Mae Ibe, CMP

Welcome to a new MPI Year! 

It’s hard to believe that MPI-WI Chapter is entering its 32nd year!  The evolution of this industry over the past three decades is incredible.  Think for a moment how technology has made an impact on how we do business.  The now close to obsolete fax machine made its debut in the mid-80s (affordable ones that is), the computer was a luxury item for businesses in the late 70s, and voice mail (answering machine) was available to companies in the early 80s.  Fast forward 25-30 years and here we are with blackberries, laptops, instant messaging, blogs, and email. 

As you know, keeping up with this ever changing technology is necessary to make a business or organization successful.  Our commitment to providing the tools to make you successful in your professional growth is strong.  This year your board will embark on changes making further enhancements to the website that will provide you with the ability to gain knowledge and information even more quickly and easily. 

We are also focusing on membership growth.  As I look back on my eight years of membership, it is amazing to me how much I’ve learned; and much of that learning comes from members I have reached out to.  I want to share with others the message “MPI is a great association!”   MPI has over 24,000 members worldwide, and 370 are right here in Wisconsin to network with, share best practices, and learn new innovating ideas.  The more, the merrier!

Volunteers are the heart of this chapter.   Almost 25% of our members volunteer to make this chapter a success.  I continue to be amazed by these individuals.  Their dedication, enthusiasm, and passion make this such a great chapter!  What about the other 75%?  This is the year to reach out and get involved.  It’s been said many times before “You get out of MPI what you put into it”.  Now is the time to put into MPI.  Whether it’s chairing an education event or spending an hour writing an article for the Agenda newsletter; each and every member has what it takes to become involved and make our chapter soar into the next year!

I remember when I first joined MPI.  Quiet I’ve never been, but I was a little intimidated with the hugging and the passion these people had.  So I decided at that point “If you can’t beat them, join them”.  I started out volunteering at the registration desk, then I was asked to help out on a fundraiser event, and as they say, the rest is history.  Here I am eight years later leading the people I admire most. 

I look forward to working with each and every Member during the 2008-2009 year and wish you a happy, healthy, and enjoyable year.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve your Chapter this year.

Sincerely,

Mae Ibe, CMP
President, MPI-WI Chapter