Marketing the Junior Chamber

Are you a good follower? What we learn from our GPS

2009-06-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Moving to a new area is both fun and challenging, but how do you go about learning your way around? Before the GPS, you talked your friend into talking you through a map, map-quested directions before you left, or just drove around until you got good and lost.

Today, GPS devices are common and inexpensive and it can be easy to rely on one without getting to know the area on your own. The key to GPS navigating, however, is to actually follow the directions given.

Why do I say that? My boyfriend fancies himself "the navigator." Drop him anywhere in the world with a map, and he'll plot a way (if not an incredibly unusual way) out. At the same time, he is terrible with the GPS because he never trusts that it is correct. He always second-guesses where it is going and if it is accurate. The result is that while I'm driving, he either changes the destination to make it go his way or directs me to ignore it. When I drive alone, I get everywhere just fine; when he comes along, I tend to make U-turns and wait for the GPS to re-plot my route.

When I was returning from the gym today, it occured to me that the real problem is that he doesn't trust the GPS enough to follow its directions -- and that is a common problem for a lot of people.

As a trainer and lecturer, if my audience doesn't trust in what I am saying, they are likely to second-guess or become misguided. I had this issue during a training in Florida in March. Several members of the audience were so busy trying to guess what I was going to say or simply draw the attention to their own knowledge that they missed some of the message that I was conveying. Much like my boyfriend and the GPS, they assumed their knowledge was already greater than or more extensive than the trainer they had signed up to see. It made for a very rough start of the training.

Only when they audience began to accept that they could learn something and follow the trainer, did we actually make progress.

So what did I learn from my GPS?

To be a good follower, you have to trust who you are following.
To have good followers, you have to gain their trust.
If you aren't willing to trust, you may miss valuable information and unnecessarily extend your learning.

Moving cross country

2009-05-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I've been off of here for a while, making some big life choices. So after 11 years in New York, I've decided that I am going to move to California and try some new things.

For those on Twitter, I will be tweeting as a I travel from my iPhone. You can follow the trip (where there is reception) across the US North by following:

http://twitter.com/shonda_ranson

Move starts May 15, 2009. We will be heading to West Virginia first to see family.

Cause-Related Web Sites are Springing Up Everywhere

2009-03-04T10:26:00.001-08:00

Wired.com had an article called "Yes, We Plan: How Altruism and Advertising Could Change the World" http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/03/yes-we-plan-how.html that talks about an alliance between the marketing people of Axe and a programmer who want to put together a cause-related site for the social good that lets people know that even one small step can make a big difference in helping the world. They are calling it IfWeRantheWorld.com and the article was run before the website was even developed (to date, the only thing at the URL is a contact email).

The comments that poured in, included URLs for other sites that do something similar, so I thought I'd put them all on in one place:

Extraordinaries http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009516.html

Social Vibe http://SOCIALVIBE.com

More to come...

Learning from Failed Deployment

2009-02-11T12:16:00.001-08:00

So the Metro group decided to put out a survey and use the new Google Docs tool to create and deploy. They survey looked great and I had a friend in California test it out. Everything seemed to work.

The embed function was failing due to site code-stripping, so we had to send it out as a copy and paste link; HOWEVER, the link was long and wrapped to a second line. The result? every place we posted the link for deployment, it cut the text off after so many characters.

Suddenly, a flood of announcements came in about the error in the survey link.

What we learned:

Long links suck
Triple-check cut & paste
People are actually reading our emails!
More responses came in from Facebook than our direct campaign
TinyURL doesn't like google doc links
Facebook doesn't like google doc links

Marketing through corporate sponsorship

2009-02-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Past World President Scott Greenlee:

FYI, another great article appeared on the JCI Website (on one of my favorite topics) on Corporate Partnerships. I hope that you are checking the website regularly and sharing it with your members/chapters.

http://www.jci.cc/news/en/13051/%3Cb%3E9-Ways-to-Find-Local-Sponsorships%3C/b%3E

There are training materials on this and many other topics on the site as well – and I have a bunch if you cannot find it in other places.

Thanks!

Scott Greenlee

2007 JCI President

Click on "Read More..." for a recreation of the actual article.

9 Ways to Find Local Sponsorships

It pays to have partners. Don’t let a lack of funds keep your project from reaching its full potential.

Partnering with corporate sponsors magnifies the impact of JCI projects as Local and National Organizations create positive change on the local level. "Sponsorship is the key to moving forward,” says Sponsorship Consultant Jill Larson. “JCI can offer an amazing amount of value to partners. Companies want to support charitable causes. And we can help get them there.”

But, what’s in it for them?
Aim for partnerships instead of sponsorships. Think in terms of what value your Local or National Organization offers to the potential partner as a network of young active citizens. How will the partner benefit from their partnership with you?

Then, connect the value JCI offers with a need your organization can satisfy in a corporation to create a partnership that is mutually beneficial.

Local sponsorships are everywhere. Here are some pathways to help you find them:

1. Work Your Network
Identify potential partners by brainstorming with the members in your Local or National Organization. Develop extensive lists of contacts to explore.

2. Do Your Research
Research potential partners to find the common ground among their passions, social or economic endeavors, and the JCI Mission. The more you know about each company and their existing community outreach strategy, the more you can tailor you campaign to meet their needs.

3. Develop a Relationship
People like to know who they’re working with – corporations are no different. Turn to your personal networks because approaching strangers is far less effective than talking to friends. Demonstrating your commitment to the relationship will earn you the right to ask for support.

4. Share the JCI Story
Tell your potential partners about JCI, including details of how JCI creates positive change in your community. Focus on the JCI Mission and how it reflects on the company’s image.

5. Take Action – Ask!
Write customized proposals that show concretely what a partnership with JCI will provide to your partners. Emphasize the unique mutually beneficial relationship JCI offers, including details and bullet points of what they will receive from this partnership.

6. Recognize Sponsors for their Contribution
Companies choose to partner with JCI to gain publicity and recognition in the community. Give them what they paid for by including their name and logo in marketing materials and thanking them publicly.

7. Maintain Relationships
Sustain an ongoing dialogue with your partners to make sure they know their support is valuable. Send immediate thank-you letters and periodic JCI-related news to ensure you stay in their minds.

8. Talk About the Impact
Keep partners informed of project results and show how their contributions made the project possible. Make it clear how their sponsorship money made a difference.

9. Share Successes
Tell JCI World Headquarters, your National Organization and other JCI members about your successful partnerships to exchange ideas. Submit your project to the Awards Program to stand up and be recognized. Check your editing deadlines at the Awards Web page .

Look for a more complete guide to sponsorship in coming weeks.

Attracting quality in a recession

2009-01-27T10:40:00.001-08:00

Adage posted an article about attracting quality talent to agencies during a recession (http://adage.com/talentworks/article?article_id=134109) and I felt that many of the same principles were true for any business or organization.

First, job security is going to be the number one priority -- not how much fun a place is to work.
Skill-building and experience will be more important than additional social activities.
Careers will be cool again, instead of job hopping every few years

"Millennials, who have never experienced an economic downturn of any magnitude, also are saddled with more debt than any previous generation. With most employers waiting until at least the second or third quarter of this year to evaluate the economy and subsequent hiring, those under 30 are in a tenuous position but not without leverage. They bring the technology and social-networking skills critical to agencies and their clients. They also represent a demographic that still has tremendous buying power and significant brand influence."

The Junior Chamber began just before the Great Depression, in the 1920s, and continued to grow steadily through the 1930s, during the last major US recession. Perhaps the best course of action to marketing to new members is returning to the basics.

Inauguration Madness

2009-01-20T08:44:00.001-08:00

If you ever wonder if the internet is reaching older demographics, I only have to look at my aged secretary, who can barely manage to print a Word document without incident, but was able get streaming video of the Obama inauguration (and was shouting out updates on what people were wearing).

As Obama pledges to make the White House go tech and is fighting for his Blackberry, the University Hospital where I work is providing links to all employees to watch from their desks and projecting streaming video in cafeterias for those who don't have a computer-based job. Forget the racial part of making history -- the new regime is also making pr, marketing, and tech history.

From Adage today (http://adage.com/bigtent/post?article_id=133905):

Unlike most news that breaks with no advance notice, Inauguration Day has had more lead-ins, promos, custom graphics, web alerts, analysis and star power than any other event in U.S. History. And if actual viewership of the event even touches the amount of anticipation, then the number will far exceed last years 2008 Super Bowl record of 94.5 million people. With an estimated 1-2 million people in attendance, hundreds of thousands of party celebrations at venues, churches, and schools across America, everyone is getting involved in Obama-mania (even criminals!).
Because the inauguration will be broadcast simultaneously on all of the broadcast networks, as well as on the cable news networks, in addition to online streaming, I am not sure if Nielsen will ever be able to estimate the total viewership tally, so maybe it will ever really be known. But I can tell you this: It will dwarf this year's Super Bowl on Feb. 1. Take in the international audience and I wouldn't even know where to begin to tally up the viewership for today's events.

What is the message?

2009-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm currently reading Paul Gillin's "Secrets of Social Media Marketing," and he mentions an old marketing principle that I think a lot of us have forgotten.

People don't buy drill bits; they buy the holes.

It made me think about our JCI marketing and how it is all about the call to action. Granted, call to action is very important and should be included in marketing messaging, but we aren't so good at telling you what you do with our membership.

Are you investing in

a resume entry?
training?
networking?
relationship building?
personal recognition?
personal development?
political involvement?

What do these things look like?

A nice, clean, hole of the proper dimensions for a work project is easy to visualize.

Now, our job is to make it THAT clear for other young professionals.

How much info of you is online?

2008-11-01T09:09:00.001-07:00

Some people live open lives. I happen to be one of them. Maybe I've resigned that I won't take public office -- at least not one that would end in some scandalous article posting about my past.

But just like a credit score, knowing what is posted online about yourself can be a pretty good insight. The norm now is that when you apply for a job, your name is googled before your resume is even reviewed.

Recently, personal listings of old acquaintances have been resurfacing, which include addresses and phone numbers. Posting like this one: http://www.ypsort.com/info/pa/12991984/ can be disconcerting.

As a result, a new business franchise is springing up to take your money. Make sure before you sign up for one of these sites that you check its legitimacy.

Example: http://www.myonlinerep.com/index.php?kw=Remove+Internet+Information

Some free things from Google people might use

2008-09-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Some new things from Google that are free and might be useful
I saw on BBC America about the launch of Google's new web browser "Chrome". So I went to Google labs and saw some other things that might be useful:

Google Scholar - search scholarly publications
Google trends - gives updated stats on Google search terms
Google transit - gives directions using public transportation options only
Google Chrome - Google's new web browser. You might want to check out "incognito mode" for those developing web marketing for CRM

Blogger mobile

2008-08-18T10:54:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPhone 3G.

How to pretend that you care about the elections

2008-07-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have always been a big fan of The Onion, but now that they have started doing video, I am an addict.

One of their more recent pieces on the upcoming elections addresses some of the conspiracy theory behind rigged elections.

Diebold Accidentally Leaks Results Of 2008 Election Early

MetNet 2008 is Made for Marketers!

2008-07-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

International authors, media experts, and great moves! MetNet & the City features Best Sessions Ever (Really!)

Highlighted speakers and trainers scheduled for MetNet 2008:

* Keynote: David M. Scott - author of "The New Rules of PR and Marketing"

* Paul Gillin - author of "The New Influencers"

*Doug McGuirk - National Trainer for the Anthony Robbins Companies

* Waldo Cabrera - owner, creator of Islip.TV & MyLITV.com; President of SWMAX, LLC

* and JCI ITF Patrick Knight, US Metro Director Rob Witthauer, Life Coach Sarina Tomel, leadership consultant Jeff Goldberg

* New York City Councilman John Liu has agreed to do the welcome message for Friday morning opening ceremonies to show support from New York City for JCI!

NEW TO THE AGENDA - Friday and Saturday night, we have also secured 2 International Dance Champions to offer Exhibition/Dance classes for Friday and Saturday nights! The Dancers will offer training in Swing, Ballroom and other dance types FOR 3 HOURS BOTH NIGHTS! They assure it will be very fun and the attendees will learn how to Dance plus get the chance to show off your new skills!

We thought you'd like to know that...

MetNet 2008 is Made for Marketers!
It's Not Too Late to Use MetNet 2008 to Boost Your Business Performance

JCI Metnet July 31-Aug 3, 2008

http://www.jcimetnet2008nyc.org/

David Meerman Scott Confirmed as MetNet 2008 Keynote Speaker
Presentation Topic - "The New Rules of Marketing and PR"

REGISTER TODAY for JCI Metnet July 31-Aug 3, 2008 @ http://www.jcimetnet2008nyc.org/

How to use news releases, blogs, podcasts, viral marketing and online media to reach your buyers and members directly

Learn how to leverage the potential that Web-based communication offers. A step-by-step action plan for harnessing the power of the new rules of marketing and PR will be provided, showing how to identify audiences, create compelling messages, get those messages to the most consumers possible, and lead those consumers directly into the buying process. Told with many case studies and real-world examples, this is a practical discussion about the new reality of PR and marketing.

For decades, marketers have relied on buying expensive advertising and begging the media and analysts for coverage. We interrupted "prospects" with our egotistical "messages," in the hopes of generating interest from buyers (who usually ignored us anyway). The web has profoundly changed the rules. Smart marketers now communicate with buyers through content rich Web sites, blogs, YouTube videos, ebooks, and other online media that buyers actually want to consume. The products and services offered by tuned in companies resonate with people who willingly buy without being coerced.

About the Speaker David Meerman Scott is a recovering VP marketing for two publicly traded technology companies and was also Asia Marketing Director for Knight-Ridder, at the time one of the world's largest newspaper and electronic information companies. He is now an online thought leadership and viral marketing strategist and the programs he has developed have won numerous awards and are responsible for selling over one billion dollars in products and services worldwide. David is the author of the number one best selling PR and marketing book The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to use news releases, blogs, viral marketing and online media to reach buyers directly which is being published in 12 languages. He developed the New Rules of Marketing™ course for Pragmatic Marketing, Inc. based on his book. David has lived and worked in New York, Tokyo, Boston, and Hong Kong and has presented at industry conferences and events in over twenty countries on four continents. Check out his blog at www.WebInkNow.com or download his free ebook The New Rules of Viral Marketing: How word-of-mouse spreads your ideas for free at http://www.davidmeermanscott.com/documents/Viral_Marketing.pdf

Paul Gillin - Social Media Marketing Expert - has agreed to speak for early crowds at MetNet & the City (2008)
Bestselling author gives special early session training

JCI Metnet July (30)31-Aug 3, 2008

http://www.jcimetnet2008nyc.org/

Check out Paul Gillin on YouTube signing autographs for his book "The New Influencers" at BlogWorld Expo 2008. Paul Gillin on YouTube

Who is Paul Gillin? Paul is a veteran technology journalist with more than 24 years of editorial leadership. Paul was founding editor-in-chief of TechTarget, one of the most successful new media entities to emerge on the Internet. Previously, he was editor-in-chief and executive editor of Computerworld . Currently, he writes the social media column for BtoB magazine. His critically acclaimed new book,The New Influencers, is about the changes in markets being driven by the new breed of online publishers. Published by Quill Driver Books in spring, 2007, it is in its third printing. His second book, Secrets of Social Media Marketing, will be published in the fall of 2008.

Paul specializes in advising business-to-business marketers on strategies to optimize their use of online channels to reach buyers cost-effectively. He is particularly interested in social media and the application of personal publishing to brand awareness and business marketing. Paul is an accomplished speaker and media spokesman. He has keynoted more than a dozen technology conferences, including annual user group meetings for IBM, Oracle, Cognos, Business Objects and J.D. Edwards. He has also spoken at scores of other events about technology trends and social media. His ability to translate complex technology topics into plain English has made him a favorite source for journalists.

He has been widely quoted in newspapers and on the airwaves, including appearances on CNN, PBS, Fox News and MSNBC. Paul is a research fellow at the Society for New Communications Research and he chairs the social media cluster of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council. He blogs at www.paulgillin.com.

More Information can be found at http://www.NYSJC.org

2008-07-15T08:06:00.001-07:00

Check out NYSJC.org for the latest updates

New York State News:

Thomas Golisano last week announced the formation of Responsible New York, a committee set up to make expenditures in support of state legislature candidates "most committed to changing Albany."

Golisano, the Paychex Inc. founder who has made three unsuccessful runs for governor, plans to spend at least $5 million. But some political observers have said his initiative could face a legal challenge to determine whether it complies with New York election law.

-RBJ.net

JC Camp this Saturday (7-19)
First Annual Summer Family Fun Day

Bring your family, Bring your fun, your sleeping bags and prepare for a fantastic weekend of fun, games and companionship! You can arrive as early as July 18th. We arrive at Camp Sertoma any time after 6:00pm and spend an evening relaxing with many other Jaycees. Saturday after breakfast it’s a day of outside activities and games including swimming, sports and boating. The day will break for meals and finish up with a campfire, songs and a relaxing evening. On
Sunday we pack up after breakfast and say good bye to our friends, then head home.

All play, no work, can’t wait to see you all there!

Please direct your questions to Pat Wallen
Phone:(607)206-9834 Email: Patrick_p_wallen@yahoo.com

NYSJC Wiki
Time to share your JC knowledge
We've heard a lot from newer members about the lack of pass along knowledge of the organization. To help relieve this problem, we reserved a Wiki where our past members and historians can dump their brains to give members a searchable resource to use.

The wiki can be found here: http://jaycees.wikispaces.com/

Please consider adding content including, NY specific history, history on former chapters, former member information, current chapter histories, state and national awards information, anything Jaycees.

Also, could you pass it along to other governors, senators, random former Jaycees you have contacts for, etc. :)

The wiki can also be reached from the state website at http://nysjc.org

Breaking MetNet News
International authors, media experts, and great moves! MetNet & the City features Best Sessions Ever (Really!)

Highlighted speakers and trainers scheduled for MetNet 2008:

Keynote: David M. Scott - author of "The New Rules of PR and Marketing"
Paul Gillin - author of "The New Influencers"
Doug McGuirk - ational Trainer for the Anthony Robbins Companies
Waldo Cabrera - owner, creator of Islip.TV & MyLITV.com; President of SWMAX, LLC
and JCI ITF Patrick Knight, US Metro Director Rob Witthauer, Life Coach Sarina Tomel, leadership consultant Jeff Goldberg, and speech consultant Judy Cavallo

Just in from the MetNet 2008 Team:

Please forward!

--- BREAKING METNET 2008 NEWS --

http://www.jcimetnet2008nyc. org/

This just in:

New York City Councilman John Liu (http://council.nyc.gov/d20/ html/members/home.shtml) has agreed to do the welcome message for Friday morning opening ceremonies to show support from New York City for JCI!

NEW TO THE AGENDA - Friday and Saturday night, we have also secured 2 International Dance Champions to offer Exhibition/Dance classes for Friday and Saturday nights! The Dancers will offer training in Swing, Ballroom and other dance types FOR 3 HOURS BOTH NIGHTS! They assure it will be very fun and the attendees will learn how to Dance plus get the chance to show off your new skills!

David Meerman Scott Confirmed as MetNet 2008 Keynote Speaker (Fri. Aug 1st)

2008-07-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Presentation Topic - "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" How to use news releases, blogs, podcasts, viral marketing and online media to reach your buyers directly

The web has profoundly changed the rules. Smart marketers now communicate with buyers through content rich Web sites, blogs, YouTube videos, ebooks, and other online media that buyers actually want to consume. The products and services offered by tuned in companies resonate with people who willingly buy without being coerced.

About the Speaker

David Meerman Scott is a recovering VP marketing for two publicly traded technology companies and was also Asia Marketing Director for Knight-Ridder, at the time one of the world's largest newspaper and electronic information companies. He is now an online thought leadership and viral marketing strategist and the programs he has developed have won numerous awards and are responsible for selling over one billion dollars in products and services worldwide. David is the author of the number one best selling PR and marketing book The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to use news releases, blogs, viral marketing and online media to reach buyers directly which is being published in 12 languages. He developed the New Rules of Marketing™ course for Pragmatic Marketing, Inc. based on his book. David has lived and worked in New York, Tokyo, Boston, and Hong Kong and has presented at industry conferences and events in over twenty countries on four continents. Check out his blog at www.WebInkNow.com or download his free ebook The New Rules of Viral Marketing: How word-of-mouse spreads your ideas for free at

http://www.davidmeermanscott.com/documents/Viral_Marketing.pdf

Google launches virtual world "Lively"

2008-07-11T10:38:00.001-07:00

To compete with virtual worlds like Second Life, Google has launched their own virtual world program.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080709/wr_nm/google_lively_dc_1

How is this a marketing tool?

Rooms and objects can be created by users with links to external websites. For example, a JCI room could be created that links to information about JCI. Or a JCI object could be designed and placed in rooms around the v-world.

Check it out and have some fun with your members and perspectives. Maybe even start a weekly Lively MeetUp session

New Media Marketing Resources

2008-07-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

As a researcher and someone who is fascinated by behavioral responses of people, I can't seem to get enough information on utilizing Social Media as a marketing tool.

One of my goals this year has been to leverage that knowledge for a full role-out in 2009. Currently, I have been reading the following titles in preparation:

David Meerman Scott's "The New Rules of Marketing and PR"
Charlene Li & Josh Bernoff's "groundswell: winning in a world transformed by social technology"
Paul Gillin's "The New Influencers"

In addition, I was given some links that are useful:

NYC Waterfalls Just in Time for JCI MetNet 2008

2008-06-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

From New York Times article 6/24/2008

"The New York City Waterfalls" is a public art project of four man-made
waterfalls rising from New York Harbor, some as high as the Statue of
Liberty. Organized by the nonprofit Public Art Fund and the city of New
York, it is being billed as the city's biggest such project since "The
Gates," the $20 million effort by the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude
in 2005."

Pictures can be seen here: New York City Waterfalls

Rob Witthauer named U.S. Metro Conference Director 2008

2008-05-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Metro Conference Director Rob Witthauer

Effective Tuesday, May 20, 2008, New York State Junior Chamber member Rob Witthauer (Rochester, KAJC) was officially appointed to the position of U.S. Junior Chamber Metro Conference Director by a majority vote of the USJC Metro Team.

Congratulations, Rob!

Life WITHOUT the Junior Chamber

2008-05-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've had some requests to share the video shown at OYNY called "Life without the Junior Chamber." We are hoping to roll out a sequel in the next month.

The video can be accessed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqEwJIdx2kk

Or view below (requires Flash)

Congratulations to New York State Session I Awards winners

2008-05-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT COMPETITIONS

Jaycee Debate
Batavia Area Jaycees (Pam Warren, Amy Robinson, Catherine Colby)

Write-up
Rob Fields (Liverpool Jaycees)

Master's Speak Up
Mel Robinson - President Batavia Area Jaycees

Stan Malkinski Memorial Speak Up
Amy Robinson - Batavia Area Jaycees

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AWARDS

Outstanding State Program Manager
Patti Benda - Outstanding Young New Yorker

Outstanding State Vice President
David Stern - Community Development Vice President

Outstanding Jaycee
Bel Molina - Philippine NY Junior Chamber

Outstanding Local Staff Officer
Melissa George - Director Batavia Jaycees
Outstanding Local Vice President
Zultan Bermudez - Membership VP Philippine NY Junior Chamber

Outstanding Local President
Mel Robinson - Batavia Area Jaycees

REGION / DISTRICT / LOCAL ORGANIZATION AWARDS

Outstanding Region
Region South - led by RD Gary Abasolo

Top Growth Chapter
Long Island

Outstanding Local Publication
The IMPACT - Batavia Area Jaycees

Outstanding Local Project
55th Annual Home, Garden, and Trade Show - Batavia Area Jaycees
Blue Chip Parade of Chapters
1) Batavia Area Jaycees (tie)
JCI Saratoga Springs (tie)
3) Philippine NY Junior Chamber

Outstanding Local Organization
Batavia Area Jaycees - led by President Mel Robinson
OUTSTANDING YOUNG NEW YORKER AND LINDA SHAFFER MEMORIAL AWARD

3) Benjamin Peak - Sponsored by Greater Watertown
2) Amanda Harding - Sponsored by Batavia Area
1) Danielle Vitalo - Sponsored by JCI Saratoga Springs

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDS PRESENTED

New York State Governor
#327 - Richard D. Tilton - Pioneer (Arcade)
JCI Senatorship
#68030 Rick Phillips (Baldwinsville and Liverpool) 2008 Richard Vandermark Memorial
#68123 Tim Garlock (Batavia)

How are YOU Serving your Community?

2008-04-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you some things that people are doing around the state to be involved in their communities.

Michelle Capone from Greater Watertown is helping to run Emerge Northern New York, which is a large YP conference to increase awareness on issues for Northern New York young people;

Patty Benda from Johnson City has been attending meetings of other young professional groups to make sure they know about the Jaycees and to create partnerships;

Jonathon Kim from the Korean-American Junior Chamber is running the Korean-American community event with thousands of attendees again in New Jersey this year;

Yonel Lettieri from JCI Hispanic led a rally to reduce prostitution along Roosevelt Ave. in Queens, partnering with Assemblyman Peralta;

Melinda French and Christine D'Andrade of JCI Carribean are holding a social fundraiser to help clothe and shelter needy families in Ghianna;

Philippine NY JC members are participating in their annual independence day parade this year, BUT are also celebrating their 45th year milestone and sharing it with the community;

Orchard Park Junior Chamber held an Easter Egg hunt for 100 local children, made the newspaper, AND donated leftover candy to the Galisano's Childrens Hospital thanks for Jen Fiegel;

Buffalo Junior Chamber will be hosting Buffalo Mayor Brown as part of their guest speaker series at their May membership meeting;

Greater Rochester Junior Chamber is participating in a fundraiser for a cancer support group designed specifically for young adults (imtooyoungforthis.org) at their first annual "Stupid Cancer Happy Hour;"

Batavia Area Jaycees are hosting YOU, affecting the statewide young professional community;

JCI @ U of R is holding an informational meeting to organize a student rally to try and get student loan benefits on next year's state budget;

And JCI Greater Saratoga is working on their first golf tournament!

Great things happening in New York State!

New York State Budget passes

2008-04-11T08:40:00.001-07:00

The New York State Budget for 2008-2009 passed and was signed by new Gov. Dave Paterson. To see the budget, you can go to http://www.budget.state.ny.us

Some Highlights:

Investment in UpState Economics
Housing developments for UpState AND DownState
Investment in Park Revitalization, including the NYC waterfront area
Pre-K and after school education programs
And even money for CHIPs (it's the 70s all over again)

This gives us a year to plan what we would like to see in next year's budget, such as our student loan initiative.

New Marketing Ideas for the Junior Chamber

2008-04-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Another round of recruiting ideas:

action-oriented URLs pointing to the main website like "domorewithyourlife.org" or "startbeingaleadernow.org"
beer-coaster URL prints distributed to local pubs
Dry cleaner hanger covers saying like "All Dressed Up? Here's the Place to Go" or "Dressing for Success is only Half of the Solution" or "Pristine Clothing Deserves a Great Acoomplishment: Be Better"
At your next event, video-tape members in an interview like format stating why they joined and why they stay
News-oriented spoof - I like the Onion type series

Recruiting - a picture is worth a thousand new members

2008-03-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Many communities are having St. Patrick's Day parades today....Which reminded me of some advice from another Patrick -- Patrick Knight, former U.S. Metro Conference Director.

The key to leveraging community holidays (and parades) is as simple as BEADS!

That's right, beads. And here's how --

What you will need: bead necklaces, zip ties, chapter business cards, hole punch, digital camera(s), 2+ people

Get some beads. Prior to a community event, such as a St. Pat's parade, buy a bunch of bead necklaces. They can coordinate with the event (like green and gold for St. Pat's) or be left over from another event. People don't really care. They love bead necklaces. You can borrow, get them sponsored, or you may have enough between your collective membership already.
Put your chapter card on the beads. This should be a simple URL or contact information for your chapter. Simpler is better, and ideally, you want to drive traffic to your website; however. if you don't have a great site, you might opt for an email contact and a blurb about your chapter or directing them to a social media site (like MySpace, Facebook, etc). Fastening can be as simple as twist or zip ties. Twist ties are easy to get, but are less likely to hold up, so zip ties are generally recommended. Affix the card to the beads (usually requires a hole punch).
Go to the event and give out the beads while taking photos of the wearers. Send some outgoing people into the crowd with a digital camera (for safety, groups of 2 are best). When giving out the beads, ask if you can take a photo and tell the recipient that they can view or download the photo for free from the website on the card you put on the bead necklace. Make sure when you take the photo that the Junior Chamber logo or name is facing forward. NOTE: Avoid taking photos of children and stick with JC-age people -- preferably ones that seem to be outgoing or attractive. It's a great first line to meet new people, too!
Post the pictures on your site with information on joining (sign up NOW! is best approach). You should put the pictures online as soon as possible (hence digital over film developing) and in a place that is publicly accessible (no sites where people have to join to view). Google picasa photo albums are free and easy to view without a membership if you don't know where to look.
Follow Up with people who sign up. You've now driven traffic to your website/picture area and when people are there, they will see lots of young, festive adults having fun and wearing your logo. Whether or not they decide to join, your site will still be filled with young adults wearing your logo, which will look good to other young professionals.

So now you've not only created community awareness in your target demographic, but you've improved the content of your web site.

And whether or not you use this in time for St. Patrick's on Monday, you can use it for any community gathering or holiday social event.

Official Statement of the NYSJC regarding Gov. Spitzer's prostitution Scandal

2008-03-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to briefly comment on the breaking news this afternoon that NY Gov. Spitzer announced his use of prostitution services, as recent as 1 month ago, in a news conference today.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/10/spitzer/index.html

I'm sure it will be all over the news tonight if you haven't yet heard.

Obviously, this makes it unlikely that his office will be in attendance at the March 19th meeting, however, no cancellations have been made.

In the article, CNN reported: "Before the news conference, three Democratic sources told CNN that a top Spitzer aide had told them that the governor would resign. At the news conference, Spitzer declined to respond to questions as to whether he would step down."

This could mean that David Paterson (Harlem) may soon be heading New York State. His key issues are listed here: http://www.ny.gov/governor/index-ltgov.html
as well as anything that advocates for helping the disabled as he is, himself, legally blind.

This would also likely mean the disbandment of the Young Leaders Conference that Silda Spitzer launched in later January. We are waiting to hear more information on it.

Locally, democratic parties are distancing themselves. CDVP Dave noted that he was asked to remove photos of Spitzer with Democrats. You may, as YPs, be asked for comments on this breaking news. Please keep in mind that as an individual, you are welcome to give any feedback. As a representative (meaning if you mention affiliation, wear logos, or give out chapter contact information), the NYSJC's, have no official position on the matter.

-Shonda Ranson
78th NYSJC President.

From Kathleen Mooney from the Lobbyins in Albany

2008-03-06T09:52:00.001-08:00

Shonda,

Thank you so much for participating in the SUNY event yesterday and for your support of the Unshackle Upstate campaign. We are looking forward to working closely with you in the future and like the idea of doing a similar event at U of R this spring (yes, SPRING - let's not work in another ice storm, PLEASE!). We also greatly appreciate your pushing the message out to your J.C. colleagues, the RocCity group, etc. Can you tell we're excited to have you as a colleague? We need people to use the website and send those messages.

Again, you did a great job talking to the students and reporters and we all enjoyed meeting you and your friends. We'll talk in a week or so.

Kathleen

Kathleen Rooney

Senior Vice President

Travers Collins & Company

NYSJC member chosen to speak on Student Loan Breaks for YPs

2008-02-26T07:31:00.001-08:00

Good morning, New York State.

One of the government initiatives that we have been working on is giving student loan break incentives to young talent that would encourage them to stay in New York State after graduation. This is a topic that effects all of us in New York as we have great educational institutions, but struggle with income after graduation when trying to repay heavy student loan debts.

Now, Unshackle Upstate is moving forward with this initiative and making it the primary focus on the March 4th rally at the SUNY Albany campus. THIS IS FOR ALL OF NEW YORK -- NOT JUST UPSTATE.

AND our Very Own Gina Pellettieri has been chosen to speak as a young professional who could benefit from student loan relief.

Remember that the New York State Junior Chamber invites you to come in early to support this initiative by attending GALS, where you will not only get to show your support, participate in an actual rally, but you will learn how to be more involved in government leadership in your local community. Sign up today at www.NYSJC.org

"We want our economy moving. Not our people" is the message that Unshackle Upstate organizers are bringing to Albany on March 4th. The bi-partisan coalition will hold a morning event on the SUNY Albany campus at 9:30 a.m. that will focus on tax relief for graduates with student loans. The average New York State graduate carries a debt of approximately $19,000. One of Unshackle Upstate's goals is to change the standard tax deduction for young people ages 18-25 statewide. The coalition is proposing an increase in the deduction from $7500 to $10,000 and for student loan interest to be deducted from taxable income.

Speakers include representatives from the coalition including a SUNY student, a young professional, and an Upstate business leader.

There will be access to computers at the event so students can send an email to legislators and the Governor, using a template provided on www.unshackleupstate.com, that states what the coalition is asking for in terms of creating tax relief for educated, motivated young adults.

Since 1990, over half a million people between the ages of 25-34 have left Upstate because of the lack of opportunity. The coalition holds elected officials accountable and seeks to create meaningful change so that upstate communities can once again prosper and flourish. Since March 2007, over 160,000 emails have been sent to state representatives in support of the Unshackle Upstate agenda.

New from NYSJC - GALS, PR for You, and ONTO

2008-02-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

New York State Junior Chamber Heads to Albany
Government Affairs Leadership Seminar March 1-4

Registration for the New York State Version of the Government Affairs Leadership Seminar has been available on the front page of the state web site at http://www.NYSJC.org You have the option to download the PDF and mail it in or register online through the online form.

Events begin Saturday afternoon, giving plenty of time to travel without missing work. Saturday evening we will honor the Outstanding New Yorkers/Humanitarians in our great state. On Sunday, we have Officer Training School as well as government specific training available to attendees. Monday will be a tour of the State Capitol, information about how the State Government Works, and Training on how to lobby government Officials. To wrap things up on Tuesday, we will be attending a morning press conference on how young people are an important asset to New York State followed by a rally starting at SUNY Albany for Unshackle Upstate to promote New York State econonic investment. This is one event that you don't just attend -- you engage in active citizenship! Sign up Today!

PR Opportunity for local chapter and local member
3-4 minute speech opportunity for member at SUNY Albany Press Conference Tuesday Morning

Travers & Collins company, a PR firm out of Buffalo, is looking for a young speaker to represent the struggles of young, educated people in New York State. The media event will take place in the morning - probably from approx 9:30 - 10-15. Inside the Campus Center - and weather permitting, we'll want people outside w/signs prior to event for the cameras. The key message for this event is tax breaks for grads w/student loans and general tax breaks for young adults. There may be a possibility of having one of your younger members as a featured speaker. No more than two minutes - speaking from first hand experience on the challenges you face with either no job or an entry level position, and thousands of dollars in debt from your education. How necessary the tax breaks are for enticing young grads to stay in NY.

ONTO Memphis is coming fast
Early registration costs extended to February 27th

March National Convention in Memphis, TN, is coming March 18-21 (Competitions 18th and Opening Ceremony on the 19th). Please contact Kim Lambert at coolburlap@hotmail.com if you have already made arrangements or would still like to attend.

Special training to include:

- Diversity in Your Chapter Ariel Jones

- Leadership for Your Chapter/Community Matt Booth

- Session 1: Hours of Power (4 Speakers)

- The 2008 Plan of Action O’Neil

- Effective Membership Plans Reinhard

- State Presidents’ Training Weber

- Vision Quest Koch

- Technology/New Website Smith

- Planning for Successful Conventions Howerton/Modie

- State Presidents’ Training Weber

- How to Do Extensions Chandler

- Take Your Chapter from Good to Great DiLeonardo

- State Presidents’ Training Weber

- Governmental Involvement: GOTV Peterson

- Citizens Corps CJ Jorif - RD/DD Training Kingsley

JCI Netherlands Middle Region Conference

2008-02-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

A special THANK YOU to the national Communication VP Jeroen Komen of JCI Netherlands for the invite to this wonderful event in Echteld. It was wonderful to see World Congress President Graham Hanlon (Ireland) again and to listen to his passionate speech on active citizenship and the bed-tent (Operation Hope) campaign.

I have posted pictures here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shondaranson/JCINetherlandsMiddleRegionMeeting

Off to Scotland tomorrow evening by boat from Belgium to Rosith.

Blog posting during EU/UK Travels

2008-02-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to remind everyone that I will be traveling in the EU/UK for 10 days. (Yes, Ann, I’ll send postcards)

My Schedule will be as follows
February 8th overnight flight to Amsterdam

February 9-12 (4 whole days) the Netherlands (primarily Zeeland province/Vlissingen, but flying into Schipol).

February 13th by train/boat to northern Scotland

February 14-16 (4 whole days) in northern Scotland (primarily Aberdeen)

February 17th - flying or train back to Amsterdam for Feb 18th noon flight back to Rochester, arriving evening ET.

You can reach me via email for most of the travel or via phone in the Netherlands (+31118418840) or via phone in Scotland (+447986464308)

I was thinking about picking up a disposable cell while there, so if I do, I will give that number as soon as I have it.

--
Shonda Ranson, CNT
78th State President
New York State Junior Chamber

Check out the video "MetNet & the City Teaser Promo"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neIoDinvzq4

JCI-USA: New York State
Worldwide Federation of Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Website: http://NYSJC.org

Leaders from all over the State pull resources to Unshackle Upstate Economics

2008-02-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

As part of the Government Affairs Leadership Seminar, the New York State Junior Chamber has been informed that the following organizations are planning a rally in support of Unshackle Upstate on March 4th in Albany. If you or your local chapter would like to join in, this is a great way to rekindle the relationships between local Jaycees and local government and business leaders.

While the entire list is below in the press release, I have pulled out some that may pertain directly to NYSJC chapters:

Garry Douglas, President, North County Chamber of Commerce

Frank Elias, President, Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce

Catherine Glover, President and CEO, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

Darlene Kerr, President, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce

Jim Brow, Mayor, City of Rome

Byron Brown, Mayor, City of Buffalo

John D. Bullis, Executive Director, Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

David Carucci, Mayor, City of Olean

Mary Clark, Citizens Action, Binghamton

Dr. Ray Cross, President, Morrisville College, Morrisville

Joel Delmonico, Vice President, ClearChannel Communications, Syracuse

Karen K. Delmonico, President and CEO, Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce

Randy DeLosh, Mayor, City of Massena

Colleen DiPirro, President and CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce

William H. Dixon, Mayor, Village of Dansville

Matt Driscoll, Mayor, City of Syracuse

Robert J. Duffy, Mayor, City of Rochester

Paul Dyster, Mayor, Niagara Falls

Darcy Fauci, Director, Economic Development, Greater Binghamton Coalition

Barbara Fiala, Broome County Executive

Richard Frey, Mayor, City of Dunkirk

Tom Gallagher, Mayor of Cortland and President-Elect, Metropolitan Development Association

Tim Grippen, Executive Director, Opportunities for Broome, Binghamton

William Guglielmo, President, Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley

Jim Hare, Elmira City Council

Shawn D. Hogan, Mayor, City of Hornell

Jerry Jennings, Mayor, City of Albany

Maria Kindberg, Majority Leader, Chautauqua County Legislature

Bill Kinne, Onondaga County Legislature

Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature

Joyce Lobene, President, Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce

Howard Lowe, Director, Technical Assistance Center, SUNY Plattsburgh

Douglas Mahany, Chairman, Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce

Terry Martino, Executive Director, Adirondack North Country Association

Michael McCormick, Minority Leader, Allegany County Legislature

Pat McKeown, Interim Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

Dennis Mullen, CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise

Dr. Neil Murphy, President, SUNY ESF, Syracuse

John S. Nader, Mayor, City of Oneonta

Eduardo Navarro, Chairman, Rochester Hispanic Business Association

Sylvie Nelson, Executive Director, Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Virginia O’Brien, Minority Leader,Rensselaer County Legislature

Andy Patros, Tompkins County Legislator

Carolyn Peterson, Mayor, City of Ithaca

Jeffrey Pond, Mayor, City of Salamanca

Matt Ryan, Mayor, City of Binghamton

Peter Same, Supervisor, Town of Seneca Falls

Susan Savage, Chair, Schenectady County Legislature

John Scarano, Executive Director, Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce

Vito Scisioli, Executive Director, Syracuse 20/20

Dr. David Smith, President, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse

Brian Stratton, Mayor, City of Schenectady

Sam Teresi, Mayor, City of Jamestown

John Tonello, Mayor, City of Elmira

L. Michael Treadwell, Executive Director, Operation Oswego County

Mark Whalen, Chair, Broome County Legislature

Linda Witte, Minority Leader, Cattaraugus County Legislature

Jessica Wood, ROC City Coalition, Rochester

150 State St., Suite 400, Rochester NY, 14614 www.RochesterBusinessAlliance .com

Tel: (585) 244-1800 – Fax: (585) 263-3679

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Feb. 6, 2008

CONTACT: Ellen Rosen, VP of Marketing, Communications and Membership

PHONE: (585) 256-4616

Media Advisory for today, Feb. 6

Business, Labor, Agricultural and Government Leaders Endorse Governor Spitzer’s Upstate Revitalization Fund

More than 100 Community Leaders Urge Sate Lawmakers to Endorse $1 Billion Upstate Revitalization Fund

More than 100 business, labor, agricultural and government leaders have joined a growing list of supporters who have endorsed Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Upstate Revitalization Fund, it was announced today in Binghamton.

Rochester Business Alliance President and CEO Sandy Parker, who unveiled the list of supporters, emphasized the importance of the Governor’s plan in bringing much-needed attention to the struggles of the region and providing crucial resources to help jumpstart the Upstate economy. Parker also called on the State Legislature to do its part to make the plan a reality.

“The time has come where we finally have a Governor willing to lay it on the line for Upstate New York. As business leaders, it is our job to do what is in the best interest for our communities and to improve the quality of life for our families,” said Parker. “The Governor’s plan holds great promise for Upstate New York. The infusion of funding in all sectors of our economy including business, labor and agriculture represent the true spark the region needs to thrive once again. We are urging the State Legislature to act on this plan so that the Upstate economy can get the attention it needs and deserves.”

Governor Spitzer has proposed a $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund which would inject capital into the Upstate economy. His proposal includes:

- a Regional Blueprint Fund ($350 million) to provide capital for creating development ready sites, industrial parks, establishing small business loan programs, and supporting cutting edge research and job creation;

- City-by-City investments ($115 million) that will support several critical development ready sites, industrial parks, establishing small business loan programs, and supporting cutting edge research and job creation;

- a Housing Opportunity Fund ($100 million) dedicated to the development of affordable, supportive, and workforce housing projects throughout Upstate;

- a transportation and intercity passenger rail ($130 million);

- rebuilding our parks ($80 million);

- an Agricultural Development Fund ($50 million); and

- other initiatives ($175 million) including funding for universal broadband, venture capital investments and job programs.

Last week 13 business, agricultural and labor leaders endorsed the Governor's Upstate Revitalization Fund and urged other Upstate leaders to join them, resulting in today's additional supporters.

The original 13 are:

Sandy Parker, President and CEO, Rochester Business Alliance

Garry Douglas, President, North County Chamber of Commerce

Frank Elias, President, Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce

Catherine Glover, President and CEO, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

Darlene Kerr, President, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce

John Lincoln, President, New York Farm Bureau

Patrick Mannion, Chairman, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce

Andrew Rudnick, President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Robert M. Simpson, President-elect of the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York

Bill Towsley, President, Greater Syracuse Building Trades

Ken Warner, Executive Director, UNICON Rochester

Frank Wirt, President, Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council

Randy Wolken, President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York.

Today’s additional endorsers include:

Keith Ahlstrom, Chairman, Chautauqua County Legislature

Roy Akins, Mayor, City of Glenn Falls

Nathan Andrews, Vice President, Morse Manufacturing, Syracuse

Robert Andrews, President, Morse Manufacturing, Syracuse

Jim Bays, Chenango Board of Supervisors

Jim Bedieng, President, NYS Wine & Grape Growers Foundation

Diana Bendz, Board President, Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition

Jack Benjamin, President, Three Rivers Development Corp., Corning

Martin K. Birmingham, Regional President, Five Star Bank, Rochester

Daan Braveman, President, Nazareth College, Rochester

Deanna Alterio Brennen, President and CEO, Niagara USA Chamber

Jean-Claude Brizard, Superintendent, Rochester City School District

Jim Brow, Mayor, City of Rome

Byron Brown, Mayor, City of Buffalo

John D. Bullis, Executive Director, Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

Ann Burr, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Frontier Communications, Rochester

David Carucci, Mayor, City of Olean

Allen G. Casey, ME Engineering, Rochester

Dick Cauchon, Director of Corporate Initiatives, Sensis, Syracuse

Mary Clark, Citizens Action, Binghamton

Philip Clark, Clark-Patterson, Rochester

Jim Collins, Binghamton/Oneonta Building Trades Union

Anthony Cotroneo, President, Small Business Council of Rochester

Dr. Ray Cross, President, Morrisville College, Morrisville

Paul DeCarolis, Chairman, DeCarolis Truck Rental Inc.

Joel Delmonico, Vice President, ClearChannel Communications, Syracuse

Karen K. Delmonico, President and CEO, Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce

Randy DeLosh, Mayor, City of Massena

Steven DiMeo, President, Mohawk Valley EDGE

Colleen DiPirro, President and CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce

William H. Dixon, Mayor, Village of Dansville

Lee Drake, President and CEO, OS-Cubed, Inc., Rochester

Matt Driscoll, Mayor, City of Syracuse

Robin Dropkin, Parks & Trails NY

Robert J. Duffy, Mayor, City of Rochester

Paul Dyster, Mayor, Niagara Falls

Darcy Fauci, Director, Economic Development, Greater Binghamton Coalition

James Fayle, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson County Job Development Corporation

Barbara Fiala, Broome County Executive

Richard Frey, Mayor, City of Dunkirk

Michael Fuller, Chairman, Pipeline 4 Progress, Corning

Tom Gallagher, Mayor of Cortland and President-Elect, Metropolitan Development Association

Andrew Gallina, Gallina Development, Rochester

Mark Gianniny, Gianniny Associates, Rochester

Tim Grippen, Executive Director, Opportunities for Broome, Binghamton

William Guglielmo, President, Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley

Jim Hare, Elmira City Council

Jerrel Heatwole, Chairman, Northeast Council, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.

Randy Henderson, President, Henderson Automotive Family, Rochester

Rick Herman, Rochester Home Builders Association

Shawn D. Hogan, Mayor, City of Hornell

Jerry Jennings, Mayor, City of Albany

Gail Jewell, Remington Arms Co., Herkimer

Jonathan Judge, CEO, Paychex, Rochester

Thomas Judson, The Pike Company, Rochester

Mason Kaufman, Syracuse Meals on Wheels

Brad Keating, Chief Operating Officer, Dairy Marketing Services, Eastern Region, Syracuse

Maria Kindberg, Majority Leader, Chautauqua County Legislature

David Klein, CEO, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Rochester

Bill Kinne, Onondaga County Legislature

Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature

Don Kowell, Business Manger, Granger Construction, Syracuse

R. Wayne LeChase, CEO, LeChase Construction Services, Rochester

Norman Leenhauts, Co-Chairman, Home Properties, Rochester

Jennifer Leonard, Executive Director, Rochester Area Community Foundation

John Lincoln, President, New York Farm Bureau

Joyce Lobene, President, Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce

Howard Lowe, Director, Technical Assistance Center, SUNY Plattsburgh

Douglas Mahany, Chairman, Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce

John Manilla, President, Pyramid Brokerage Company, Rochester

David Marnell, President, Convention Center at Oncenter, Syracuse

Terry Martino, Executive Director, Adirondack North Country Association

Theresa Mazzullo, Excell Partners, Rochester

Brad McAreavy , President, Rochester Automobile Dealers Association

Michael McCormick, Minority Leader, Allegany County Legislature

Timothy McCormick, CEO, Unity Health Systems, Rochester

Pat McKeown, Interim Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

David J. Meyer, Partner, Pathfinder Engineers LLP, Rochester

Daniel Meyers, President, Al Sigl Center, Rochester

Thomas Mitchell, Bergman and Associates, Rochester

Martin Mucci, President, Paychex, Inc., Rochester

Dennis Mullen, CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise

Dr. Neil Murphy, President, SUNY ESF, Syracuse

John S. Nader, Mayor, City of Oneonta

Eduardo Navarro, Chairman, Rochester Hispanic Business Association

Sylvie Nelson, Executive Director, Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Virginia O’Brien, Minority Leader, Rensselaer County Legislature

Sandra Parker, CEO, Rochester Business Alliance

Andy Patros, Tompkins County Legislator

Carolyn Peterson, Mayor, City of Ithaca

Edward Pettinella, President and CEO, Home Properties, Rochester

John R. Piper, President, Family First of NY Federal Credit Union, Rochester

Jeffrey Pond, Mayor, City of Salamanca

John Purcell, President, Fibertech Networks, Rochester

Shonda Ranson, New York State Junior Chamber of Commerce

John Richardson, Director of Monroe County and Rochester Relations, Eastman Kodak Company

Clyde E. Rutherford, President, Dairylea Cooperative, Syracuse

Matt Ryan, Mayor, City of Binghamton

Ronald E. Salluzzo, CFO, Harris Interactive, Inc.

Peter Same, Supervisor, Town of Seneca Falls

Susan Savage, Chair, Schenectady County Legislature

John Scarano, Executive Director, Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce

Vito Scisioli, Executive Director, Syracuse 20/20

John Schaefer, Labor Local 7, Ithaca

Sandra Simpson, District Superintendent, Herkimer BOCES

John Smarelli, President, LeMoyne College, Syracuse

Dr. David Smith, President, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse

Michael Stamm, President, Tompkins County Area Development/IDA

Brian Stratton, Mayor, City of Schenectady

Francis Tepper, Henrietta Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Fair

Sam Teresi, Mayor, City of Jamestown

Steven Thorpe, President, SWNY Building and Trades Council

John Tonello, Mayor, City of Elmira

L. Michael Treadwell, Executive Director, Operation Oswego County

Jim Trezise, President, NY Wine & Grape Foundation

Mary Ann Tyszko, President, SRCTec, Inc., Syracuse

Theresa Underwood, Vice President and General Manager, WSYR-TV, Syracuse

James E. Verdi, Branch Partner, Lawley Andolina Verdi, Rochester

Patrick Waterman, Director of Business Development, FRA Engineering, Rochester

Julie West, Project Director, CBN West, Plattsburgh

Michael Wetzel, P.E., President, Air Innovations, Syracuse

Mark Whalen, Chair, Broome County Legislature

Scott Whittaker, President, Broome County Farm Bureau

Suzanne Williams, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity

Linda Witte, Minority Leader, Cattaraugus County Legislature

William Wolf, Executive Director, Griffiss Institute

Jessica Wood, ROC City Coalition, Rochester

Lynne Woodworth, President and CEO, Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.

Carla Zimmerman, Manager, Eric mower & Associates, Syracuse

Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, President, Rochester Downtown Development Corp

Consumer behavior -- Visualizing our new products before we buy

2008-01-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading Pamela Danziger's "Why people buy things they don't need." In the 3rd chapter, there is a paragraph that discusses how consumers visualize using the product when deciding to purchase it. From picturing themselves in a hot bubble bath with their new foaming bath wash, indulging in some sweet & salty popcorn with their rented DVD, peeling off that first slice of pizza with the stringy cheese clinging on for survival, or snuggling into a soft blanket at bed time.

The products are just some soap, some dried up corn, some pizza delivery, and a blanket, but we buy them for the fantasy, the image, the emotional tie we have to the products we choose. One description used was that we "act out vignettes" of using the products in our minds -- sometimes simple and sometimes rather elaborate -- to rationalize feeling good about our choices.

So how can this knowledge be used for recruitment and marketing?

Consumers need a clear understanding of the product,
Consumers need to know how the product it to be used, and
Consumers need to be able to picture themselves using the product. Nay....
Consumers need to feel GOOD when picturing themselves using the product!

When JCI can meet these terms, we can have a successful, image-driven, emotionally charged buy in from new recruits.

USJC Sponsor Anheuser Busch wants your opinion on Super Bowl Ads

2008-01-28T07:04:00.001-08:00

From Advertising Age: http://adage.com/brightcove/lineup.php?lineup=1266084202

Budweiser's annual Super Bowl ad campaign, which revived the company (for those that remember the Budweiser frogs) starts a continues their trend of merging viewers with mobiles and marketing.

Before the Super Bowl, viewers can go to www.budbowl.com and enter their mobile phone number.

During the Super Bowl, after a Budweiser ad is aired, BudBowl members will get a text message asking them to rate the commercial.

After the Super Bowl, members enter a code to unlock a secret ad spot that non-members didn't get to see.

Actually, it took a while to track down which site was the right one for signing up as the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) gave the wrong URL in his interview --- guess we know he didn't come up with the idea.

Marketing to and by 20-somethings

2008-01-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

We're currently in a Consumer Behavior segment of my newest marketing studies; however, like always, I like to take new information and apply it immediately to the JCs. So here are some of the latest findings. First, Proctor & Gamble launched a teen marketing internet site where they entice teens to be a part of marketing research in exchange for coupons, various rewards, etc. It's run as a social community. Teens can even ask their own questions and get a response. It's called "Tremor" and is at www.tremor.com . Some examples of questions teens wanted asked are:

(http://www.tremor.com/surveys/results.html?userid=-1&g=x&age=-1&tiernbr=-1)

Jelena from Indiana asked: How do you like to listen to your music?

Online and/or through YouTube - 65%
Through my iPod - 55%
Concerts and Live shows - 50%
Through another MP3 player - 36%
Myspace.com - 36%
Israel in California asked: Who is most likely to win the Democratic Primary

Hillary Clinton - 43%
Barack Obama - 40%
John Edwards - 17%

Using Tremor as a template, I found another resource for the Junior Chamber. In the form of a blog, "20-Something Marketing" touts itself as an archive for consumer behavior of 20-something BY 20-something professionals (20somethingmarketing.com). An excerpt from this site:

The expectations are high from the year ahead. While experts are speculating that ‘web’ would keep making inroads into an average marketer’s life.The so called smart marketers will capitalize on the growing appeal of social networks.
Whether you call it as 3.0 or something else, one would witness rise in popularity as well as growth of new social networks.The whole philosophy of relationships via social networks would diversify into three key categories. So one would see an average users shuffling between their friendly relationships, family relationships and business relationships.While Facebook would be there for Friends, Linkedin for Business users there’s a possibilty of third alternative whether it is Ancestory or Kindo occupying a major role in 2008.Interestingly Kindo has been a bit of revelation since its emergence and is currently available in 12 regional languages including Arabic.

So I looked up Kindo. I would say the biggest problem is trying to get it to understand the common ailment of divorce, step-parenting, and half-siblings. But maybe it's something to play with in the future.

The Portrait of Generation NEXT: 18-25 year olds

2008-01-23T09:38:00.001-08:00

The Pew Research Center published the findings of a multi-year study in early 2007 called
"How Young People View Their Lives, Futures and Politics
A PORTRAIT OF “GENERATION NEXT”

A summary as well as a link to the full text can be found here.

http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=300

I wanted to share some of the highlights that I saw.

"For purposes of this report, Generation Next is made up of 18-25 year-olds (born between 1981 and 1988). Generation X was born between 1966 and 1980 and ranges in age from 26-40. The Baby Boom generation, born between 1946 and 1965, ranges in age from 41-60. Finally, those over age 60 (born before 1946) are called the Seniors. These generational breaks are somewhat arbitrary but are roughly comparable to those used by other scholars and researchers."

They are the “Look at Me” generation. Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and MyYearbook allow individuals to post a personal profile complete with photos and descriptions of interests and hobbies. A majority of Gen Nexters have used one of these social networking sites, and more than four-in-ten have created a personal profile.
They use technology and the internet to connect with people in new and distinctive ways. Text messaging, instant messaging and email keep them in constant contact with friends. About half say they sent or received a text message over the phone in the past day, approximately double the proportion of those ages 26-40.
In Pew surveys in 2006, nearly half of young people (48%) identified more with the Democratic Party, while just 35% affiliated more with the GOP. This makes Generation Next the least Republican generation.
About half of Gen Nexters say the growing number of immigrants to the U.S. strengthens the country – more than any generation. And they also lead the way in their support for gay marriage and acceptance of interracial dating.
Asked about the life goals of those in their age group, most Gen Nexters say their generation’s top goals are fortune and fame. Roughly eight-in-ten say people in their generation think getting rich is either the most important, or second most important, goal in their lives. About half say that becoming famous also is valued highly by fellow Gen Nexters.

From Marketing Behavior Class: Current Events Assignment

2008-01-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

Source Article:

Miller, S. (2008, January). “The Middle of Nowhere.” Brandweek, 49(1), 18-20.

Article Summary: As consumers spend more time researching products prior to purchasing, companies that neither stand out as particularly high end or low end are being missed by consumers. Using the consumer electronics industry as an example, Miller explains that high-tech, high-price, or as cheap as you can get it are the three most marketable positions because Americans consumers are all about image: flaunting your wealth or flaunting your thrift.

Remarks: I found it interesting that the article prefaced with a story on buying a high definition television, citing the example of the Samsung buyer paying as much as the neighbor with three Vizio LCDs – mostly because I opted for the thrift-friendly Vizio recently myself and have not a single regret (granted, I was using one of those old built-in-VCR clunkers that was slowly losing colors on one side of the screen and required that I squint to view the cable guide). I supposed this puts me in a “flaunt your thrift” category.
Overall, I don’t think the idea of middle-of-the road companies suffering is a new one. Look at the branding of Enterprise rental car versus Avis, which actually uses that it is NOT the first in the market so they are trying harder. I also liked the references to the book Trading Up which I might purchase in that I agree with the theory that the shift has a lot to do with newer luxury items being lower in price in general, and, therefore, more affordable to most households. Still, the fact that Vizio, at its bargain basement price has the highest market share at 13% shows that there are plenty of people in my category.

My organization, the Junior Chamber, which is in desperate need of an image upgrade often struggles with this concept. There are those who believe that our product (membership) is for anyone and keep the costs low to be accessible to anyone. At the same time, the cash flow suffers and products and services get cut because we do not have the resources to reinvest and provide more services. The opposition believes that by pricing our product (membership) so low that we allow a perception of lack of quality from the consumers – especially the coveted young professional market, which likes to show value in itself by having value. Both sides have great arguments, so I try to look for innovative and efficient ways to provide more “bang for their buck” at little or no cost.

Unfortunately, this makes us plop right in the middle as more expensive than free and cheaper than even collegiate fraternity dues that college students seem to be able to afford. So what message does that give about our services? Often: none. Our brand and image are squeezed somewhere in the middle.

Jan 21st, Blue Monday 2008

2008-01-21T05:02:00.001-08:00

I spotted this story on CNN Headline news and found that it had been calculated since 2005.

From Wikipedia below. Additional source material at
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/01/20/will-january-21st-be-the-%E2%80%9Cmost-depressing-day-of-the-year/

*** Jan 21st the Blue Monday of 2008. ****

Blue Monday is a name given to a date calculated to be the most depressing day of the year.

This date was calculated by Dr Cliff Arnall, a researcher/tutor at the University of Cardiff's Center for Lifelong learning, and has been quoted in the popular press, although there is little if any scientific basis to his methods. As guardian columnist Dr Ben Goldacre has stated: "the fact is that Cliff Arnall's equations are stupid, and some fail even to make mathematical sense on their own terms" [1]
The date was calculated to be January 24 in 2005[1], January 23 in 2006[2] and January 22 in 2007[3]

The date was calculated by using many factors, plugged into a formula. The factors include: weather conditions, debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action. This date typically falls on the Monday of the last full week of January. This would make Jan 21st the Blue Monday of 2008.

Dr. Arnall has also calculated the happiest day of the year. In 2005 he found it was June 24[4] and in 2006 it was June 23[5] For this he used a formula which uses factors including: the outdoors, nature, social interaction, childhood summers and positive memories, temperature and holidays.

His research has been commissioned by Sky Travel and Wall's.[6]

In many of the news reports from that period, Dr Arnell was described rather vaguely as a "scientist" or, as he was by MSNBC.com, as someone who "specialises in seasonal disorders". That is not his only specialism. In the Times of March 20 2004, Dr Arnall, a "psychologist who specialises in sleep and stress issues" advised against crawling off to bed if you were upset or after an argument since a person in an agitated state would not sleep well. In the Evening Standard of July 27 2004, Dr Arnall, a "psychologist who runs workshops in the art of relaxation", told those about to embark on holiday not to try and cram in too many last minute jobs before they went away.

But it was in January 2005 that Dr Arnall also broke away from his previous focus on stress and relaxation and was given that loosest of all professional designations, that of an "expert" or, even stranger, "experts". The Daily Mail of January 19 2005 explained Dr Arnall's discovery of the dies horribilis as follows: "The real despair is yet to come. Experts have pinpointed January 24 - next Monday - as the most depressing day of the year." [2]

NB The Guardian have been asked by Cardiff University to distance themselves from the lecturer who came up with the supposed equation: "Cardiff University has asked us to point out that Dr Cliff Arnall, mentioned in the article below, was a former part-time tutor at the university but left in February." [3]

JCI MetNet 2008 donations and sponsorships now tax deductible

2008-01-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the New York Jaycees Foundations, any donations or sponsorships for JCI MetNet 2008: MetNet & the City in Manhattan, NY, is now tax deductable when made out the the New York State Jaycees Foundation.

To learn more about the NYS Jaycees Foundation and where to send donations or sponsorships, go to:

http://foundation.newyorkjcisenate.org/

To attend or learn more about MetNet & the City, go to:

http://www.jcimetnet2008nyc.org/

A special thanks to Ron Naperkowski and the members of the New York State Jaycees Foundation!

--
Shonda Ranson, CNT
78th President
New York State Junior Chamber

CNN Headline Tips on Saving Money in 2008

2008-01-11T04:45:00.001-08:00

Clark Howard, a money coach www.clarkhoward.com has been doing segments on CNN Headline News in the morning. I thought I would share some of the simple tips he's given to help people save. Some you may know, some you may not:

1. Take your lunch to work
2. Find a meter or look for free parking -- never valet
3. If you can only pay your minimum credit card payment, pay half of the minimum, every 14 days (giving you an extra payment and less interest penalties).
4. Don't order appetizers and desserts at restaurants -- they have the highest mark-up.
5. Make a solid plan for what you want to achieve.

Aside from these tips, Clark has a section of his site called "Free and Cheap" with links to free or inexpensive deals. Consider bookmarking it and checking it out before you go shopping.

http://clarkhoward.com/topics/free_and_cheap.html

JCI Leadership & Government Involvement THIS WEEK

2008-01-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

We have some very exciting events this week and it's not too late to participate! But first, check out our new Blog Site and take a moment to fill out the Member Survey at www.NYSJC.org

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS

Thu, Jan 10 (8a-10a) Conversation with Gov. Eliot Spitzer, 55 St. Paul St, Rochester
Sat, Jan 12 (8a-4p) JCI PRESENTER, Embassy Suites, Syracuse.

THE DETAILS...

Thu, Jan 10 (8a-10a) Conversation with Gov. Eliot Spitzer, 55 St. Paul St, Rochester

On Thursday, Jan. 10 at 8 a.m., The Rochester Business Alliance will host a post-State of the State conversation with Gov. Eliot Spitzer. Please join me for this conversation at the SUNY Brockport Metro Center, 55 St. Paul St., Rochester 14604.

The governor will deliver brief remarks and then open the floor to questions. So we may better facilitate the discussion, please send your questions in advance to Ellen Rosen at Ellen.Rosen@RBAlliance.com.

This meeting offers us a golden opportunity to focus on the issues facing Upstate and the Greater Rochester area and to hear about efforts underway to return our region to a position of economic prominence.

Please RSVP your attendance to my executive assistant Toni Heim at Toni@RBAlliance.com. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sandra A. Parker
President & CEO
Rochester Business Alliance

Sat, Jan 12 (8a-4p) JCI PRESENTER, Embassy Suites, Syracuse.

New York State is bringing YOU JCI PRESENTER at no additional cost (with registration to convention) or at $25 for the entire training and luncheon, but you must sign up at the www.jci.cc website to attend. JCI PRESENTER will start at 8 a.m. Saturday, January 12th until 4 p.m. and will be conducted by International Graduate Trainer Suzette Plaisted, who has trained some of the top leaders in World Congress.

ONLY 15 SPOTS REMAIN AS OF TODAY, SO SIGN UP!

Not only will signing up ensure that you get credit for the class, but it will help you track all future training that you take OR conduct. Remember that JCI PRESENTER is a REQUIRED course to becoming a certified trainer.

Why become a Certified Trainer?

It is a GREAT resume builder.
It impresses the heck out of Human Resource Departments.
It gives you skills that you will use professionally AND personally.
It gives you the opportunity to travel.
You will become an elite member of JCI Certified Trainers.
You can use it as a recruitment and retention tool.
You will improve your communications and public speaking abilities.
You will gain a better understanding of yourself and how others perceive you.
You can continue on a track that will help you develop your own personal training.

And the TOP REASON to become a CERTIFIED TRAINER?

10. You get to put really cool letters after your name!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN JCI PRESENTER:

JCI Presenter the JCI Effective Presentations Course is a one-day course designed to help those who want to enhance their skills as a presenter. This course may be used as a one-time presentation course or the first step in becoming a JCI University Trainer.

More than ever before, adults want and need to learn. The growth of technology, the impact of communications and the demands of an increasingly complex world mean that people need to be better equipped to respond.

Within the first 10 seconds of being introduced to someone new, you are judged on whether or not you are a person to be listened to. It is well known that people, who have strong presentation skills are promoted faster, paid more and are generally more successful than those who are less proficient. Learning to present yourself and your ideas effectively can improve your negotiation skills and also lead to stronger interpersonal relationships.

Why Create Presentations?

There are a variety of reasons why we give presentations. Most presentations give information or educate an audience about a specific subject. We also use presentations to persuade or motivate others to do something we desire. Lastly, we create presentations to stimulate conversation or opinions.

Purpose of JCI Presenter

JCI Presenter is designed for the more experienced speaker who wants to expand their presentation skills. This course focuses on the concepts of creating and delivering an effective presentation utilizing visual aids and strong delivery methods, while keeping in mind the needs of the audience.

COURSE CONTENT

Module l: Presentation Types Participants will tell the audience about their most memorable experience. You will learn about the different types of presentations that you may have to make and the characteristics of each one with an emphasis on Project Reports.

Module 2: Audience Analysis A short module which covers the importance of understanding who you will speak to, what they know, what they should be told and what pre conceptions or prejudices they may hold.

Module 3: Presentation Content This Module will teach you how to prepare presentation content in an orderly format that will keep the audience's attention to your message. Participants will be tasked to work on a presentation for the afternoon.

Module 4: Effective Delivery This Module will explain the different techniques for effective presentation delivery.

Module 5: Presentations Each participant will deliver their prepared presentation to the audience. Head trainer will comment on possible improvements and evaluations will be done based on the course content and how the participant applied it to the presentation.

--
Shonda Ranson, CNT
78th President
New York State Junior Chamber

Check out the video "MetNet & the City Teaser Promo"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =neIoDinvzq4

Happy 2008!

2008-01-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hello New York State!

First and foremost, I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! and an even more successful 2008. Look to your left and to your right at this weekend's Junior Chamber meetings and events and take note of the leaders that will be inspired and empowered in the next few months to make big changes and do great things. I also would like to thank JCI-Caribbean's Melinda, Darin, and Christine in Region South and Shannon and Melissa in Region West for coordinating the region meetings and giving the 2007 Year-End a proper send off.

Please remember that 2008 is going to be a big change in the annual schedule, starting with this very early Regional Meeting weekend and an early Year-End convention in Syracuse NEXT weekend. This can be both challenging AND exciting for this coming year, so here's what you can expect:

2008 is going to be divided into 3 Sessions, instead of 4 Quarters.

Session I (Jan - Apr)

Next Saturday, for Year-End 2007, we're giving YOU free JCI Presenter training from international trainer Suzette Plaisted. Registration is NOW OPEN at www.jci.cc . Only the first 20 people will be able to attend and this is a REQUIRED course to become a future trainer. Registration is FREE with any convention registration.

In early March (Sat, the 1st), we're going to bring you the 2nd half, JCI Trainer, in Albany as well as a chance to meet with your government officials at the State Level (March 2-4). EVERYONE ATTENDING BOTH COURSES WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A CLT - CERTIFIED LOCAL TRAINER! and assist in future trainings of JCI Achieve, Presenter, Trainer, and Lead* (once 25 hours have been met).

Also in March (19-21), we will be promoting New York State at the National Year-End/TOYA Celebration in Memphis, TN. Get on the bus! and ride down with your Jaycees' friends for some extra fun.

Session II (May - Aug)
May 2-4, Batavia is going to be hosting a special convention, featuring Nationally-famed business speaker/coach Jeff Magee!

And we'll be hosting the JCI UN Summit (July 26-29) and JCI MetNet: MetNet & the City (July 31-Aug 3) along with out International Video Promotion contest If that's not enough, we're going to offer JCI LEAD in Manhattan on July 30-31 with International Trainer Patrick Knight (author of the Art of Seduction and JumpStart Your Chapter).

Check out the MetNet & the City Promotional Teaser on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neIoDinvzq4 which has seen 82 viewers in the first day of being posted.

Finally, in Session II, we will have Jaycee Camp! at Camp Sertoma in August.

Session III (Sep-Dec)
Session 3 is all about YOU: You training, training for YOU, and even fun new places to see! Including a National Convention in.... San Diego, California!

Mark Your Calendars now for this phenomenal year -- New York's 75th Anniversary Year -- as we EMPOWER the EMPIRE State in 2008.

And make sure to sign up at http://NYSJC.org for customized announcements, offers, and benefits. as well as to check out the State Officer Blogs!

Attached:

Information on JCI Presenter. It is CURRENTLY OPEN for Registration.

--
Shonda Ranson, CNT
78th President
New York State Junior Chamber

Check out the video "MetNet & the City Teaser Promo"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neIoDinvzq4

JCI-USA: New York State
Worldwide Federation of Leaders and Entrepreneurs
9-1 Lilac Drive, Rochester, NY, 14620 USA
Tel: +01 585 563 6261 Cel: +01 585 455 2949
E-mail: shondaranson@gmail.com - Website:NYSJC.org
GTalk: shondaranson Yahoo-IM: lovyan_d
Skype: shonda.ranson
MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/shondalr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726867057

Technorati Link

2008-01-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Technorati Profile

NYSJC Metro Chapters have many reasons to be proud this year

2007-12-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

By 2007 NYSJC Metro-Conference Director Shonda Ranson

In St. Louis in 2006, former MCD Jennifer Sinatra-MacNeil (Buffalo) attended a special training with the idea that someday, New York State would host the prestigous JCI MetNet international conference. Well, from her beginnings to our formal bid in Atlanta in August 2007, New York State has made a big name for itself and is hosting JCI MetNet 2008: “MetNet & the City.”

But we haven’t stopped there. New York City Metros played hosts to many JCI international guests and banded together to impress UN delegates for a New York City night. Rochester launched a countywide young talent survey that made statewide news and started a conference led by First Lady Governor Silda Spitzer while capturing the attention of local colleges and setting the groundwork for collegiate extensions. KAJC Presidential Advisor Jonathon led an international moment of silence in honor of the Virginia Tech shooting victims. Syracuse connected with young professional giant 40 Below to begin a new collaborative partnership and invited them to participate in the JCI Training program. PNY boosted membership training to a new level and still kept their high level of community involvement. And, finally, Christine D’Andrade was elected the 2008 Metro-Conference Director while Gina Pellettieri took on the JCI MetNet Chairperson role.

Still, with all of these accomplishments, the most impressive accomplishment of the New York State Metro Chapters in 2007 was their ability to seek involvement of all of New York State, whether through the acceptance from the Board of Directors or consulting all of the chapters regardless of designation. Truly, what we’ve accomplished in 2007 will carry us through years to come and I am very proud that I was allowed to be a part of it.

The passing of my Great, Great Aunt Fondy -- A Strong, Amazing Lady

2007-12-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Fonda Opal Heath Pumphrey
Fonda Opal Heath Pumphrey, 93, of 4030 Indian Fork Road, Orlando, departed this life at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2007, at her home.
Fonda was born on March 11, 1914, a daughter of the late Charles Bates Heath and Amanda Mae Bond Heath, in Lewis County.
On June 9, 1932, she was united in marriage to Alvin J. Pumphrey, who preceded her in death in June 1985.
Surviving are two grandchildren: grandson, Robert P. Pumphrey II of Indian Fork Road and granddaughter, Robin Lynn Pumphrey, also of Indian Fork Road; one sister, Rena P. Heath Pumphrey, Indian Fork Road; a special nephew, Earnest "Cliff" Wine, her caregiver and faithful friend; several other nieces and nephews; and many other special friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Fonda was preceded in death by her only son, Robert Parker Pumphrey; four brothers, Oliver Herbert Heath, Alton Parker Heath and two infant brothers; and one sister, Frena Heath Wine.
Fonda was the oldest member of the Blackburn United Methodist Church. She loved her church and was a faithful supporter of her faith. She loved gardening, sewing, singing, working puzzles and entertaining the many who came to visit. She gave the Pine Run Schoolhouse to Cedar Creek State Park to which it was moved and restored. It stands today, in a prominent spot, as a tribute to the one-room schools of a by-gone era, thanks to her gift.
Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, at Boyle Funeral Home of Weston. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Roy Wiant officiating. Interment will follow in the Pumphrey Cemetery, Indian Fork Road, Orlando.

Are you providing what your competition is missing?

2007-12-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with a large Young Professional group that does wonderful things in a metropolitan area. I've known about this group and have watched it develop for a few years, now, and I knew that it was the right time to talk to them about collaboration instead of competition. How? In reserching the organization, I found that there was a key element that the group was missing that we provide -- leadership training.

In marketing, your taught to know your target audience, understand their needs, and either explain how you fill those needs or create a customized product to meet the need. The same principles apply when assessing competing organizations. As only Junior Chamber affiliates can have what the Junior Chamber offers, there will always be one element that another group needs to fully develop.

It got met thinking about how well do we know these other groups? In my home town, we work alongside one another, support each others' projects, and make a bigger impact on the community as a result. While most of the other groups are social-networking or community volunteerism only, they recommend membership in the Junior Chamber to their own members who want something more. It's a great relationship to have and improves long-term civic revival from the young professional roots.

So I encourage you to take a look at competing groups, get to know them, understand them, and see what they can provide for your group. In exchange, find out how you can fill their needs and build a great civic, collaborative relationship.

Inexpensive way to use the internet to set up a new business

2007-11-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

My uncle recently bought a nearby farm with a brand new house on it. He is considering setting up the house as an international getaway spot for business professionals who want to experience life in the country while still being connected to their business. So I created the following help sheet on how he could create a new company with a web presence for under $140 USD (please note that other preferences like another blog site or marketing site may be used. These are just my preferences).

Set up an LLC through your bank to protect your other assets. A great place to get the forms you need in advance is Legal Zoom. www.legalzoom.com

Go to www.blogger.com and create a new blog (web log) using their wizard. You can add text, titles, pictures, etc. at the time or at a later date.

When you set up you LLC, you’ll likely have picked a name for the LLC. Go to www.changeip.com and purchase a domain ending in .com for your “company” website and purchase the DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server). The DDNS will allow you to point the domain name to anywhere in the internet as you decide to develop or change your web presence. The cost for 1 year for a domain and DDNS is $30 for the whole year of the first domain and DDNS and only $19 for each additional.

To set up the DDNS, log in to your account (if you are not already), click on the “Edit” link next to your DDNS name and where it states: Enter an IP, CNAME
or URL Redirect below paste or type the URL of the blog that you created on blogger.
Enter the URL in all 3 places (root, ftp, and www).

Go to www.icontact.com and sign up for an account. You won’t need more than the minimum account: 500 contact for $9.95/month or $107.46/year.

After you put in your LLC information, you can create a sign up form with their wizard and it will automatically generate the code for you to put on your blogger page.
People can sign up for information about staying and they will automatically be stored on iContact for your use in the database. This will also protect you from receiving spam and unwanted emails while allowing you to have the information you need for Customer Relations Marketing (CRM) and contact information to screen clients.
Other tools you might like are the survey tool to have people complete an “exit interview” to help you improve your service.

Total Cost to Start Your business = 137.46 USD for first year +tax and legal fees.

A Good Dream - A Great Purpose

2007-11-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I had an amazing dream. I was headed to a JCI recruitment event to give a presentation and on the radio, I heard the DJ mention the Junior Chamber as THE source of training young talent to become Young Leaders who make a difference. When I arrived, there was a buzz in the room and hands went up with questions, comments, even personal testimonials on the benefits that had been gained.

At the end, when the questions died down and I looked at the 40-50 people in attendance, wondering why there weren't more, I Called the group to Action by telling them that they needed to get up, sign up, and get started NOW. And they did. Every last one of them.

It made me think about the purpose of the organization to which we swear to uphold when we become a member:

"..to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and fellowship necessary to create positive change."

Are all of us doing this? or are we hoarding our knowledge and connections to ourselves and not passing any of it along? And does the purpose say that we can only contribute to the advancement of young people in the Junior Chamber?

I spoke to the leader of a very large Young Professional group in a nearby city today, who have done some amazing things. They put young people on civic and business boards all over their community to give a voice to the concerns of young talent. In hindsight, however, the leader was concerned that while young people were volunteering, many were unprepared to interface with affluent, influential, and well-connected older leaders of the community. So together, we proposed a collaborative effort for initial and developing training of young professionals in this already-existing organization, led by the Junior Chamber as a Leadership Training Task Force. It was a win-win scenario.

So my lesson from this dream was to truly think about what it means to contribute -- and to truly provide opportunities for young people. Maybe the key to reviving a chapter lies in how you give "service to humanity," after all.

JCI and Politics

2007-11-14T11:50:00.001-08:00

There is some concern with some Junior Chamber groups about involvement in politics and maintaining a reasonable distance as is required by a 501(c) organization. Unfortunately, many members mistake government involvement for getting involved in politics and the voice of young leaders are lost for fear of organizational recrimination.

According to the Urban Institutes' National Center for Charitable Statistics
"Many of the most visible and politically active nonprofit organizations in the United States are classified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as 501(c)(4) social welfare groups. The National Rifle Association, the National Organization for Women, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Sierra Club, for example, are classified as 501(c)(4) organizations and are active participants in the nation’s public policy process. They lobby for and against legislation, get issues on policymakers’ radar screens, and educate and mobilize the public around election time."

That is why in New York State, we are hosting our very own Government Affairs Leadership Seminar in the state capital of Albany the first week of March 2008, but we hope to offer new and on-going opportunities to let the voice of young talent be heard in New York.

Starting this week, the New York State Junior Chamber has been asked to take part in State Budget Hearings to voice our concerns over state spending and revenue streams. This might be a good time to make suggestions like a statewide college-loan break incentive for living and working in New York, as well as some other more creative ideas on increasing disposable income for young adults.

“We need to balance the need for Government to do more with the ability of taxpayers to bear the tax burden and for businesses to remain competitive.”

Governor Eliot Spitzer, October 2007

New York State Division of the Budget

Public Hearings in Preparation for the 2008-09 Budget

New York State faces a difficult budget challenge in the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2008. The Division of the Budget has projected a significant budget deficit because of weakness in tax revenues resulting in part from problems on Wall Street. Governor Eliot Spitzer has asked the Division of the Budget to conduct a series of public hearings to present the challenges the State faces in the 2008-09 budget and get public input on spending needs and priorities to assist in making budget decisions.

The New York State Director of the Budget, along with other decision makers responsible for crafting the Executive Budget that the Governor will present to the Legislature in January, is inviting testimony from residents of various areas of the State at the following locations and times:

Buffalo	Saturday, November 17 10-1	Buffalo Museumof Science
Rochester	Saturday, November 17 3-6	University of Rochester Medical Center
Syracuse	Tuesday, November 27 1 -4	Common Council Chambers
Utica	Tuesday, November 27 6-9	SUNY IT, Marcy
Long Island	Friday, November 30 10-1	H. Lee Dennison Office Building, Hauppauge

Those interested in offering testimony at the event are asked to please register in advance. Participants wishing to comment who are not pre-registered will be accommodated, as time allows, on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information visit http://www.budget.state.ny.us/ or call 518-473-3885

Veterans Day Remembered JCI: USA

2007-11-12T00:49:00.000-08:00

While Veterans Day was officially declared by President Eisenhower in honor of end of hostilities in WWI being the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, its intent was also to give federal employees a 3-day weekend as a reward for their service to the country (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veteran%27s_Day).

In the U.S., we traditionally celebrated this occasion with holiday shopping and a day off from school or work -- at least that was my understanding growing up because I had not seen a major conflict in my lifetime, especially with the impact of WWI, which was mostly a list of questions on a history exam. Even in the 90's when older siblings of friends went off to Iraq and CNN was bolstered as a major news network because everyone was glued to the images of a remote war, it was all so distant. Later, in college, Iraq War Veterans flooded the schools on their GI Bill and I took classes alongside them, hearing some of their stories. Still they were stories that seemed distant and short-lived.

WWI (28 July 1914–11 November 1918) lasted a little over 4 years (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWI) and WWII (September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945) one day more than 6 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWII). My generation's "world conflict," the Iraq War officially was declared on March 2003, heading into 4.5 years to date. Often tied to the September 11 attacks on the U.S. Northeast (intimately effecting New York with a hefty death toll of more than 2400 in the World Trade Center in 2001), then later tied to the UN hunt for Weapons of Mass Destruction, which were never found (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_war), the world is waiting for the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections to see if the war will come to an end soon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election%2C_2008).

But to me, a true Veterans Day is more than just about U.S. observance and shopping specials. It's a day for all veterans world wide in all countries, of all cultures, and from all conflicts, who represent their countries and risk their lives for the ideals of their homeland. They are ambassadors and representatives and politicians. And while JCI ultimately envisions World Peace, it is our young and our JCI-age friends who are sent to fight the battles.

So for all of them on this Veterans Day 2008, I truly hope for" a message [that] will come in the sometime of tomorrow that will stir the people toward the establishment of a permanent and everlasting world peace."

The JCI Vision:
From within the walls of the soul of this organization wherein the foundation of character and good citizenship are laid, I hope a message will come in the sometime of tomorrow that will stir the people toward the establishment of a permanent and everlasting world peace.

Natural Member Enhancement

2007-11-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

At the 2008 Board retreat, we were throwing around ideas for promotions. Accidentally, one of the people at the table mispoke our Empowered members as "Enhanced members," which got quite a chuckle. So then we started thinking, that is kind of a fun promotion -- JCI: "Natural Member Enhancement." We could come up with all sorts of promotions including a JCI pill pack and maybe a series of testimonials likean Enzyte commercial.

New York Turns 75 in Syracuse Jan 11-13

2007-11-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Good evening, NY State!

If you haven't heard, there's a big buzz in Syracuse for the January 2008 Convention. Not only is it celebrating all of the wonderful things that we did over 2007, but it's the start of our 75th Anniversary!

That's right, the New York State Junior Chamber is turning 75!

But you won't find any exhausted roosters here...

Instead, here's what you can expect at January's convention:

Local Officers' Training for 2008 boards
JCI Presenter -- Must for anyone considering becoming a certified trainer, or someone who wants to become a better presenter. Instructed by world-renowned ITF Suzette Plaisted!
Great ID Competitions vying for that Year-End ticket to get a free trip to compete in Memphis, TN, in March!

And a 40 Below Social Networking Cocktail Party! That's right. We intend to show off the Syracuse Jaycees by inviting the members of the 40 Below and anyone 18-40 to our event as the group is interested in the Syracuse Jaycees becoming their new Leadership Trainers! (Yes, Pres. Andrea, Director Rhoda Smith is on board and very interested :) ).

*To get more information and more updates sent directly to your email, sign up at http://NYSJC.org

JCI eWorld

2007-11-09T09:08:00.001-08:00

JCI has launched a new social networking site called JCI eWorld. If you already had a www.jci.cc account, you probably received an email about it and already have a username on the site (just remember to use the email to reset your password).

eWorld can be accessed at http://www.jcieworld.cc

If you haven't signed up yet, check out what other JCI members around the world are doing and if you meet someone you click with, you can always get together in person at the next conference.

It's also a great place to practice blogging.
http://www.jcieworld.cc/eplus/blogs/sranson

Daylight Savings Day - Why isn't Hallmark in on this?

2007-11-04T03:11:00.000-08:00

Today is the end of Daylight Savings, when we turn our clocks back an hour and feel like we're getting that extra hour of sleep in the morning. For me, it's an extra hour of quiet time to get things accomplished.

When I was growing up, my mother would always get up an hour before we would. I would hear her in the living room with the television on low (usually to old Bugs Bunny cartoons, though she insisted it was "news") and she would sip her tea and knit. After a while I realized that with four children, that one hour in the morning was "her time," when everyone was quiet and she was free to do the things that she wanted to do. When I went to college, my roommates were evening people -- as well as most of my dorm hall -- and it soon became clear to me that if I wanted to study in quiet, I had to get up in the morning when everyone else was sleeping.

So that is my secret of efficiency -- I wake up early and get things done before the world gets noisy again. But then I thinking that since the card companies started making even "Boss's Day" cards this year, that we should be handing out and signing cards for Daylight Savings. Maybe that's a fundraiser idea for Junior Chamber:

"Happy Daylight Savings! And don't forget to renew your membership!" or
"Happy Daylight Savings -- use that extra hour to plan a training forum for your chapter!"

Okay! Kind of lame, but hey? if the card companies aren't there yet, we could beat them to the punch.

Weekend Board Retreat in Binghamton

2007-11-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I will be headed to Binghamton for the 2007 Exec-Com meeting tomorrow morning, followed by the 2008 Elect Board Retreat. For 2008, we have the following:

NYSJC IDVP Stephanie Kingsley (Saratoga)
NYSJC CDVP Dave Stern (Saratoga)
NYSJC MSVP Michelle Wallen (Johnson City)
NYSJC Treasurer Willi Gamboa (Philippine-NYC)
NYSJC President Shonda Ranson (Rochester)
NYSJC IPP/COB Andrea Ciravolo (Syracuse)
NYSJC Metro-Conference Director Christine D'Andrade (Caribbean)
Region South Director Gary Abasolo, Esq. (Philippine-NYC)
Region West Director Melissa George (Batavia)

Expected Program Managers to date are: OYNY - Patty Benda

Collegiate Chapter Update

2007-11-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

It's November 1st and my email is flooded with follow ups from Balloon Manor 2007, ideas for New York State's Empowerment in 2008, and some very excited prospective members of a now-forming chapter at the University of Rochester.

This JCI @ UR project has been several months in the making, but missing that one key element - a member with passion. This past month, I finally found that person with passion: JK. JK jumped right in and is pulling friends along with her. Today we met with a committee to have an afterwork networking panel at the Center for Entrepreneurship, which will highlight one busines speaker, one media speaker, and one political speaker to represent 3 "tracks" of success that the Junior Chamber may offer. Our goal is to leave with at least 20 committed members handing over their $25 collegiate membership fee to have a new chapter chartered by the end of the month.

The event is going to take place on November 15th from 4:40-6:00 p.m. and we are soliciting the following speakers: CEO of Paetec Arunas Chesonis, Morning DJ E-Man from 106.7 Kiss-FM, and Mayor Robert Duffy.

If all goes well, we'll have a December orientation followed by a reserved transport to the Syracuse convention and the JCI Presenter training.

This Saturday is also the 2008 State Board Retreat. Members have been working already to prepare for the weekend, which happens to fall just one day before our international travelers fly to Turkey for World Congress. We wish all of travelers much health and safety and to NVP Scott -- it's a country, not a food ;).