Building Connections Chapter Logo Light Blue
Bimonthly Newsletter of Chicago CFMA

June 2017 
President's Letter
Another CFMA Annual Conference has come and gone.  I was proud to represent the Chicago Chapter along with many other chapter members.  In fact, Chicago had the 2nd largest representation amidst record-breaking attendance.  Highlights included an abundance of CPE opportunities, time to connect with friends; old and new, and of course our very own Shawn Erickson was honored with the Joe Quigley Memorial Award ( view the video here). 

This year's conference theme was Building a Foundation for Success.  The foundation and strength of every organization rests on its members.  Thanks to the involvement of our members and dedication of our leadership, I am happy to share that our Chapter was awarded the 2017 Chairman's Excellence Award.  This award is the highest level award presented to a chapter in the achievement category of CFMA's annual Recognition Program.  There are currently 8000 CFMA members nationwide, representing 95 chapters.  Chicago is the 2nd largest chapter and our membership renewal continues to exceed the national average. 

As our membership continues to grow, so do the opportunities for new relationships, education and leadership roles.  Are you building your own foundation for success?  Next week's chapter program focuses on leadership and motivation.  Attendees are invited to stay for a cocktail networking reception following the program.  Earlier this year I asked each of you to consider doing "one more."  Why not make this program your one more? Register today and consider inviting a prospective CFMA member.  Let's continue to strengthen our foundation. 

Another resource available to our members is the Benchmarker Tool which provides a side-by-side comparison of your financials versus the industry benchmarks.  This year's data represents input from over 1000 industry representatives. Take a moment to check it out!

I, along with members of our leadership team, left the 2017 Annual Conference with some new ideas to implement.  I look forward to working with the board and our committee chairs to share these ideas so our chapter may continue to provide value and opportunity to each of our members.

Mary Davolt 
Chapter President 
In This Issue
Thank You 2017 Platinum Sponsors
CliftonLarsonAllen Logo
Cornerstone
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Welcome
New Members
Kathleen Tomaska
Anson Industries, Inc.

Julia Cramer
Davisware, Inc.

Kenneth Brannan
State Mechanical Services

Jim Muckerheide
Rose Paving Company

Robert Patrick Wierema
Lockton Companies

Sandy Austin
Henry Brothers Co.

Sam Miller
MCA

Ken Syslo
Lombardi Electric

Joseph Morad
Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd.

Ronald Sloane
Sloane & Associates, Inc.


CCIFP Logo
The Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP®) designation is the only industry-recognized certification that a financial professional truly knows the unique business of construction.

To learn more about the CCIFP designation, eligibility requirements, application information, study preparation, examination dates, and fees, visit www.iccifp.org .

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CFMA Chicago Chapter has a new LinkedIn company page.  Click here to view the page.  Follow us, share, and don't forget to mention CFMA Chicago Chapter in your posts!

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Thank you to our 2017 "Build Chicago" Awards Luncheon Committee on a job well-done!

 
  View more photos here 
 
Featured Platinum Sponsor 

Expect the Unexpected:
Managing risk in an era of heightened uncertainty

As Yankee legend Yogi Berra once said, "it's tough to make predictions, especially about the future."  The surprising developments of the past year remind us t hat this old adage is as true as ever.  So-called "Black Swan" events, those assumed to have low probability but high impact, appear to be occurring with greater frequency.   Britain's decision last June to leave the European Union, Donald Trump's upset win in the U.S. presidential elections last fall, and the Cubs history-defying World Series run are some of the most recent examples of the hazards of relying on expert opinion.  Even in the age of big data and instant polling, the experts and the polls still get it wrong.   

While economic forecasts and polls are useful tools, academic studies repeatedly have demonstrated the limitations of predictive power.


Following this three step process of identifying, quantifying, and managing your financial risk may not make you a better forecaster, but it will ensure that your company is well-prepared to weather those inevitable situations when reality inconveniently diverges from our forecasts. 
Awaken
How to Motivate the Unmotivated 
Program & Networking  
Cocktail Reception 
June 21, 2017  
Doubletree Hotel - Oak Brook  
2:30 pm Check-in | 3:00 pm Program 
4:30 pm Networking Cocktail Reception 

Guest Speaker:
Dr. Susan Neustrom
Despite the best intentions, love for the work you do, staying motivated and energized can be a real challenge. Similarly, trying to motivate others is exhausting and regardless of the reward offered, the result is often less than desired.
  • The science behind what creates motivation.
  • How rewards can actually lessen motivation.
  • How to create an environment for self-motivation to thrive.
  • How to harness the power of self-motivation to do amazing things.
  • Five simple strategies to ignite self-motivation anytime.
CFMA Summer Social 
July 21, 2017
Wrigley Field 
World Champion Chicago Cubs 
vs. 
Cardinals 
     
Game Tickets are Sold Out
Click here to be put on the wait list
    
You can still join the fun at the pre-game social.  Tickets are limited so reserve your spot today. Register here 
 
   11:20 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. Pre-Game Social
DraftKings Sports Zone 
Food, Beer, Pop and Water included
(other beverages available for purchase)

$40 per person/social only
Golf Outing 
to benefit the Annual Intern Program
  
     
Thursday, September 7th
Bowes Creek, Elgin
10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
(note new start time!)


Registration is open!
Individual Golf: $210/$230 with wristband 
Foursome: $800/$900 with wristbands 
Sponsorships are available! 
Click Here for more information. 
September 28, 2017
2017 Midwest Regional Conference: September 28th
Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook
      
Keynote Speaker: Steve Gilliland 
A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world. Recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, he can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio's Laugh USA. With an appeal that transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation-plus an interactive and entertaining style-Steve shows audiences how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives.   Learn more about Steve Gilliland 
Chicago, Fox Valley, Quad Cities, Madison, Milwaukee, SW Michigan, & Western Michigan  

Several members of our chapter were selected to teach courses at the Annual Conference in Phoenix this year!  Our very own Chapter President, Mary Davolt, CPA, CCIFP, CFO at Englewood Construction taught "360° View of WIP," Ryan Hiss, Attorney-Partner, Laurie & Brennan, LLP, along with his partner, Krista Kapp, lead a program on "Effective Contract Negotiation for Financial Managers," and Kathy Cole is presented a program on "Hiring Process Strategies to Improve Results & Manage Risk."

Congratulations to Shawn Erickson, CPA, CCIFP, CFO at C.J. Erickson Plumbing, on receiving the prestigious Joe Quigley Memorial Award at this year's CFMA Annual Conference. The award recognizes outstanding chapter participation and contributions  

Gordon Marshall
, CFMA member, and one of the original founders of CFMA's Chicago Chapter, recently earned a degree in Archaeology from the University of Oxford.  Congratulations, Gordon!

We want to share your good news!  Send your updates to Deb Hypke, Chapter Admin.