Forms Talk

We have a place for you

By: DJ Brown
VP, Membership

The Membership Council is looking for members interested in taking leadership roles in the organization. Two Region Coordinator and two Industry Group Coordinator positions are available.

These roles provide support to local and region chapters and to industry-specific members. These leaders will assist members and chapter officers in achieving their goals and obtaining access to training and communication within BFMA.

These positions report to the Membership Council (DJ Brown, VP Chapter/Member Relations, Beth Curry, Director of Member Relations, Carla Bradford, Director of Chapter Relations). The Council will assist these individuals by providing leadership, structure, and goals to effectively succeed in their roles as BFMA leaders. This will, in turn, provide more opportunities of communication and education to each member of the organization.

Region Coordinator (Region 5 United States Southeast and Region 6E Canada East)

Responsibilities include:
- Charter a "Virtual Chapter" in assigned region
- Locate and appoint chapter officers
- Open a chapter bank account with headquarters as a signatory
- Ensure chapter meets on a regular basis and assist chapter officers as necessary to:

• Locate and confirm a speaker or topic
• Communicate via phone, email or mailings
• Collect reservations/confirmations

- Work with Directors on other tasks as appropriate
- Report statistics to Director of Chapter Relations one month prior to spring and fall board meetings

Estimated time:
- Monthly meeting (one hour) to coordinate between chapters and headquarters to arrange meetings via email or phone
- Monitoring meetings as necessary
- Three hours during symposium to connect with current members within the region

Industry Groups Coordinator (Government and Insurance)

Responsibilities include:
- Use online technology for Industry Group communication
- All members are eligible to join an Industry Group
- Leadership roles will be coordinated by Director, Member Relations
- Industry groups will have an event at least quarterly that would be coordinated as necessary:

• Recruit volunteers to assist/chair the events
• Locate and confirm a speaker or topic
• Communicate via phone, email or mailings
• Collect reservations/confirmation

Estimated time:
- Communication as necessary with Membership Council for update of events
- Moderating of industry events
- Meeting time during symposium to connect with members within the Industry Group

If you are interested in pursuing any of these roles, please contact Beth Curry, Carla Bradford, or DJ Brown for more information.

Window Closing on Call for Candidates

By: Lisa Lee, CEBS, FLMI
VP Administration

Do you enjoy connecting with other BFMA members? Are you perhaps looking for an opportunity for professional growth, to make a meaningful contribution, or to give back to an organization that you enjoy? These are good reasons to consider pursuing a leadership position within BFMA. A professional association is a great place to get some experience, develop new skills, and have an ongoing reason to interact with other forms professionals.

So, you know the deadline is drawing near to file for association offices. If you are interested, please review the position descriptions to see which office best suits your skills and talents. Feel free to contact me or any board member to learn more about a particular office.

Serving on the Board of Directors is a very rewarding experience, but it is also a commitment to be made thoughtfully. Participation on BFMA’s Board of Directors requires your employer’s support. You will be required to attend both the Fall and Symposium meetings of the Board. Candidate statements based on the BFMA Strategic Plan will be posted on the website. For use as samples, last year’s candidate statements can be found here. To register your candidacy, download a Candidate Registration Form.

Return the completed registration form with a digital photo in .TIF format by December 15, 2007(that’s right, this Saturday).

Remember, even if a position at the association level is not right for you at this time, there are lots of rewarding opportunities available, such as helping to make a chapter go, serving as a regional or SIG coordinator, or working on a committee. If you wonder how your talents and interests may match up with BFMA openings, just contact one of us.

You may wonder where you’ll find the time for an additional role. To quote my favorite association president, “There’s always time for the things you want to do.” You might find that you love it. J And that you learn a lot at the same time.

Want to participate as a panelist at an industry event?

By: Ray Killam, CFSP, CFC
President

The Print Services and Distribution Association (PSDA) (www.psda.org) has asked us to provide panelists for their FOCUS events. Panelists will discuss their requirements and expectations for print procurement and answer questions posed by the audience.

BFMA members frequently are involved in purchasing printed products and can offer distributors (PSDA members) tips and suggestions on what the expect from a print provider, what issues are important to print buyers and related topics. PSDA (formerly DMIA) plans 20 FOCUS events in cities around the United States. They need panelists in each city and will offer a $150.00 honorarium to each participant.

If you would like to lend them your expertise and participate, please contact Ray Killam for more information. We see this offer as an opportunity for our members to gain exposure within the industry and to help improve communications between buyers and print salespeople. Plus, it could be a lot of fun!

PSDA is an association of printed forms manufactures and distrinutors. The distributers sell a variety of products, including forms. This association was originally know as National Business Forms Association (NBFA), which changed to DMIA in the 1990s. BFMA wants to maintain a relationship with PSDA and our participation in their events is encouraged.

For a complete list of FOCUS events, please visit http://www.psda.org/events/FOCUS/home.aspx

Call for Candidates

By: Lisa Lee, CEBS, FLMI
VP Administration

BFMA is looking for strong leadership to direct the association into 2008 and 2009. Have you always wanted to help lead an organization? We need people who are knowledgeable and care about the forms and systems profession today and in the future. Serving on the Board of Directors is a very rewarding experience, but it is also hard work and not a commitment to be taken lightly. To find out more about any office contact a member of the board. Watch for a message from headquarters for details. Statements are due to headquarters by December 15.