The Value of Being Together
By Lynn Tipton, Executive Director

Associations across the country are faced with similar questions from members when resources are tight: can you make the meeting virtual if I cannot be there? Can you put all of your training on-line? I have great respect for these questions…travel funds are often one of the first ‘hits’ in budget cuts and it is increasingly difficult to justify to bloggers, critics and the general public why any government travel should occur. I wish the naysayers could see FCCMA’s membership together just once to appreciate why it is so critical to have some face-to-face time at least once a year. I have worked with municipal and county officials for 21 years, and even special district officials during this time, and I can’t name another group that is as supportive and encouraging to one another as FCCMA. The warm handshake or hug, the sincere “how are you doing?” and the genuine listening – you just can’t do those things via your computer screen. A virtual version of a keynote address may help a non-attendee learn, but without the benefit of networking and camaraderie. I know ICMA members who attended last year’s conference via computer and felt the learning sessions were good – but they missed getting to visit with colleagues.

I agree that some training can be done effectively on-line, but it is hard to substitute the effectiveness of the question-and-answer period that follows most of FCCMA’s workshops – such great learning and feedback!

Now, it may seem self-serving that I write this a month before the FCCMA annual conference – and I will confess that it is! Your colleagues have prepared timely sessions and interesting keynote addresses, as well as networking time and I sincerely hope most of you are able to be in Bonita Springs for the event. Realistically, I know everyone cannot be there; and we’re always looking for ways to enhance our value to members through on-line offerings, coaching webinars and in-district training classes. Please share your ideas with your staff and with your district directors so we can meet your needs.

So, I’ve made my shameless plug and look forward to seeing the FCCMA family of dedicated public servants at the end of May!