CSMFO's Connection

By Melissa Manchester, CSMFO Executive Director

CSMFO Members,

This is a surreal time we’re living in. We’re being told to stay physically apart and keep all in-person interactions to a minimum, at a time when what we really need most is connection. Hopefully you’re all able to stay in touch with family, friends and coworkers through phone calls and video conferencing, but I also wanted to encourage you to reach out to your CSMFO network. While the CSMFO founders couldn’t have known back in 1957 that we’d have a pandemic on our hands 60 years in the future, I wholeheartedly believe that this, right here, is why this organization exists. Solidarity and connection in times of uncertainty.

To that end, the CSMFO Board of Directors has canceled its regularly scheduled meeting and instead will be hosting an open forum for the leadership to discuss the COVID-19 and the current state of the world. This Zoom call is open to any CSMFO member that would like to join in. (Up to 100 connections)

Thursday, March 26 | 2:00 – 4:00pm

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/918503431

Or call: 1 669 900 6833 | Meeting ID: 918 503 431

We also know that a number of you haven’t had an opportunity to renew your membership in CSMFO. This is perfectly understandable, as you have more pressing items on your plates at present. We don’t want you to be without this connection at a time when you frankly need it more than ever, so we will be extending the membership renewal deadline from March 31 to April 30. You’ll be getting an email from me this week if you haven’t yet renewed. As a side effect of this, the CSMFO Membership Directory will likely be distributed in June.

We will also be reducing the number of emails we send you, including the CSMFO News, because we don’t want to compound your already overflowing workload. Rest assured, though, that the CSMFO staff is working remotely and is available in case you need anything.

I hope this message finds you all well. Be safe, stay healthy, wash your hands, and we’ll see you in person again one day soon.

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Melissa Manchester, CAE, has served as CSMFO’s Executive Director since January 2009. Recently having started her own association management firm, Melissa is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in administrative and management services to trade associations. Melissa graduated from California State University, Sacramento, where she received a bachelor’s degree in English, and earned her MBA from Walden University with a concentration in nonprofit administration. Melissa received the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in 2010, and does everything within her power to bring not just exceptional and professional service but also fun and laughter to her clients.

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