Atlanta Chapter #0037
Members and Friends:
I’m honored to serve you as this year’s Atlanta IMA Chapter President. I have been a member of the IMA for 16 years and am proud to have been affiliated with the Birmingham, Mobile and now the Atlanta Chapter, which is one of the largest Chapters in the world. For the past two years, and many times in the past, the Atlanta Chapter has won banners for being a leading chapter in the IMA. I attribute that to the dedication and energy of our board, officers and members. The talent and knowledge available in our 700+ members and our partners in the business community are astounding.
In FY13/14 and beyond, we will continue to raise the bar representing the profession of managerial accounting, and aiding the professional growth of the 75% of accountants that practice managerial accounting. We do this primarily through meetings that offer great networking opportunities and top-quality (relevant, timely and impactful) speakers and content.
First, we’re focused on filling out the meeting schedule and posting the dates as soon in advance as possible. As of today with a few exceptions our lunch and dinner dates are set for the year, and our speakers and/or topics are confirmed through November.
Second, we’re looking at revamping the website. We may have a whole new design or we may keep the same framework but make it simpler and quicker to update. We’ll also begin adding archived presentation content such as presenter bios, outlines and slide decks.
Third, we’re leveraging social media to improve our ability to communicate rapidly and effectively. IMA Atlanta meetings have always offered great content and speakers; we just have to get the word out. In addition to the website at www.imaattlanta.org we have a presence now on Facebook (Atlanta Institute of Management Accountants-IMA) and Twitter (@imaatlanta). We have a LinkedIn Group (IMA Atlanta). For members, we also have an Atlanta chapter discussion group, calendar and file sharing on IMA’s LinkupIMA (http://linkup.imanet.org/Home/). We will also be publishing our events at media outlets such as Access Atlanta, AJC, etc.
Fourth, we will again begin producing and disseminating a newsletter that goes beyond a recitation of events.
Fifth, we are looking at our sponsorship program to give maximum value to both sponsors and attendees at our meetings.
Sixth, we are putting more energy behind outreach to students, student chapters, and academic members through student activities, the IMA MEF (Memorial Education Fund) and initiatives at the Chapter level.
Seventh, we’re stretching into new presentation formats with two webinars scheduled this year.
There’s a lot to be done. I’d like to ask for your help. It won’t be difficult. First, friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, join the LinkedIn group, or change your preferences in LinkupIMA to receive notifications from the Atlanta Chapter. Preferably all of the above. Second, pay it forward. When you receive notifications of our meetings, think of colleagues, friends and acquaintances that may find value in the content and CPE and hit the forward button. Third, give us the opportunity to get to know you by coming to a meeting. Good topics, good food, good people to get to know. Better yet, bring friends and coworkers.
Your opportunity starts August 15 at Villa Christina. Clyde W. Sleigh of SalesTaxBiz, Inc., of California will be coming to Atlanta to present on multistate sales and use tax trends and strategies. The meeting schedules, details and registration links are at www.imaatlanta.org.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Don Spears
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