March 2019

I have a real appreciation for the beginning of Spring. I love the sweet smell in the air, the sounds of the birds, and the hints of warm summer to come. It is indeed a time of rebirth, of new beginnings. The world has also woken up from its winter grind with opportunities sprouting right and left. I am ready to tackle new projects and try new things.

ICES has woken up with wonderful opportunities for our members. Local Days of Sharing, Meetings, Classes, and other Events are in full swing. ICES is actively seeking people to get involved at the local level as Reps, Ambassadors or other officers; at the international level with nominations for the next Board of Directors;  and at the Convention level as a Convention Volunteer.  March 1 is the opening of our 2019 Convention Registration and it is shaping up to be a really special show.

It seems the theme of most of my messages this year have been Member Involvement. Once again, I encourage everyone to join in the rebirth of ICES. ICES is full of opportunities for all.  You are important to the future of ICES. Here are just a few more reasons why:

1. Your opinion is important

The Board of Directors genuinely want to hear your ideas and feedback. Member engagement is a vital part of ICES. Regardless of your qualifications, everyone knows what they like and dislike, has an opinion about what needs to be done and where priorities should lay.

2. More perspectives
   Member engagement is often heavily one-sided, and the board can be inundated with input only from those members who have a strong opinion. If your opinion differs to the more popular opinions, decision makers want to hear from you so they get a balanced understanding of our members views. Additional perspectives expand options and enhance the value of the ultimate decision. The more views gathered in the process of making a decision, the more likely the final product will meet the most needs and address the most concerns possible. If you fear repercussions of going against a vocal group, engagement can be done anonymously.
3. New information

The Board recognizes that the members that participate in our programs have an intimate knowledge and unique perspective. Because of this knowledge, members can provide new information that has yet to be considered.

4. Community benefit / ownership

When the members are involved in, they have ownership of it and the decision making process, which is key to a successful outcome, even if not all individuals necessarily agree with the outcome.

5. It feels good

It feels good knowing that you were involved in something that benefits ICES.

So you want to get involved but you don’t know where to start?

At the local level – Contact your Representative/Ambassador, or email Tina Crews at representatives@ICES.org.

Want to join the Board or if you know someone who should – Fill out the online nominations form or email Becky Lujan at nominations@ICES.org.

Want to voice your opinion – Join us at the Annual Membership Meeting in Little Rock, or email Suzy Zimmermann at president@ICES.org. You can also email any of the board members whose email addresses are listed in this newsletter and on the website.

Welcome Spring! Let’s all work together to grow ICES!

See you in Little Rock.

Suzy Zimmermann
President
International Cake Exploration Soci