President's Blog

I use this term not as a euphemism, but to describe the range of employment and unemployment situations in which they find themselves for weeks and months at a time.  While some are currently unemployed, some are about to become unemployed and some have...well, stopped looking for an employer and have decided to pursue serial freelance work (which is different from starting a business) as a workable solution.

As chapter President, I can tell you that our Board is very concerned about the needs of our members in transition and we are doing several things to help you:

1. We have just instituted a Professional Development Program that will provide several services to members in transition. These will start with a Mentor Program and Job Seeking Programs to assist members with their techniques and tools.  More services are being planned, too.
2. We are scheduling more Member Meet-Ups and Mixers, and encouraging both HR and Recruitment professionals to attend so that members can make meaningful connections to people seeking to find talented and experienced Marketers. The first such event is on 6/14. We are pricing these events at only $15 (for PAMA members) to ensure that, for folks on limited budgets, the events are affordable and convenient.
3. We have lobbied our national association HQ to have them extend the deadline for new and returning members to save significant $$$ on their membership fees.  This is key because, after a decade, local chapter dues are increasing $15 and we are working with HQ to ensure that our members get this money back in the form of discounts, gifts and services--so that, although the chapter generates some cash, our members receive an entirely new level of benefits throughout the membership year.
4. The chapter is instituting a Program Package Subscription Plan that will enable those who either cannot--or do not wish to--pay annual dues the opportunity to purchase a discounted multi-event ticket package.  This could save non-members hundreds of dollars over the course of a program year.

We are doing what we can, with these programs, services and discounts, to assist our members (and EVEN non-member subscribers) in their pursuit of the crucial tactics, strategies and connections that can lead--often quickly--to a new job.

I hope that you will join me at our June 14th event.  Make it a point to attend, introduce yourself, and I will personally introduce you to at least two people who can be instrumental in your career (one of whom will NOT be me).  And, if you do attend and I do make those introductions, I'll be happy to Link In with you so we can keep up on your job search.

I look forward to meeting you then.

Sincerely,
Matt Roberts
President, PAMA