smoothly but resulted in an extensive, well-developed plan which will serve the school division and our community for years to come.

So it was no wonder that when I retired from the school division and became executive director of ACT for Alexandria that I went back “to the well” that had proved so successful for the Alexandria City Public Schools.  And again, not only wasn’t I disappointed but I was extremely pleased with the result.  The timing was ripe for a revisit of our vision, mission and plan and Plexus was the company with whom to invest our trust in getting us where we needed to be.  Our board, like many, is composed of many highly motivated and successful members of our community.  The issues related to navigating such a group through the planning process can be somewhat precarious with a certain skill set needed to make the result all it should be. Again, Plexus “stepped-up” and provided the insight, guidance and direction needed to move us to a more clearly defined vision, more aptly stated mission and more appropriate goals.  We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with them as we now move to the “rubber meets the road” phase of business plan development.  While entering this next stage with a small amount of trepidation, I am glad to have Plexus on our side.

If your company, association or organization is in need of planning or management related services, I can’t recommend any company more highly than I can Plexus.  In my forty year career with the Alexandria City Schools and numerous community nonprofit organizations, I’ve been involved in a number of planning related ventures with various consultants.  In my experience I’ve not had a more successful experience than the two with Plexus.

John Porter
Executive Director
ACT for Alexandria

I wanted to inform you that the part of Plexus consultant's “Scenario Planning” assignment comes to an end today, she’ll be heading back home tonight. I also would like to inform you that it was such a pleasure working with her. She showed an exceptional level of commitment and dedication to her work that made it enjoyable to all of us working with her.

In fact due to her enthusiasm and professionalism, we all at SABEQ have a very positive feeling about this assignment. We think that it will yield good outcomes that we didn’t foresee when the entire thing started. Plexus deserves to be acknowledged for finding and recommending her.

Mohammad Amawi
SABEQ Program
USAID, Kingdom of Jordan

Just as a follow up after nearly two years since your study, ASHI has been accredited by NCCA for the ASHI Certified Inspector designation.  The decision to move this direction was based on your work. It has been well received and I think that it will ultimately help us to grow membership.
Times have been tough with the economy but ASHI is surviving and moving forward.

David Tamny
ASHI President Elect 
American Society for Home Inspectors

Plexus Consulting evaluated ACP’s operations in membership, product development and marketing, based on the views of members, non-members and staff, through the use of surveys, interviews and focus groups.  The evaluation was completed on-time, within budget, and provided useful recommendations for how ACP can set priorities and become more effective.

Robert Murray
Project Liaison
American College of Physicians

"Plexus brought a comprehensive approach to ACR’s strategic planning effort--before during and after. Before, Plexus provided the neutrality of a third party membership surveyor and stakeholder interviewer. During, Plexus faced the challenge of facilitating a board composed of facilitators while adding in benchmarks and lessons learned from other clients. Afterward, Plexus ensured that the work was not only electronically captured, but was detailed down to a “who, what, when, and how” action plan that could be monitored by date and by the responsible individual. The last part makes all the difference between a plan that is filed away and a plan that has energy and commitment."


Douglas M. Kleine, CAE
Executive Director
Association for Conflict Resolution

"ASQ used Plexus Consulting for an engagement that led to very significant global strategies. (Plexus’s lead consultant was) very knowledgeable and has worked with many professional associations. We used an RFP process and found…. Plexus (to be) very competitive and responsive. We would work with them again. They are in DC."

Paul Borawski, CAE 
Executive Director and Chief Strategic Officer
American Society for Quality

"This past fall, our school division embarked on a much needed strategic planning initiative. Having little experience in this arena, the system decided the most productive way to move forward with this endeavor would be to enlist the assistance of a consulting firm with both previous strategic planning experience and the desire and capability to work with a diverse community to develop a plan.

Our RFP process resulted in a number of firms to consider. After follow-up meetings and much discussion, Plexus Consulting was chosen to assist us. We chose Plexus as a result of their extensive experience, the process they described, and the outcomes they expected. They also displayed an extraordinary understanding of what we were hoping to accomplish and the expanse of individuals we wanted to make sure were included in the process.

From the initial planning session to the culminating meeting, Plexus not only met but exceeded our expectations. Plexus would gladly meet with us to plan for upcoming sessions and then follow-up to debrief on what we accomplished and/or learned after each large group meeting. The Plexus team was extremely professional, respectful of the points of view of everyone on the team, and focused on accomplishing the task at hand. Additionally, they could view the plan and process from the “outside” which proved extremely helpful for those of us who were in the system and/or City. The end result was an exceptional strategic plan and one which will, I am sure, not end up on a shelf for someone to find in a couple of years and ask about. What impressed me most was the seeming ease with which the sessions flowed and the plan developed.

If you are contemplating a strategic planning initiative for your system, I highly recommend that you do so and make it a plan which will be used. I also highly recommend Plexus Consulting as they will provide you both with an exceptional product and one which will be accomplished in a positive, inclusive fashion."

John L. Porter 
Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Operations
Alexandria City Public Schools

"The strategic plan continues on its implementation schedule and we have made a great deal of progress. It has definitely become a cornerstone of our future development and the leadership is very happy with the plan and our progress."

Chris Burruss 
President
Truckload Carriers Association

"In reviewing the output of our strategy session this AM, I believe that I speak for all members of our Board in saying that this was an excellent session, and that your efforts to help us to align all the activities of our association around a common direction are both recognized and greatly appreciated."

John Costanzo
President
The Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA)

"...on my NASPA to do list today was to let you know how much we appreciate your effort to assist us in the venture we are on to constantly strive for improvement with NASPA. As the Board was reveiewing many critical issues for the Association over the few days of the Board meeting you might be surprised how many issues you raised that dovetailed nicely with other initiatives and priorities.

I thank you for your insight and professionalism in your work with us."

Jan Walbert 
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

"There was a lot accomplished this weekend with a lot more hard work ahead. With your time, hard work, and dedication to this organization, Plexus has given us the tools to move forward for growth. There were a lot of great things that have come out of this project and items that have been confirmed for the board."

Sharon N. Earl
International Municipal Signal Association

Re: Companies for a large market research project
"We are currently in the middle of an extensive project with Plexus Consulting Group - and they have been absolutely great to work with."

Anthony Snyder 
Director of Membership and Marketing
American Society of Home Inspectors

I want to let you know that we all feel great about all we got accomplished. We have a very specific set of goals, rationale and a good start on tactics...we have a game plan that is supported by the findings. Our thanks to Plexus Consulting Group.

Linda Kloss 
CEO
American Health Information Management Association

Your input (on ISCD's globalization strategy) was invaluable.

Martin Rotblatt 
Associate Director
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry

I have been reflecting on the work that the executive committee and Plexus accomplished last week and I am amazed. It is very rewarding to be moving forward on this wonderful venture for NAP. Thank you.

Jeanette M. Williams
Board President
National Association of Parliamentarians

“...the strategic counsel that (Plexus Consulting Group)has provided to me and our organization has been very thorough, consistent and timely. It is good to know that if an emergency should arise, Plexus Consulting Group would be in our corner.
“I have enjoyed working with (Plexus Consulting Group) and appreciate all that you have shared with me to help me learn and grow in the PR space.”

Courtney Shafer 
Sr. Vice President of Communications
Entrepreneurs' Organization

We couldn't have done it without your guidance at the beginning! You and Plexus really got us off to the right start.
Jeremy's Heroes has persevered the economic downturn...Your consulting on our initial business plan was invaluable to the overall success of the charity.

Debbie Green
Jeremy's Heroes

Many thanks to you and your team for the fine work you did in guiding us through the strategic planning process. The process you employed was very inclusive and allowed us to build a consensus based on solid input from both our members and key non-members. Our operational plan has been funded for 2007, and we are already working on implementation. I appreciated your prompt follow-up at each stage of the process, and it was a pleasure to work with you.

Shirley A. Maloney 
Senior Vice President
National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent work that you and the Plexus team undertook in support of RAPS international strategy development. The research you prepared and your excellent facilitation of the retreat with our Board of Directors and staff have become a foundation for our strategic and operational planning. Your work is already being translated into specific plans. Of equal importance, your efforts helped to create sensitivity to issues, challenges and opportunities of global development. This is beginning to create an awareness of changes in the international climate and flexibility in our planning. We look forward to efforts to extend our work with you and your organization in the future.

Sherry Keramidas, PhD, CAE 
Executive Director 
Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS)

For strategic plan facilitation -- Plexus Consulting "has done some great work for us and for our members..."

Penny Pompei
President and CEO 
National Women's Business Center

The Strategic Planning Taskforce concluded their work as the strategic plan reached final approval. At each step of the approval process the quality of the work Plexus Consulting Group performed on our behalf has been acknowledged. Our final plan is enhanced by Plexus's facilitation of the sessions as well as an awareness of the activities of other associations Plexus shared with us during the process. Plexus has contributed greatly and their excellent work will be long remembered.

Douglas Viehland 
Executive Director Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs

My organization worked with Plexus Consulting Group last year and they were terrific in helping us discuss and plan for a new future. I highly recommend Plexus Consulting Group.

Ken Schoppmann 
Executive Director Licensing Executives Society

I would like to express my appreciation for the hard work that Plexus Consulting Group put into this effort as we move forward to expand the globalization of ISA. Plexus is to be commended for their work on the data and their recommendations for our consideration.

Gerald Wilbanks, P.E. 
Documentation & Engineering Services, LLC
President ISA

ISA has made numerous eforts over the last two decades to operate in the global arena with mixed success. Working with Plexus Consulting Group, we have finally started to crystallize our objectives and define a manageable plan to be more effective as a global engineering society.

T.S. Lee 
ISA Director

Plexus Consulting Group, LLC was recruited to work with GEGI under a USAID-BearingPoint contract designed among other things to promote business development here in Georgia. Plexus worked with GEGI from August to October 2004 as self-certification consultants assisting business associations to develop self-certification programs for their respective industries. Plexus consultants conducted needs assessments, provided formal training, and on going individualized technical assistance for the business associations. Their initial work was so well received that they were invited to return to Georgia in March and April 2005 for follow-on work.

During this subsequent visit, the number of associations requesting assistance went from five to nine. The industries that they worked with included accounting, auditing, real estate, marketing, export, agriculture, alternative dispute resolution and insurance. Additionally several USAID staff relied directly on their expertise in standards and certification to consult with them on other projects. The Advisor to the State Minister of Economic Reform personally requested Plexus’s assistance in helping him design a governmental template for a system of personnel regulation that would cross all employment sectors.

Plexus’s work here in Georgia resulted in several tangible products that will continue to support the development of industry standards and certifications. They include helping several associations create individualized self-certification business plans, a national Summit on Self-Certification, the creation of a resource library of materials for the GEGI website, and the development of an informal networking forum for associations that can lead to a sustainable local support system. Another important product created was a consensus (government-private sector) designed template for the government and private sector to use to define criteria and models for creating an internationally recognized personnel regulatory continuum from self-regulation through shared regulation and government regulation across all industry sectors. I have been extremely pleased with everyone I have worked with from the Plexus team, they have all be knowledgeable experts in their fields, experienced in working with international arenas and results oriented. They have provided valuable insights and assistance to the GEGI project and I hope to have the opportunity to work with them again.

Dan A. Berkshire
Business Association and Credit Advisor
Georgia Enterprise Growth Initiative (GEGI), Republic of Georgia

I was amazed how well (the strategic planning session) went as was the group. Although they had been through similar exercises they felt (this one that you facilitated) was the best planning exercise the organization has ever been through....It's going to make a huge difference as we go forward.

Dennis Barbour
Executive Director
IC&RC

I am delighted to be a reference for [the consultant] of Plexus Consulting Group. Our director of human resources was very pleased with her work on team development and organizational planning with the executives, outside contractors, and support staff of our Directorate for Strategic Planning and for our Representative in the United States office in Washington DC.

Terry Vogt,
Deputy Director General,
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Costa Rica

[The Consultant] of Plexus Consulting Group is tops with me as a mentor, executive coach, and colleague. She helped me and my staff get through a very challenging time of transition with grace and friendliness.

Felipe P Manteiga,
Former Associate Deputy Director General & Head of Directorate for Strategic Partnerships
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Costa Rica

CONGRATULATIONS and MANY THANKS! It was a pleasure to have you join us at the Board Retreat and to work with the Board on Strategic Marketing.  ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) is determined to be a knowledge-based organization and your assistance in making this happen is certainly acknowledged and appreciated.

Reginald I. Vachon, Ph. D. 
President 
ASME International

On behalf of the Cabinet and staff of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), thank you for providing a thorough analysis of our association's needs in a concise, well-documented report. Our Cabinet was particularly impressed by your outstanding presentation about issues and trends facing our organization.
We look forward to working with you again on future assignments.

Judith C. Young, Ph.D.
AAHPERD Vice President of Programs
National Association for Sport & Physical Education, an Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)

I am extremely pleased with the performance of Plexus Consulting. Their flexibility and responsiveness resulted in a concise, astute product that was carefully and thoroughly researched and more than satisfied our needs. This was accomplished despite a mid-project change in objective. Plexus quickly adapted to the change and fulfilled the new criteria. I will include them in my planning for future projects.

LT Howard Wright
U.S. Coast Guard
Governmental and Public Affairs
(G-I-1)

In 2002, Plexus mobilized its existing network of affiliate offices in Europe and Asia to complete international market research for Goodwill Global for six national markets: Belgium, France, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Goodwill Global contracted the Plexus Consulting Group to identify high-potential strategic partners or allies for the Goodwill movement, as well as existing competitors, as it considers expansion into these markets. Plexus was instructed to assess a broad array of potential partners, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit corporations, governmental agencies, human services providers and retail operations, that may have demanded for Goodwill's key business competencies. Plexus generated a report for each of the six markets that included a brief analytical overview of potential partners, followed by detailed descriptions and contact information for each organization that it identified.

The Plexus Consulting Group completed this work on a fast-track schedule to meet our needs and provided information on all six markets in the course of nine weeks. Its final report included organizational information on 41 potential partners, and Plexus supplied a larger listing of 31 other organizations that it had initially researched, but discounted for future business development as they did not fully conform to our criteria and competencies. Plexus' fee was very favorable, and the firm provided excellent client service after delivery of its product.

Howard A. Wallack
Director 
Goodwill Global, Inc.

I want to thank you again for your work with the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) with respect to strategic planning. By all accounts Thursday was a success. In addition to what was accomplished, your role as a facilitator was much valued and appreciated by the leadership of the union.

David Tubman
Assistant to the Vice President
Marine Engineer's Beneficial Association (MEBA)

Thank you for your excellent work in making the CMHC Housing Export Trade Mission to Washington, D.C. a successful event in terms of the high quality meetings you arranged for the participants. The feedback we have received from the [participants] indicates their satisfaction with the quality of the potential U.S. partners that they met. As a direct result of the mission, most of the participants are currently negotiating representation and distribution agreements and some are also quoting or expecting to quote on potential export orders. Thanks to you and your staff at Plexus for their support and assistance.

Sanjar Farzaneh
Senior Trade Consultant
Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Plexus team for the expert advice and guidance that you provided to us regarding the restructuring of the Foundation's Certification program -- the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE). The feasibility study and survey that you conducted on our behalf was extremely helpful. By working with Plexus we were able to bring outside expertise to bear on our issues and concerns. Your role in facilitating the strategic planning sessions was very valuable to us. As we move ahead with these plans, we look forward to working with you in the future.

John R. Reynolds
President - Franchise Services Corp.
President - IFA Educational Foundation

We would like to use this opportunity to thank Plexus Consulting for their professional excellence displayed at the training "Internet as a Tool for Business Association Strengthening" that took place in Kiev, Ukraine on January 22-25, 2002. Plexus's consultant not only introduced more than 60 representatives of business associations from all over Ukraine into the best Internet practices of American associations, but also provided them with valuable hands-on advice on how they can use Internet to better serve their existing members and attract new ones. Due to its Soviet past, consequences of communist ideology and command economy, the Internet in Ukraine has a relatively short history of development; that is why the innovative techniques presented by Plexus were of special value to Ukrainian business associations, most of whom are novices in Internet use. In addition, having considerable experience working with public organizations, Plexus demonstrated a thorough understanding of association management, day-to-day operations and problems they face, as well as an ability to find solutions to those problems. Thank you for the great job you've done and may you be successful in all your endeavors!

Tatiana Petrushchak
Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Policy Specialist
BIZPRO Project, Ukraine

Plexus Consulting Group played an extremely important role in facilitating our strategic planning during 2001. As a 14-member country, international professional council, operating under the auspices of a US-based governing body and having grown despite lack of formal strategic planning, our true destiny lies beyond US borders. However, such destiny and vision can only be reached with sound planning which is in full recognition of the vision itself. Plexus Consulting enabled us to distill our vision and then focus on the vision to develop the strategic mechanisms to pursue it.

At each stage of the process we achieved new, fresh outcomes. The [consultant's] manner and alertness to the task at hand ensured that we remained focused. She skillfully articulated the processes required for successful strategic planning outcomes. She also delicately mediated discussions between international member countries and the US representatives in broadly achieving a governance model truly representative of the international scene. This - in an environment of more than eight first languages - is testimony to the sound methodology adopted by Plexus Consulting Group.

Ray Griffin
Chairman of the Strategic Planning Task Force
International Certified Financial Planner Council

It was truly a pleasure working with your group. You were extremely professional and kept everyone on track. In the 21 years that I have been an ISAC member, this type of planning was a first!!

Lisa Staiano-Coico, Ph.D.
President
International Society for Analytical Cytology

Plexus Consulting Group led our international membership association through an organizational audit and strategic planning process that was thorough, professional and effective. Within a relatively short time frame, we arrived at a strategic plan that established a road map for reorganization and a more focused perspective of our mission. The Plexus Group conducted a membership survey, interviewed several key opinion leaders in our association and conducted three regional focus groups prior to facilitating our strategic planning session that led to a new work plan for our board and membership. Several participants commented on the excellent work of Plexus and how it helped build confidence and support among our diverse membership for our new directions. We are confident that this audit and planning process was an essential step in our efforts to redefine our organization. Our thanks go to the entire Plexus team for their excellent leadership and support for our association.

Randall S. Nicklaus
President Board of Directors
Alliance of Information and Referral Systems

Plexus assisted us in understanding our communications shortcomings and helped pave the way for cross-programmatic, internal and external communications improvement. For some time we knew our communications outreach program was not hitting on all cylinders. Then Plexus came in. They stripped our processes down and identified shortcomings, broke down programmatic stovepipes, and helped us develop and set a course for more effective and efficient strategic communications. In short, our strategic communications efforts had slowly and steadily drifted off course. Plexus provided the right navigational aids to put our communications efforts back on track. Our plan is now seaworthy and the foundation for a unified, focused strategic communications outreach program.

Commander Scott LaRochelle
Communications Specialist Office of Governmental & Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

ICP established a search committee who spent many hours reviewing the large number of proposals we received and interviewing potential candidates. We were convinced that Plexus has the experience, expertise, and resources, and will devote the special attention we need to achieve the next level in our growth.

Peter S. Conti, M.D., Ph.D.
President
Institute for Clinical PET

I want to tell you how much I appreciate the support and guidance that you and your team have given Societas over the past year. Beginning with the initial strategizing, and ending with a specific fundraising plan for us to carry forward, Plexus has truly been a partner in the creation and launch of our new organization. I think that you can be proud that [Plexus has] brought us to the point that we can move ahead on our own with confidence that we have the right structure and a good foundation of contacts and information to build upon. I appreciate your putting me in touch with very useful contacts, both here and in Europe, and the willingness of your team to go the extra mile to help us in whatever was needed at the time. You can take credit for having helped in the birth of a new and dynamic organization. I told the board that we have received good value from Plexus for the fees paid, and I hope that we will have future opportunities to work together as Societas grows.

Debra L. Erb
President
Societas, International Institute for Real Estate Finance

Thank you for your assistance with the Barker Foundation's strategic planning process. We asked you to do something quite unusual I would imagine -- to jump into an on-going process and shore up our volunteer leadership so that we would be assured of a plan that would serve as a guide for the future. Your responsiveness and expertise were obvious from our first conversation. You eagerly set about to add value to what we had already accomplished and to provide guidance for the next stages. I found your observations on the importance of mission, vision, and values to be especially helpful. Your skill was clear in your handling of the steering committee meeting where we discussed these topics. The staff of the agency also appreciated your care and thoroughness in taking the time to interview each of them and transmit their thoughts, feelings, and suggestions to the Board of Trustees.

Robin Allen
Executive Director
The Barker Foundation

I am writing to follow up on the PIAA Board of Directors strategic planning session held last weekend. It is the consensus of our Board that this was a very valuable session and that the conclusions drawn will greatly assist us in leading the Association into the future. Your personal involvement was most valuable, and you did an excellent job facilitating the discussion and encouraging interaction among the participants. We also appreciate your sharing your knowledge about industry trends and directions which helped us view the PIAA's various programs in context. Many thanks for your assistance and a job well done.

Lawrence E. Smarr
President
Physician Insurers Association of America

This is the best strategic planning session I have participated in...

Dr. John Bilezikian
President
International Society for Clinical Densitometry

Plexus Consulting Group proved to be a decisive factor for our non-profit at a time when we were making some rather fundamental decisions about our future. Plexus' market research analysis and strategic planning methodology worked perfectly for us. They delivered the results we needed on time and on budget.

Bill Boettge
Executive Director
Board of Certification in Pedorthics

Plexus Consulting Group proved to be a pivotal influence at a key time in our organization. The methodology they provided and the professional guidance exercised throughout has produced a strategic plan which will serve both as a rallying point and a blueprint for our society’s rejuvenation and growth.

Francis Glorieux, MD, PhD
President of the International Bone and Mineral Society

The National Association of Manufacturers is a large and fairly conservative association that does not undertake change lightly. So when it came time to choose a consulting firm that would guide us through one of the most extensive organizational changes in our 102-year history, we knew we had to choose carefully. After reviewing several of the country’s best management consulting firms we chose Plexus Consulting Group based on their understanding of our needs, the experience and quality of their professionals and their ability to deliver on time and within budget. We were very pleased with the results.

Ladd Biro
Senior Vice President
National Association of Manufacturers

The Southern Cemetery Association relied on the expertise of Plexus Consulting Group and its Market Survey practice to provide our group with valuable industry intelligence and know-how and guided us gently through a process of making important and right decisions at a time when our association had to face a crossroads leading into prosperity or failure. Southern Cemetery Association’s Board and I could not be more pleased about the experience of having worked with Plexus Consulting Group.

Marcia Austin Echols
President
Southern Cemetery Association

Plexus Consulting Group assisted us in exploring the feasibility of establishing a higher certification and education program for property and real estate managers in the United States. To do this they undertook nationwide quantitative and qualitative market research consisting of direct mail surveys, focus group sessions and one-on-one interviews with opinion leaders. They designed the program and handled every aspect of it flawlessly. Furthermore they brought their firm’s experience to bear in offering us guidance as to how such a program should be structured and managed. We are very happy with the depth, breadth and quality of the management consulting services we received from Plexus Consulting Group.

Patricia M. Areno CAE
Vice President, Education, Convention & Meetings
Building Owners & Managers Association International

I would like to thank [the Plexus team] for a most productive three-hour meeting. You are very skilled at enabling a group of strangers to focus on a task and move it along to completion. I very much enjoyed my afternoon with you and have taken the opportunity to share my experience with our Director.

Alice Mary Hymel
Northern Virginia Training Center
(AAMR Focus Group Participant)

The [Plexus Knowledge Center's staff’s] great judgment about what would be important for us and their great teamwork reduced our anxiety about being out of the loop and helped our members relax and enjoy their great conference. They provided up-to-date information that kept us in front of the latest developments. I felt like ‘my’ Washington office came through for me.

Judy Kennedy
Executive Director
National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders

The American Association on Mental Retardation chose Plexus Consulting Group in a very competitive bid. We were not disappointed in our choice. Plexus’ market research capability and their strategic planning methodology were an ideal match for our large and diversified membership. Most importantly, they showed a sensitivity and insight into our organization that proved absolutely critical to the success of our effort to re-invent ourselves. Our 125 year old association has embarked on a new course that we are sure will put us on track for growth and prosperity in the years to come.

Doreen Croser
Executive Director
American Association on Mental Retardation

Under the skillful direction of Plexus Consultants, our organization underwent a self-identification process based on results of a recent membership survey. The facilitator guided our thoughts and aspirations into a strategic plan flexible enough to adapt to changing needs but sufficiently detailed enough to ensure commitment and follow through. The future holds great promise for us.

Karen McKinley
President
National Association of Healthcare Access Management