Do you recall as a kid feeling the summer would never end? I remember being so bored—nearly every day! Even the two-week Christmas holiday felt like forever. Now it seems we blink and, suddenly, the summer is over. And the older I get, the faster time seems to pass. Tell me it’s not just me!
It’s August now, and the fiscal year is coming to a close (already!). Reflecting back over the last year, I’m so proud of the work that’s been done in support of the SMPS Foundation’s mission to provide relevant research that drives bottom-line success for our firms.
In the spring, we released the follow-up report to the 2018 research focusing on the neuropsychology of decision making. While the original report focused on the concepts of decision making, the newly released report assists firms in identifying opportunities where those concepts could be integrated. It’s based on collaboration with a few A/E/C firm representatives and focuses on how to put the insights into action.
Last month, at Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, the initial results of our brand positioning survey, conducted in collaboration with TOKY, were presented. We received nearly 800 responses among a broad cross-section of SMPS members. If you missed the session at the conference, don’t worry. The final report will be available in the coming weeks and is free to members. There’s much more on the horizon, including additional scholarships to help diversify our profession.
It’s been an honor to serve as president this year, bookended by two Weld Coxe Marketing Achievement Award winners Donna Corlew, FSMPS, CPSM, and Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM. Donna’s term ends this fiscal year, and her insights will be greatly missed. We’re all better marketers, trustees, and humans because of her contributions.
I’m so excited about what’s in store under Barbara’s leadership. Also returning as trustees are Stacy Cunningham, MBA, CPSM; Janet Lively McCauley, CPSM; CJ McClanahan; Michele Raftery, CPSM; Brad Thurman, P.E., FSMPS, CPSM; and Joy Woo, FSMPS, CPSM, LEED AP. We welcome new trustees Sarah Kinard and Chuck Raymond, CPSM. Our Society board liaison will be Dr. Paula Stamp, PhD, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM.
As I enter my final year as a trustee, I’ve decided not to blink in hopes that I can take it all in! In all seriousness, I have enormous gratitude for this experience that has shaped my life and career forever. Thank you to those who encouraged me to start this journey, as well as everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with along the way. Thank you to HQ staff members Michael V. Geary, CAE, and Antonio Payne, CPA, for your continued guidance and support. Most of all, thank you to all those who continually support the SMPS Foundation through your donations.
Article written by SMPS Foundation President Andrea Goodwin, FSMPS, CPSM. She can be reached at AGoodwin@bgeinc.com.
