Happy Holidays,

As my time as Chair comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank each of you for allowing me to serve as your Chair. It’s been a great year and I am excited to share our success with you.

We fulfilled our commitment to increase the value of membership in 2014 by enhancing the use of technology, offering diverse networking and learning opportunities, honoring our volunteers and decreasing our expenses.

This year in technology a new website was launched that allows members to subscribe to Chapter communications and that is estimated to save 60% over the next 3 to 5 years; tools were implemented to optimize the use of social media, Twitter followers were increased 166% and virtual meetings were launched.

In addition to moving to an exciting new venue for the Monthly Dinner Meetings, a number of unique networking events were held such as the Etiquette of Networking, Speed Dating with Recruiters and Meet, Greet, & Tweet.

Events like the Project of the Year Awards, Microsoft store event, and Career Month, including the Recruiters Panel Dinner Meeting and Managing Your Career seminar, offered members the opportunity to increase their professional growth and enhance their career.

In the area of education and training, 21 courses were offered earning 326 PDUs, the first online PMP Exam Prep was offered and $7,000 scholarships were awarded. Additionally, the Chapter provided speakers, presentations and workshops to Schools and Universities; and sponsored and participated in the “Project for a Day” 2014, an event sponsored by the Atlanta Partners for Education (APFE).

Through effective use of the Volunteer Relationship Management System (VRMS) and due to recognition programs such as the volunteer of the month, volunteer participation increased by 200%.

The value of the chapter was recognized by the business community as sponsorship increased by 125% and the Chapter hosted the Regional Conference, leading collaboration with Chapter thought leaders throughout the Southeast.

Finally, we decreased expenses by 40% and increase profitability by 88% compared to 2013.

It has been an honor to serve this organization. The experience has allowed me to grow as an individual. I have been able to meet so many of you, our members, and I want to thank you for your friendship and support. PMI Atlanta is blessed with so many wonderful volunteers. They are the engine that makes the chapter run. I continue to be impressed by your commitment, professionalism, and your depth of knowledge. We have a great organization, one to be proud of. I encourage each one of you, if you can, to take part in some way.

All my best in 2015,

Yvonne Byars, PMP
Chair, PMI Atlanta