Is the 2021 FCSI membership renewal notice still sitting in your inbox? What are you waiting for?

We are all familiar with the slogan of American Express, “Membership has its Privileges.” Our FCSI membership also has its privileges and benefits and we have truly seen those advantages in 2020.

This year is challenging, to say the least, and much remains unknown. It has been a tough exercise to navigate the last few months, manage the present, and effectively plan for the future. Throughout all this uncertainty, participating in FCSI has proven to be a steady resource for hope, confidence, and resolve in an effort to get through to a better place.

FCSI has had to make difficult decisions with regards to some of its plans and programs, not least the cancellation of Camp FCSI in Austin, and through each challenge the association has remained steadfast in its commitment to deliver service and value to its members. Over the last many months the association provided many avenues for you to stay in touch and be informed through programs like BizEssentials, FCSI Virtual Happy Hour, Connect With The Experts, online resources for COVID 19 and a plethora of educational events hosted by our Corporate Members so that you can continue to earn CEUs. I am just naming a few of the many programs but it’s easy to see — paying dues remains a great investment in your professional nourishment.

While we are on the topic of investment, over the last 10 years our Executive Director and the Board have navigated this association into a very strong financial position (see Direct Connection September 2020). This is a great accomplishment, especially since membership dues have not been increased since 2019 and will not be increased for 2021.

Our membership is comprised of a diverse, innovative, brilliant, brave, creative, honest, humble, and oftentimes hilarious group of people. All of us are competitors, yet genuinely interested in each other’s success and well-being. These qualities manifested over and over during the last eight months not only in the public forum, but also the personal correspondences offering support, well wishes, and even a few innovative ideas. Membership has its benefits far beyond the organized programs and the professional mark alongside your digital signature.

It’s likely that the COVID 19 pandemic has affected my firm, Ricca Design Studios, as much as it has affected your firms. I must say that for me though, being in the company of a strong FCSI membership generated confidence in the future prospects for our industry, inspired innovation, fueled ideas and provided strength to put forth serious plans for what can be a bright future. I hope that membership can do the same for you. I am sure many members will share their progress in the educational programs and especially at our next in-person conference. You will want to be involved. Membership has its benefits – submit your 2021 renewal to ensure you don't miss out on any of them.

-- Lenny Condenzio FCSI