President’s Message

 

In 2012, how will you make your difference? And, how will the Calgary Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers help you make your difference?

We will build on a strong foundation from 2011: CAPS Calgary’s 5^th Fast Track Program for emerging speakers is off to an excellent start; our Members Only FaceBook Group, Lunch Clubs and Living Room Chats will continue and our monthly Saturday mornings (except for July and August) for Members and Guests are shaping up to be simply stellar! Come out to network with professional speakers, hear about industry trends, as well as learn how to build your speaking business and platform skills.

CAPS members are the premier speakers in Canada; keynoters, facilitators, coaches and trainers. At CAPS Calgary, we have close to 100 members. Many are internationally renowned and 12 have achieved their Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association. Four are members of the Hall of Fame for CAPS or NSA’s equivalent (the CPAE or Council of Peers Award for Excellence Speakers Hall of Fame) and five are recipients of the Spirit of CAPS Award, exemplifying excellence in speaking and giving back. All are true role models for making your difference!

Some of our members are best-selling authors, many are featured in the media for their expertise and one is even the host of a TV show on the Oprah Winfrey Network. We call him our Million Dollar Man. All royalties from one of our members’ shared books will cover the cost of laptops for children in need. In addition to being the business best-seller on Amazon, eight laptops have been donated so far. Now there’s a way to make your difference!

To make your difference in 2012 and in keeping with the theme for this year rolled out by 2012 CAPS National President, David Gouthro, CSP, your CAPS Calgary Board invites you to do your part. Please let us know what would help you and your speaking business; and, what you will do to help CAPS Calgary be Better Together!

Your 2012 CAPS Calgary Board members will make their difference this year! Cheryl Oberg, Programming Chair, will be planning Programs to meet the needs of our most experienced, advanced, successful members; and, Palmo Carpino, Membership Chair, will be seeking more members! Chuck Rose, Logistics Chair, will be building a team of trained A/V specialists. Bernie Fitterer, Communications Chair, will be working on ways to help members be better informed, more in advance, as well as to raise the profile of CAPS Calgary in the community and the media. Stu Schultz, Treasurer, is focused on complete financial accountability and Patricia Morgan, Past President & Spirit of CAPS recipient, will be looking for ways to get more members involved.

The 2012 Board will be exploring ideas to meet the needs of: intermediate members, senior members, members who are trainers and members who want to work towards their CSP. And, we are also planning to have more fun this year! Both a ski day and a golf tournament are already being planned. We welcome your ideas about other social events you would enjoy and would be willing to help organize.

Your 2012 Board of volunteers will do everything we can to help you be thrilled to be part of this thriving community of professional speakers! If you are not yet a member, or you have friends or colleagues who you think could benefit from CAPS Calgary events, please go to www.capscalgary.ca to sign-up for our announcements. For more information about our national organization and about the membership application process, please go to www.canadianspeakers.org.

This year, I will often refer to NSA and CAPS’ four core competencies: Eloquence (the art of powerful and persuasive speaking); Expertise (effectively researching and developing content); Enterprise (running a successful speaking business); and, Ethics (the foundation of the three other competencies — encompassing reputation, character and integrity); as I believe they set CAPS apart as the professional organization of choice for experts who speak.

Help us – help you – Make Your Difference,

I.J. (Ida-Jean) McIntyre

CAPS Calgary Chapter President
Email: ij@queenage.com
403.669.6851

 2012 Chapter Board

It truly takes a village to keep our chapter functioning at such a high level, and I’m very proud to say that I have a great board to work with this year.  However, we are always looking for committee volunteers to help lessen the workload. You’ll really feel a part of the CAPS group if you embrace the spirit of CAPS by volunteering – even for the smallest of tasks.  Below are the people who will truly be grateful for your help, and you will have a direct hand in strengthening your chapter.

President Past President Communications Programming Treasurer Logistics Membership Fundraising/Special Events

Ida-Jean (IJ) McIntyre Patricia Morgan Bernie Fitterer Cheryl Oberg Stu Schultz Chuck Rose Palmo Carpino

 

 

Board elections take place every November, and we’re always looking for conscientious and committed individuals to serve on the board.  Consider getting involved.  Talk to any board member to learn more.

Here are some links you may find interesting:

• Find out more about CAPS National member benefits click here
• You may also want to explore the CAPS National Members only area
• In addition to chapter benefits CAPS National offers webinars. To find out more check this link.
• Find out more about the Global Speakers Federation.