January
LEED - What It Means For You
Teresa Burrelsman of Paladino and Company

Probably the most important recent development in the architecture and engineering design industry, Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) is rapidly growing in acceptance. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the LEED program as a national standard for high performance, sustainable buildings. Local, state, and federal agencies are increasing emphasis on sustainable design, and firms who can demonstrate LEED knowledge and experience will have an edge in the foreseeable furture. The presentation was made by Teresa Burrelsman of Paladino and Company, a Seattle based sustainable building consulting firm. Paladino was instrumental in the formation of the standard, and provides continued technical assistance to the USGBC. For more information visit www.paladinoandco.com

February
Spokane Commercial Real Estate Update
Mark Pinch, Tomlinson Black Commercial Real Estate

March
Speaking With Impact
Denise Harrington, Harrington & Associates
www.harringtonassociates.com

Harrington & Associates is a leading international communications training company. They specialize in providing effective one-on-one and group coaching to corporations and individuals who want to polish their presentation or media interviewing skills.

Harrington & Associates clients include Alaska Airlines, IBM, Nike, Starbucks, Tiger Woods, Ken Griffey Jr., Carl Lewis, Mia Hamm, and

Are you losing money by not connecting with your potential clients?

April
MAS Networking Spectacular

A unique opportunity for effective and efficient business-to-business networking. Attendees had one-minute " to give an "elevator speech" about their company to a captive audience - the people sharing their table. Participants distributed at least 50 cards during the April program.

April
MASCART Racing

A night of racing and networking at the FASTCART Indoor Speedway. Road rage can be an acceptable form of networking.

May
SF 330
Daniel Laun, Account Manager, Axium

The final version of the new SF 330 form for Federal Agency submissions is finally here!. Attendees at the May meeting learned about the changes and requirements of the new format.

June
The Future of Riverfront Park
Paul Crutchfield, Spokane Parks and Recreation

Plans for the new Science Center and 3-D IMAX Theatre and the future of Riverfront Park was presented during the June MAS meeting. Attendees had the opportunity to see design concepts and and their questions answered on plans to revamp down Spokane's centerpiece attraction.

July
Future of Fairchild Airforce Base
Greg Bever, Publisher of Spokane Journal of Business
The City of Spokane recently announced its intentions to develop a regional economic development plan that would help create SpokaneSpokaneThe August meeting of the Marketing Associates of Spokane features special guest Tom Reese, Economic Development Advisor for the Office of the Mayor, who is discussing the City’s efforts to promote and develop a vibrant University District plan.  His presentation discusses in particular, the overall impact of the plan on the A/E/C industry and what opportunities exist should it become a reality. area, resulting in the creation of new jobs and a much more vibrant economy. ’s first “University District” and facilitate recruitment of faculty, students, researchers, and companies to the

Fairchild Air Force Base is the Spokane Area's largest employer, with more than 5,500 people.  Fairchild is estimated to represent nearly 10% of the area's total economy.  Many efforts are taking place to keep Fairchild off the list of US Military bases to be closed in 2006 under the Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) process. The July Meeting of the Marketing Associates of Spokane was presented by Greg Bever, Publisher of the Spokane Journal of Business, who is playing a key role in the efforts to keep Fairchild Air Force Base active.

August
Spokane's University District and Its Impact on the A/E/C Industry
Tom Reese is the Economic Development Advisor for the Office of the Mayor

September
Strategic Marketing Plans for Architects, Engineers and Contractors
Bill LaMarche, Principal of the LaMarche Consulting Group

The LaMarche Consulting Group is a privately held, management consulting company created to address the profitability, productivity, and stakeholder value needs of the small to mid-cap, for profit business entity.  Although companies in this category make up the greatest overall number of business entities of record in the U.S., they receive the least attention and service from management consultants.

Mr. LaMarche will be making a special presentation at the Marketing Associates of Spokane September meeting on the importance of creating a strategic marketing plan to build brand identity and increase market share for A/E/C firms.   

October
Making the Cut:  The Art of Shortlist Presentations
Dr. Gary D'Angelo

Dr. D’Angelo is a full time client-relationship consultant, presentation coach and trainer for engineering, architecture and other professional service companies. When he comes to Spokane, he will have completed a major research project entitled, “How to Build Relationships with Clients.” This research is based on his face-to-face interviews with clients who purchase all types of professional services from firms in the A/E/C industry.

November

"LEADING PEOPLE FROM THE MIDDLE"  

Bill Robinson, President of Whitworth College

Bill Robinson, the 17th president of Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, was the featured speaker in November.  Mr. Robinson published a book with Executive Excellence Publishing entitled, "Leading People from the Middle:  The Universal Mission of Mind and Heart".  He shared with the group his expertise and experiences related to leadership, corporate and management structure, and marketing.

December

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA & CELEBRATION OF 5TH MAS ANNIVERSARY

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture was the site and setting for an incredible night that featured fun, food, and drink for the annual MAS Christmas gala. It also provided the group an opportunity to celebrate their 5-year anniversary.  Guests were able to enjoy the beautiful space and amazing art exhibits throughout the evening.   The night also gave those present an opportunity to generously give toys and money, which were then donated to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.