Client Success Story: IEC
IEC Chapter Executive Directors’ Conference a Huge Success
The Independent Electrical Contractor’s association invited Michael Wilkinson to conduct a two-day planning meeting for them. The title of their press release says it all.
IEC Chapter Executive Directors’ Conference a Huge Success
IEC chapter executive directors met recently in Colorado Springs to learn more about strategic planning and running effective meetings, and to exchange best practice ideas with one another. Day one started out with facilitator Michael Wilkinson, the Managing Director of Leadership Strategies, a firm that specializes in presentations on strategic planning, dynamic facilitation, facilitator training, consulting skills training, and making meetings work. Wilkinson’s morning session, “What Every Manager Should Know About Strategic Planning,” provided an overview of the key components of strategic planning and presented an effective approach to strategic plan development. In his afternoon session, “Key Principles of Effective Facilitation,” Wilkinson highlighted a few key principles and elements involved in being an effective facilitator, and how to get the optimum value from any meeting. Both sessions were highly interactive and everyone in attendance contributed to the discussions.
“This had to be the best conference that I have attended,” said Dan Wilson, IEC Southern Colorado Chapter Executive Director. “Michael Wilkinson’s presentation on Friday was absolutely an award winner for strategic planning. The second session was just as tremendous with so many practical insights to make our jobs easier. It was like taking a college course in association management. The Executive Directors who were unable to attend really missed a fabulous and worthwhile conference.”
David Bombaugh, Executive Director for the IEC Florida West Coast Chapter, stated similar sentiments in his conference evaluation – “This was the BEST IEC meeting I ever attended!”
On Saturday, the Chapter Executive Directors used the skills learned on day one and conducted “best practices” sessions to learn more from each other. One chapter executive director led each session, beginning with a communications session, then membership recruitment, chapter websites, and ending with government affairs.
“I think the reason this conference was so successful is because the Executive Directors were able to gain practical tips and strategies that they could take home and implement immediately,” said Gene Mini, IEC National President.
Michael Wilkinson will be invited back for the 2004 Leadership Conference to facilitate a special session being developed exclusively for Chapter Executive Directors and their volunteer leaders.
Established in 1957, IEC is a trade association made up of more than 3,200 merit shop electrical and systems contractors with 73 chapters nationwide. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., IEC is the nation’s premier trade association representing America’s independent electrical and systems contractors. IEC National aggressively works with the industry to establish a competitive environment for the merit shop – a philosophy that promotes the concept of free enterprise, open competition and economic opportunity for all.
