We made it through our 1st Quarter of the 2011-2012 term, and what a doozey it was!

Starting off with our flower installation of officers in June: Michele Epstein, Secretary; Marissa  Pabelico, Treasurer; Carmen Oliver, President Elect; and myself, Tanya Chinchilla as President; we then turned it into a Calendar Party, giving members an opportunity to brainstorm and set ideas in motion for the upcoming monthly meetings, fundraisers and community action projects. Plus we built committees for the coming year.

In July, we enjoyed the “I Can! Series: Risk Management Process-An Overview” by Cathie Speakman at our monthly meeting.

In the middle of the month, several members including myself attended the annual Leadership Workshop in Fresno. We learned how our new CA Council Director, Mitula Patel, was going to use “The Stairway to Success” to promote 10% GROWTH in membership and implement a mentorship program and award through local and individual challenges. Our own Cheryl Krier taught us how to always be ready to spread the word on ourselves and our associations by having prepared “Elevator Speeches”.  We also learned how to “Be the Lotus Flower” and thrive through the “muddy waters” of today’s environment. Additionally the other speakers taught us some effective leadership and communication skills, as well as giving us detailed information about  awards and submissions. Very inspirational and motivational!

August was probably our busiest month, with education, community action and fundraising activities centered on fashion. We started off with our monthly meeting’s presentation by stylist Maureen French showing us “How to Look Put Together, Not Thrown Together” so that we could be better equipped with information to clean out and revitalize our closest in anticipation of our annual Chico’s Fashion Show fundraiser. Cheryl Krier and her Chico’s Fashion Show committee did an AMAZING job down to the very little details. Their efforts netted a profit of over $2,000, acquiring 13

vendors and donating 36 pieces to Wardrobe for Opportunity!  It was also with great pleasure to be able to give fellow insurance colleagues Mary Chiu and her sister May Lee, a past fashion show supporter, a place to raise funds for “Find Our Fathers” a program to continue the search for missing loved ones from that horrible boating accident over 4th of July weekend in Mexico. Mary also shared with us their new emphasis:  bringing awareness and education to safety issues when traveling abroad. We are

already being asked my new vendors and attendees about next year. Congratulations to all those who contributed their time, ideas and efforts to a very successful event!!

September was also a busy month, but on the Council level as our local chapter went “dark” with our monthly meeting because of its proximity to the 25th annual CA Council Meeting… but little did we know that San Diego was literally going to be dark with a massive power outage throughout southern  California, Arizona and parts of Mexico! The only event that had to be cancelled was the Mystery Dinner and luckily, most of our chapter’s attendees were not terribly inconvenienced; but several of us

got stranded in the airport waiting to find out when we would fly out. It was definitely a bonding experience and the hotel did an amazing job dealing with the crisis.

When we did finally arrive the next day, it was non-stop action, with great classes, amazingly colorful social events, an inspiring keynote speaker, and a couple of CCC shining stars!  Renee Fazeli competed in the CWC speech competition and had us all gasping as we believed she had really tripped in high heels, as she open her speech about how to protect your clients from fraudulent slip and fall claims. Then we knew that our own Wendy Pike was running as candidate for the 2012 CA Council Director position; but what was unexpected, was my own nomination for Council Public Relations

Chair. Within 24 hours I had a platform, got interviewed, prepared and distributed flyers for the business meeting, and gained support and encouragement from other chapters. Both elections were close; however both Wendy and I won!

When we got down to business, the motion to change the bylaws to open up the membership definition to include even emerging professionals, brought to the floor by Wendy Pike was tabled for further research and discussion. Mutual’s Mentor’s award was also brought to the floor and approved.  Any member can be nominated for the award; however, you can also join the mentor pool and be assigned someone specifically by contacting Cathy Temple at ctemple_ctemple@yahoo.com.  

Finally, at the confirmation of bids we learned that the YP/MLA was pulling out of hosting the 2015 CA Council Meeting. So, our own Victoria Rivas challenged the next association with a $250 seed donation. Who knew that this, along with some “encouragement” from the board that this would inspire our own Cheryl Krier to volunteer CCC?!!  Contra Costa definitely made a lasting impression with the 2011 Region VIII meeting... which is why it was also very fitting for Cheryl Krier, the co-chairperson of that conference, to receive the CA Council’s “Member of the Year” award. The rest of award recipients and elected officers can be found in the CA Council Membership News.

I want to congratulate us all and thank you for the MUCH needed support you have given me thus far. It has definitely been a learning experience, and my growth and confidence I have gained from this association was evident in my running for Public Relations.   I could not have done it without you.

Finally, near the end of September, the Chapter Presidents and Council Directors had their first chat with the International Board.  The IAIP name change and usage was the focus, as many surprised at the quick change and wondering how it would affect them locally. All documents from International now have the IAIP name style and logo; however, it is left up to the individual local associations on how they will use the name and if they choose to change their name, bylaws would also have to be changed. I think this helped many associations understand it’s usage and that our identity was not changing or what we provide to the industry as a whole.

I have to admit, the HARDEST part of this presidency has been keeping up with, organizing and distributing the information; but I think I have finally got a handle on it. I will be providing a monthly update mid-month with new information including announcements, summary of the monthly meeting, and calendar of events. If you do have criticism, advice or wish to contribute in anyway, I WELCOME it all!

Respectfully,

Tanya Chinchilla