PMI Atlanta Chapter - Announcements Test

PMI Atlanta Athens Committee Inaugural Dinner Meeting

Announcements December 02, 2013

By: Steven A. Shapiro, PMP, CSSGB

From L to R: John Salguero, David Tennant, Katie Dillard, Troy Woods

History could look back on November 21, 2013 and see not just a date that the Athens community was first engaged by PMI Atlanta, but a date whereby the seeds of a vibrant and thriving PMI Chapter were first sowed. That Thursday evening saw the PMI Atlanta Athens committee hold their first dinner meeting. The event was held at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education and while the attendance was vastly different, the feel of the event was very similar to the Atlanta Chapter Dunwoody Dinner Meetings.

The event began with PMI Atlanta Athens Committee Chair John Salguero showing the PMI Atlanta Chapter video, ‘What is PMI Atlanta?’ and walking those in attendance through all the great work the Atlanta Chapter is doing and how Athens could benefit from similar efforts in their community, while adding in some unique and specific possibilities the committee can bring to the Athens Community.

Salguero also took opportunities as they afforded themselves to introduce the members of both his team and the PMI Atlanta attendees. This began with Salguero introducing Troy Woods. Woods had been involved in the creation of a PMI Chapter in Alabama and will bring that experience to the Athens Committee. He is also a highly respected business man in the Athens area and can serve to reach out to that community to help the committee grow. The next introduction John made was Katie Dillard. Dillard works at Zaxbys in a Project Management role, and will serve the committee as its ‘Ambassador’. She spoke about how she hopes to expand the Athens Committee to have the type of forums that PMI Atlanta currently has. Finally, Salguero introduced Hajime Uchiyama, for whom the Athens Committee chair is very grateful as Uchiyama has been very helpful to John in creating the committee and bringing that vision to a reality. In return, one could certainly sense that the gratitude was mutual, as Uchiyama thanked Salguero for his mentorship and leadership.

“Your Career as a Project” Contest

Announcements November 30, 2013

As 2013 comes to a close and you plan for the year to come, what specific steps will you take to move forward in your professional career? Enter the “Your Career as a Project” Contest by NOON on 12/6/13 and win great productivity prizes to assist you in attaining your goals!

First Prize: IPad Air!
Second Prize: IPad Mini
Third Prize: IPhone 5s

Contest Guidelines
All submissions will be scored based on the following criteria:

1. Submission of a Career Project Plan for 2014 by Noon, 12/6/13 to mentoring@pmiatlantachapter.org showing what specific steps you will take to move forward in your professional career

2. Incorporation of PMI membership activities and benefits (i.e. meetings, speakers, classes, etc.) into the Career Project Plan

3. Reflects Project Management Standards according to PMI

Career Project Plans may take any form or format (i.e. Word, Excel, MS Project) to convey your 2014 professional career plan of action. Only electronic submissions to the mentoring@pmiatlanta.org email address will be accepted. Independent judges will review project submissions.

Finalists will be selected by December 7th and announced at the PMI Atlanta Holiday Party meeting on December 9th, 2013.

Please send questions to profgrowth@pmiatlanta.org.

PMI Atlanta Participates in the PMI North America Leadership Institute Meeting

Announcements November 29, 2013

Written by: Laura Davidson, PMP, Director at Large

The PMI North America Leadership Institute Meeting was recently held in New Orleans. This event is attended is by PMI volunteer leaders from all over the world – this year had the best attendance ever with just over 1000 attendees! Also attending the LIM are PMI CoP (Community of Practice) leaders sharing their challenges, successes and best practices. PMI Chapter leaders meet at the Leadership Institute Meeting (LIM) to share information about their chapters, gain tips for improving their local chapter operations and events as well as learn more about the resources available to local chapters by PMI global. The event consists of educational breakout sessions and networking opportunities to connect with PMI peers as well as a panel discussion with the PMI Global Board of Directors providing insight, direction and goals from our global headquarters. One session is dedicated to gathering attendees together to network and exchange ideas with their regional partners – Our PMI Atlanta chapter is one of 22 chapters included in Region 14 covering the Southeast and the Caribbean. PMI Atlanta will host chapter leaders from our region in 2014.

The LIM event also honors this years PMI Leadership Institute graduates and recognizes chapters as well as individuals that provide volunteer excellence to their Project Management communities. PMI Atlanta was well represented at this LIM, sending 11 attendees (Adrienne James, AVP Operations; Carolyn Toomer, VP Education; Dana Murphy, Board Secretary; David Tennant, Chair; Evelyn Rosier, Treasurer; Karen Jackson, VP Marketing; Laura Davidson, Director; Michael Bridge, AVP Technology; Steven Shapiro, VP Communications; Lydia James, VP Volunteer Coordination; Yvonne Byars, Vice Chair).

This video was shown at the closing session - the lyrics remind us that PMI is a volunteer run organization. Enjoy!

PMI Atlanta Holiday Celebration & Annual Meeting

Announcements November 25, 2013

Click Here for More Information and to Register!

Join us for the PMI Atlanta Holiday Celebration and Annual Meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with Chapter leaders and peers as we review 2013 accomplishments and learn the election results. Enjoy Hors d'oeuvres and dessert while listening to the smooth sounds of a live Jazz band.

Date:  December 9, 2013
Time:  5:00 - 9:00 PM
Admission: $15.00   (Registration for this event is limited)
Location:   The Georgian Club, 100 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Attire: Business Casual (No Jeans or Athletic Wear)

* Follow @PMIAtlanta on Twitter by December 9th and earn a chance to win fantastic prizes

PMI Atlanta Contributes to Leadership Development at Annual Home Depot Event

Announcements November 22, 2013

Written By: Laura Davidson, PMP, Director at Large

On October 22, The Home Depot corporate headquarters hosted its 6th annual Women’s Leadership summit in Atlanta. The Women’s Link connects women with the opportunities, experiences, and visibility they need to move into leadership roles at The Home Depot.

With 350 in attendance, this year’s event had a record turnout. The theme, “Say Yes to Your Journey”, was championed by the following leaders that each presented during the day-long conference:

- Yvonne Byars, PMI Atlanta Vice Chair; “How Effective Are Your Meetings?”
- Chris Coussens, PMI Atlanta Toastmasters President; “How to Manage Without Authority”
- Laura Davidson, PMI Atlanta Director; “You Can’t Live a Positive Life With a Negative Mind” and “Managing in a Multi-Generational Organization”
- Sandra Hofmann, Author, Former WIT President: “Wearing Heels for the Leadership Journey”
- Lydia James, PMI Atlanta VP of Volunteer Coordination; “What’s Your Personal Brand?”
- Trina Nkhazi, Project Manager, City of Atlanta; “Requirements Planning: Perfect Recipe for Success”
- Evelyn Rosier, PMI Atlanta Treasurer; “Balancing Work-Life Through Time & Money Management”

PMI Atlanta Director, Cathy Luby organized our representation at the event and encouraged each speaker to deliver a message that reminds the audience that our professional "journey is just as important as the final destination."

The opening keynote speaker, Laurel J. Richie, President of Women’s National Basketball Association, reminded all that being prepared means making the most of the unexpected. Richie’s inspiring message shared that her professional journey included reluctantly accepting marketing assignments and turning those into personal feats of remarkable accomplishment that gave her the strength and confidence she has today.

Closing speaker Missy Dugan, President of the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta, shared how her personal tragedy feeds her passion for youth leadership and philanthropy. Dugan shared transformational success stories from the BGCMA highlighting its measureable success in afterschool development programs promoting academic success, healthy lifestyles and character.