The 2016-17 FCS Professionals Annual Meeting was held at the Urban Eatery in Minneapolis on May 23rd. The evening began with networking time and beverages served in LOLIWARE edible drink glasses. After a brief welcome, the program began with speaker Angie Weber, Director of Operations at Tena.cious. She has degrees in art and advertising design from the University of Minnesota. When she began her marketing career she was unenthusiastic about networking–and has learned to use networking to further her business and now enjoys it!
Angie was full of helpful information for attendees to make the most of their networking time. She shared her PowerPoint presentation with our group that can be accessed here. A few notable tips for networking:
- Before you go–ask yourself Is your target market there? Are referral partners there? Do you enjoy the group? If an attendee list is given, link with potential networking partners on LinkedIn prior (even send them a personal message!)
- When you are there– Get there early! Have the essentials (business cards, an envelope or business card holder)
- Afterward– Follow-up is essential, within 48 hours is best. Keep track of potential business with a spreadsheet.
Angie invited our group to attend an upcoming Brand Strategy workshop on June 15-16 at the Schmidt Artist Lofts. The focus of the workshop is on social media and online marketing. FCS Professionals members who are interested in attending should use the discount coupon provided via an email sent by the organization on May 24.
Dinner was served following Angie’s presentation. Members and guests dined on Thai Grilled Steak Salad, Grilled Salmon Salad, or Vegetarian Curry and enjoyed petit fours from Divine Delights for dessert.
Amy Lawson, Nominations Chair presided over the awards presentation. This year debuted the new awards system. This year five members were honored: Marie Winker, Behind-the-Scenes Award; Colleen Glenn, Emerging Leader Award; Laurel Severson, Volunteer of the Year Award; Karen Smith, Spirit Award; and FCS Professional of the Year was Sarah Wangler. For complete coverage of the award winners, click here
The evening concluded with our annual business meeting. The minutes from last year’s business meeting were read and approved. Reports were given by board members in attendance. Complete reports are available in the annual report that was emailed to membership. New board member candidates were introduced and were approved unanimously. The gavel was ceremonially passed from President Verna Ludvigson to President-Elect Gerry Luepke. A few lucky attendees won a prize drawing to bring home a plant or gourmet coffee from guest, Justo Garcia.
