Near-term Initiatives Will Enhance Membership Experience

by Gregory J. Fine, CAE, CEO
Apr 19, 2012
(TMA International Headquarters)

It has been a whirlwind of activity since I had the honor of becoming TMA’s CEO in December. Over the past four months, I have had opportunities to visit a number of chapters and attended my first TMA conference, the Distressed Investing Conference in January. One of the best parts of my job is meeting our members. I have spent the past 15 years working in membership organizations like TMA, and I am always energized by opportunities to speak directly with members face-to-face.

In my initial conversations with members, I’ve detected a growing sense of optimism that things are improving. Another consistent theme I hear is that TMA has played a critical role for members through the downturn. From key business connections to essential educational programming and professional credentialing, TMA — at the chapter, regional, and global levels — has provided a stable and important community during a time of tremendous turmoil. I’ve also heard very clearly that members want to know that TMA will continue to thrive and grow for years to come.

With a strong foundation of 49 chapters around the globe, an engaged and committed membership, and a dedicated staff, TMA is well-positioned for the future. Working together with the leadership, TMA Global’s staff is working on several key near-term projects to ensure the organization continues to provide value to our membership. Here are just a few highlights:

• Preeminent Educational Programs. The Education Oversight Committee has undertaken an ambitious multiyear project to transform how TMA delivers education to the turnaround community. In a nutshell, TMA will develop the ability to deliver the education and knowledge that members need, at the exact moment they need it, via the delivery method most appropriate. This project is supported by a grant from the TMA Cornerstone Board Designated Endowment Fund, and the first courses should be ready by the end of the year. The new program will be rolled out at the 2012 TMA Annual Conference in Boston November 1-3.
• Enhanced Global Conferences. Beginning with the 2012 TMA Spring Conference in Atlanta, attendees will begin to notice subtle and not-so-subtle enhancements to their conference experience. Our goal is simple: create conferences that provide attendees with an unparalleled experience, provide the best in educational content, and allow attendees to forge lasting and productive business relationships.
• The TMA Membership Experience. As the only cross-discipline association serving the turnaround and corporate renewal industry, TMA is home to the best and brightest in the field, and the membership experience should reflect that. Over the coming months, TMA members will see a variety of initiatives designed to enhance their membership experience. This includes a new online digital version of the Journal of Corporate Renewal. Beginning with the May issue, whether on a laptop or through an app on a tablet device, TMA members will have 24/7 mobile access to the Journal anytime, anywhere. This is just one example; keep an eye out for more.

 As we look to the future of TMA, we will never lose focus on what has made the organization what we are today — its members. It is a true honor and privilege to serve as TMA’s CEO. Not a day goes by that I am not inspired by what our members do in support of the global economy, and I am enthusiastically optimistic about TMA’s future.  I look forward to meeting you at future chapter, regional, and global TMA events. In the meantime, I wish you a happy and productive spring.

Cheers,

Gregory J. Fine, CAE