I am delighted to welcome you to another month in the Incentive Industry, and share with you the interesting things that are happening at IMA!  Those of you who deal in Safety Incentives are aware that a new OSHA guideline, which went into effect on December first, defines any outcome based incentive criteria as being a rule violation.  While the industry has always been able to engage, discuss and challenge this on a case-by-case basis, the new rule creates a presumption of a violation, making a challenge much harder, and far more costly.
 
So, I am pleased to share with you that thanks in part to the work of the Incentive Federation (the legislative, litigation and policy monitor/lobbyist for our industry), of which IMA is a founding member, the House of Representatives is actively challenging several recent OSHA rule, including resolutions already passed by the House and now being considered by the Senate!  While there is no current challenge on the OSHA guideline discouraging outcome based incentives, our industry welcomes the support of Congress against unfair and arbitrary rules, which are not otherwise supported by large scale studies and empirical data.
 
I'd like you to know of an important way that you can make a real difference in this type of effort! As is true in any lobbying effort, the higher the individual membership count is of the Incentive Federation, the stronger voice it has in lobbying with congress and other regulatory bodies.  While sponsored and corporate memberships are available, an individual membership is only $100.00 per year!  Supporting the Incentive Federation is one of the best investments you can make, and I urge you to consider it.

I announced in last month's Fast Take that IMA was accepted last month into the International Standards Organization's Technical Advisory Group (ISO-TAG260) for the establishment of human capital standards worldwide. IMA's liaison to the advisory group, Anne Jetter, has provided additional information regarding the group's activities in this issue of Fast Take.  

Another very important event in the life of our Association is starting right now, as you're reading this!  One of the great opportunities of my life was gifted to me six years ago, when I received an invitation to be a candidate for the IMA Board of Directors.  The people I am connected with, my knowledge of the incentive industry, and my understanding of how to sell what I do all was unbelievably enhanced by my decision to run for the IMA Board.  I have the distinct honor of offering you the same opportunity.  Each company that is a member of IMA has one member designated as the Primary member.  You must be designated as the Primary member from your company to serve on the Board, but I know a number of people who actually "swapped seats" with the Primary member for that specific purpose.  One excellent way to "Dream Big" is to fill out the Board application, as described in a separate article in this newsletter. Consult that article for further information, and keep in mind that the opportunities that come from being on the Board of Directors vastly outweigh the responsibilities.  The application deadline will be here before you know it, so go online and fill it out today!

Turning our attention to the Summit, we have almost 700 room nights booked already, and are still five months away from the Summit.  Our best information is that when our $209/night block runs out, the most likely alternate locations will be substantially more expensive!  I urge you to register for the Summit right away, and then reserve your rooms at the Grand Floridian, to avoid being disappointed .  
 
To help motivate you to do so (we are in the motivation and engagement business, after all), Summit Chair John Hornbogen has announced that we will draw the name of one person that is registered for the Summit as of Friday, March 31st, who will receive a FREE SUMMIT REGISTRATION!  IF YOUR name is drawn, and you are also registered to take the "Principles of Results-Based Incentive Programs" course, and the Incentive Professional certification exam immediately following that course, you will receive that registration fee FREE as well.  That's a potential combined total savings of over $900.00 in your pocket!  
 
You can't win if you're not registered, so if you're going to register anyway, I urge you to do so today to be sure you're eligible for this great drawing!
 
Dream Big!

Sean Roark, CPIM
Vice President, Incentive Programs
PromoPros/IncentPros, Inc.
President, IMA

The IMA Board is seeking nominations for the Board of Directors. IMA desires to continue to add strong leaders who represent the diverse segments of our industry to its board. The IMA Board of Directors actively fosters the common good of both our association and the industry as a whole. If this description speaks to you, please consider this a proposal to run for an IMA Board Director position.

About the Board of Director Position:
A board member's term lasts three years and is eligible for reelection after that period. A board member must serve one year before they are eligible to serve as an officer.

Director Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Attend three to four board meetings per year
• Participate on a committee or task force
• Attend the annual Executive Summit
• Spend the average four hours per month on IMA related business
• A newly elected board member will be invited to attend the July board meeting just before the Executive Summit, and will be sworn in during the conference.

To nominate yourself as a candidate, fill out this Director Candidate Form.

Deadline to apply is April 28, 2017.

A Cost-Effective Marketing Tool!

IMA's Annual Membership Directory, The Incentive Source, will be published in late June and made available at the 2017 IMA Summit. This dynamic networking tool will be mailed to 500+ IMA members. These sales and marketing professionals represent every segment of the incentive industry and they may be potential marketing partners looking for the services and/or products you offer.

The Incentive Source will also be distributed at a variety of trade shows including the IMEX show and PPAI Expo, reaching hundreds of potential customers.  

Click here for more information and to reserve your ad space today!

Of course, your registration provides you with lots of education, experience and networking opportunities.  Don't forget to register before the early bird pricing ends and the prices increase! Register Now
 
Dream Big and Join us in Orlando!

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