2005 Meetings
January
"Regional Economic Trends"
Presented by: Grant Forsyth, Economist, Eastern Washington University
The featured speaker, Grant Forsyth, economist from EWU, spoke on the economic trends and forecasts for our region and offered comparison/contrast to the national trends and forecasts. Mr. Forsyth received his PHD in Economics from Washington State University. His current research interests include banking and credit markets, small firm survival, and regional economic development.
February
"Moving Forward with the North Spokane Corridor"
Presented by: Mike Gribner and Larry Larson, Washington State Department of Transportation
Mike Gribner and Larry Larson, the lead Department of Transportation designers for the North Spokane Corridor, gave attendees the inside scoop on the project timeline and design for this long-awaited project. When completed, the North Spokane Corridor will be a 60-mile per hour, limited access highway with a direct connection to I-90.
March
"Overview of the Spokane River Gorge Strategic master Plan"
Presented by: Mike Edwards, Downtown Spokane Partnership
Mike presented an overview of the recently completed Spokane River Gorge Strategic Master Plan, which envisions an activated river and gorge corridor of more than 400 acres. Mike shared with the group the 15 catalytic projects to be delivered over the next 1-3 years that will make this vision a reality and discussed the economic opportunities in adjacent neighborhoods.
April
“The architecture of a brand – how to build one, sustain it over time and keep the message vibrant”
Presented by Ann Bradford, Girvin l Strategic Branding and Design, Seattle together with Debbie DeGabrielle of DeGabrielle Consulting, Seattle.
In this workshop, consisting of presentation, group discussion, and small group break-out sessions, Ann and Debbie gave attendees a better understanding of how to effectively marshal your resources to define your positioning, build your brand, and create a heightened awareness and a broader base of brand stewardship within your company.The workshop was followed by a presentation titled "Getting Clear" which focused on the steps you need to take to ensure your firm's message is distinctive and resonates with prospective clients.
May
"The power of planning"
Presented by: Paul Brown, Summit Advisory LLC
At the May meeting participants learned the tools they need to differentiate and distinguish their companies from their competition. Mr. Brown identified strategic "differentiators" to demonstrate how a well-founded business strategy is crafted. Attendees learned how to identify new strategies, see new strategic positions, and select the best strategy for their companies. These strategic decision-making tools are designed to define your competitive advantage, pinpoint your target market, and crystallize your company vision.
June
"2004 - 2005 Legislative Review"
Presented by: Congressman John Ahern
At the June MAS meeting, State Congressman John Ahern offered an overview of the recently closed Washington 2004-2005 legislative session. Three bills that relate to architecture and engineering were discussed in greater detail, including the bill that mandates "green building" practices for public buildings in Washington State.
July
"The culture of economic development"
Presented by: Dr. Shane Mahoney, Professor, Eastern Washington University
In July, Dr. Shane Mahoney presented the results of his study on the "Culture and Economic Development in the Spokane Region." To identify the main characteristics of economic culture in the Spokane Region, Dr. Mahoney conducted in-depth interviews with individuals from the area's leading commercial, political, academic research and university communities. He also interviewed industrial leaders in the Boise area. His findings from both regions were then compared with the benchmark economic-cultural traits displayed in the successful Silicon Valley.
July
Summer Social - Northern Lights
The temperature was hot, the beer was cold, and the MAS-ters were networking into the night on July 28th at the fifth annual MAS Summer Social. This year’s event at the Northern Lights Brewery on the
Spokane
River
featured a brewery tour, eight different varieties of beer, excellent food, music, and the wonderful park-like setting to ourselves. In the MAS tradition, we landed precisely on the hottest day of the year, with temperatures nearing three digits, but it was nothing that the perfect breeze, brews and bratwursts couldn’t mend. When the nice people at Northern Lights finally gave us the boot, the conversation and laughter had devolved into something other than professional, but once again, the event proved without a doubt that MAS is “the fun group” in town.
August
"Marketing and Lead Generation"
Presented by: Maria Vandervert and Theresa Sanders, Spokane Economic Development Council
The August luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane featured two speakers from the Spokane Economic Development Council. Maria Vandervert, Marketing and Communications Manager and Theresa Sanders, Executive VP Business Development gave an overview of the EDC and what they are currently focusing on locally.
September
"International Trade and the Regional Economy"
Presented by: Roberta Brooke, International Trade Alliance (ITA)
The September luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane featured Roberta Brooke of the International Trade Alliance. Ms. Brooke covered in her presentation the global impact of trade at the local and state level, giving an overview of recent trade missions to Spokane's sister cities, and emphasizing special projects of the ITA.
October
"Communication Breakthroughs"
Presented by: Tim Card, Dale Carnegie Northwest
"People remember who can speak to a group and communicate their ideas clearly and concisely. They also rememer who can't." At the October luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates, Tim Card, Dale Carnegie Northwest presented ways in which we can take full advantage of our existing strengths during speaking opportunities. Attendees learned:
- Examine personal attitudes toward conducting presentations to a group.
- Review characteristics of effective presenters.
- Understand the cycle of accelerated performance in this area.
- Focus on opportunities and positive results for the future.
November
"The Power of Relationship Marketing"
Presented by: Randy Tuminello
In this special workshop, Randy discussed how to create client feedback and build client relationships. Randy first spoke to MAS in 2002 and three years later he came back with a renewed message and boundless passion. Principal of Tuminello Consulting, Randy has been marketing professional services for the past 16 years. He served as VP for Marketing and Business Development for two national A/E firms. He is integrally involved in developing national markets in sports, health care, justice, and advanced technology facilities.
December
2005 MAS
Holiday
Party and Charity Auction
What could be better than good friends, holiday cheer, great food & drink, and getting some holiday shopping out of the way at the same time? Doing all of the above for a great, local charity, of course! On December 6, about 45 MAS-ters gathered at the
Holiday
Inn
Express
Spokane
Valley
and brought with them glad tidings and home-made ornaments that were the subject of the silent auction. We’re happy to report that every ornament was sold and over $400 was raised for Wishing Star, a local wish-granting organization. In fact, the event was such a success, there is a good chance we will have the same format next year and try to break our record in terms of money raised, attendees, ornaments and fun. Thanks to Brendan Guenther at the Holiday Inn Express, as well as everyone who helped organize the event.
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