We had a great 2009 and will continue to build on that success as we enter 2010. I am honored and excited to head our local efforts this year. I truly feel the Association of Corporate Counsel is the finest organization with which I have been involved. The resources and programs available at the national and local levels are truly outstanding as are all of the members and leaders.
This organization is simply the best when it comes to networking opportunities for the in-house bar and for getting our CLE hours. Most of us are expected to do more with less in the current economic circumstances. Obviously being able to get most of your CLE requirements filled with the cost of your membership is very important.
Our Goals for 2010:
Programs: Continue to provide quality substantive programs for our members, most at a nominal or no additional charge. Please see the "Events" table for additional information on upcoming programs.
Membership: Continue to increase our membership and more importantly increase the activity of our members. We have increased our local membership over 50% in three short years and want to continue that trend.
In 2010 we want more members to be active not only in attending programs but in leadership roles, in organizing our programs, and in recruiting new members. We have plenty of opportunities and I encourage each of our members to get involved with one of the committees. Please also remember to mention the ACC to your in-house colleagues and encourage other members you work with to attend our programs. Please contact any of our officers or committee chairs to get additional information about getting more involved.
Networking: Continue with our networking activities. We have several social activities planned including baseball games and a hockey game. We also hope to have more informal networking opportunities this year.
Value Challenge: We want to continue the Value Challenge program success we have had over the past year. This is an important program for both in-house and outside attorneys to work through as we all re-establish the concept of "value" in the provision of legal services.
Career Development: Our new initiative this year is a career development committee. This committee will focus on career development programs and resources for our members, whether the person is in transition or currently employed but wanting to keep current on their professional development rather than be caught off guard as often happens in times like these. We hope to have a couple career development programs during the year.
Special Opportunity for 2010: As the ACC Small Chapter - Chapter of the year, we have been given a registration to the 2010 national ACC annual meeting to be held in San Antonio. We will be raffling this to our members based on ACC programs you attend and new members you refer. There is more information about this raffle available on the chapters website as well.
