The CSMFO Orange County Chapter’s December 5th event at the Aliso Veijo Center was full of holiday spirit. With the holidays fast approaching, and 130 in attendance, there were a lot of red sweaters all around. Thanks to the generosity of our 5 commercial sponsors (Fieldman Rolapp & Associates, Harris & Associates, HdL Companies, Platinum Consulting Group and Revenue & Cost Specialists), we were able to enjoy stationed hors d’oeuvres, choice of three plated meal options, chocolate cake, and beverages for only $30 per person. A few local governments took advantage of this opportunity and invited their entire finance departments.

Our chapter usually invites speakers for our holiday meeting who talk to us about leadership, bigger picture topics, or something a little lighter than usual. Elise Boggs Morales, a professor at Chapman University and leadership consultant and coach followed suit by speaking on “4 Things to Instantly Increase Your Influence”. The presentation was well received and very practical.

If you weren’t able to attend, I’ll give my two-cent version of the presentation. The 4 things we can do to increase influence all have something in common – they endear others to you. The 4 ideas were:

• Bring Back Honor
• Develop a Service Orientation
• Practice Empathy
• Manage Your Emotions

Many of the practical applications were simple things like listening and appreciating others, being a giver and other-focused, keeping other people’s perspectives in mind and avoiding judgement, and being aware of your triggers and how you respond to others.

When you practice these attributes, you will connect with others on a deeper level and build up “equity” which you will be able to draw from when it is needed – in either personal or professional situations. Elise Boggs Morales was able to connect with the group and leave us inspired.

However, I was inspired by the generosity of our chapter’s members as well. As I am on the 2020 Host Committee led by President-Elect Steve Heide from Chino Valley Fire District, I’ve had the opportunity to hear Steve’s vision for the conference include the idea of giving back to the local community. You’ll see that on display if you attend the CSMFO Conference in Anaheim on January 28-31, 2020 (be sure to register before the January 10th pre-registration deadline).

I discussed those thoughts with the Orange County Chapter’s leadership group and we decided to promote the same. We connected with a local nonprofit and requested that attendees to our holiday event bring an unwrapped gift valued at $10 or more. Our chapter collected 67 toys and gift cards that will bring smiles and the warmth of holiday spirit to dozens of families this month.

I had the special opportunity to provide encouragement to the Orange County Ronald McDonald House staff later that afternoon when I delivered two large boxes overflowing with toys on behalf of our Orange County Chapter of CSMFO. Those gifts will be provided to families who have sick kids in Orange County hospitals at the Ronald McDonald House’s 2019 Family Holiday Party. The experience is one I won’t soon forget – thank you, Orange County Chapter members for your generous donations!