Welcome to the 2022-2023 programming year for IABC/Chicago. We are grateful to have you as members as we grow our community and enhance our development for ourselves and each other.
Thank you to those who completed our membership survey last month! As a result of your feedback, we will continue to offer both in-person and remote events throughout the coming year. When we have in-person events, we will meet your desire to offer those in the city, while offering something in the western suburbs (your second preference next to remote). Our first suburban event is being planned for Wed., Sept. 21 – watch for details soon.
The Chicago Chapter has seen a 16% increase in membership since the beginning of the year. In addition, we received recognition from IABC for having the highest retention rate for a chapter our size during March Member Month! We also held a new member event in March to welcome both new and former members who rejoined. I believe this is a sign of the times as we continue to get back to a new normal following the pandemic.
Our 2022-2023 board includes both past volunteer leaders with a few new members – this gives us perspective and diversity. We are always looking for more. If you are intrigued, please reach out and join us!
The IABC fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, coinciding with IABC’s Annual World Conference recently held in New York City. If you attended, let us know what you enjoyed the most. Maybe you attended a session that would be a good fit for our chapter members.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have an idea for an event, want to get more involved, or would like to reconnect. One-on-one calls with members is one of my favorite things to do!
As you may know, this is my third time as board president of IABC/Chicago (I won’t mention how many decades I’ve been a member). As the Association changes, it continues to find ways to be of a value to us in the field, with research, and staying at the forefront of communication trends.
IABC was there for me when I was a new communicator out of college. When I relocated from Cleveland to Chicago. When I went through four different layoffs working in change communications! When I tried my hand at a solo gig. The people, the connections, the friendships last a lifetime. Get involved, meet new people, and have shared experiences – this is what makes our chapter so special.
Watch emails and website for event updates. Save the date for August 9 – our first virtual event for the fall.
Your Board President,
Julie Bjorkman, PhD, ABC