Barbara Savagian--President's Message (continues)

As an overview, the Board has approved the following:

             --new member orientation will be added to the Member Engagement Strategy

            --improved communication to the membership and teams to fully engage them, and advance the strategies and tactics in the plan

            --provide a tool for the Board Liaison and Team Leaders to develop and implement annual work plans and timelines for each team that clearly define their role in meeting the strategic plan goals

            --provide a tool to Team Leaders to monitor and report the progress of the team toward the completion of the strategies/tactics.

           --develop interactive Board member and Team Leader orientation that provides a working knowledge of the strategic plan, structure/functions of WHIMA, responsibilities, accountabilities, and makes the connection between the Team Leader and Board Liaison.

           --restructuring of the Spirit Team as follows:

                        Spirit Team: Plan, organize, carry out various activities at the Annual Conference that provide socializing and opportunities for fun and camaraderie.  Plans and hosts the evening party; works closely with the Annual Conference Team.

                        VIP Team:  Focuses on getting nominations and selecting our Leadership Award winners, and submits information for the AHIMA Triumph awards.  Plans the Volunteer recognition during the annual conference (brochure and certificates), recognizes volunteers on WHIMA Teams, prepares and sends press releases to generate coverage of award winners.

                    Ambassador Team:  shares knowledge of HIM profession in both internal and external venues.  Creates networking opportunities for peers at Annual and Fall Conferences.  Recruits members for teams and Team Leaders.  Advances WHIMA through exhibits at HIM related and targeted state allied health organizations.  Partner new members with current members who will serve as mentors during the first year of membership.

                     Also:  Payor/Provider Collaborative – dissolved this team

             --changes in the timeline of the strategic plan and Board procedural changes:             

                        March/April:  annual update of strategic plan to follow AHIMA Winter Team Talks

                        April/May:  finalize/approve updated strategic plan

                        May/June:  finalize budget, appointment of team Leaders for the new association year

                        June:  Board Member and Team Leader orientation.  Board Liaison and Team Leader prepare team work plans/timelines

                        July:  New Board takes over; Teams begin to implement work plans

The current Board has also proposed a new structure for the WHIMA Board of Directors, including changes in length of service for the Board members, and delegate representation at AHIMA House of Delegates.  The proposal for the changes to the bylaws is being made, and the changes will be distributed to the membership via e-mail by 3/23/09.  The changes will be on the floor for discussion and vote at the Annual Conference.

The 2009 Annual Conference will be held May 6-8, 2009, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Stevens Point.  The theme is, “HIMQuest: Destinations with a Difference”.  They are three days packed with information and action, including a full spectrum of educational sessions, an exhibit hall featuring many of our business partners and WHIMA logo items, the volunteer recognition luncheon, the presentation of leadership awards, team sign-up opportunities (hint-hint!!), a great party, and some of the best networking you’ll ever find.  We hope you can join us for one, two, or all three days!   Much of the Annual Conference information is available on the WHIMA website under “Association Calendar”.  Take a look, and see if you’re ready to come along for the ride!