Chapter News reports the local activities of the 22 chapters of ERA.
The chapters sponsor educational and training workshops, local trade shows, legislative and industry projects to enhance the professionalism of individual members and to advance the goals and mission of the national association.
Chapter of the Year entries due March 1
The online entry form for 2016 Chapter of the Year entries (for 2015 activities) will be posted in January. All chapters are urged to submit one or more projects or programs for recognition. All award recipients in each of four categories — Education, Membership/Member Services, Marketing Services and Special Projects — receive a full-tuition scholarship for the Chapter Officers Leadership Training (COLT) program in 2016. Questions? Contact Tess Hill at thill@era.org.
CAROLINAS
Carolinas ERA is continuing its monthly networking breakfasts for reps and distributors in Raleigh and Charlotte. The chapter board held its annual fall planning retreat in late October in Wilmington, N.C. All chapter officers and directors were recently reelected for two-year terms, and Jean Rosa of TTI, Inc., was elected as a new director.
CHICAGOLAND – WISCONSIN
The chapter held a breakfast round table on Nov. 13 that focused on the topic of “When Principals Merge: How to Prepare, What to Expect, What to Do (or Not Do).” After the event, one attendee was randomly selected to use Chicagoland-Wisconsin’s Gold Sponsorship free registration for the ERA 2016 Conference. Eric Sagendorph, the outgoing chapter chairman, was chosen in the drawing.
On Feb. 4, this group is hosting an all-industry program featuring ERA’s CEO, Walter Tobin, as the speaker. His presentation is titled “How ERA Can Help Reps, Manufacturers and Distributors Adapt to the Future of the Industry.”
Jim Gleason (left) presented a service award to Dave Dasson, CPMR, CSP, at the Empire State holiday luncheon.
EMPIRE STATE
The Empire State chapter continues to host monthly networking breakfasts and lunches focused on state of the industry topics and best practices for running rep firms in its marketplace. ERA’s CEO, Walter Tobin, joined the members and guests for Empire’s annual holiday luncheon on Dec. 11. At that event, Jim Gleason, chapter president, presented a service award to Dave Dasson, CPMR, CSP, the immediate past president.
MID-LANTIC
The Mid-Lantic chapter held a networking event on Nov. 16 with ERA’s CEO, Walter Tobin, as a special guest. New membership is a focus for the chapter.
Walter Tobin shows off his new Minnesota Gophers hat.
MINNESOTA
On Dec. 9, Minnesota ERA sponsored a holiday gathering with ERA CEO Walter Tobin joining nearly 30 reps. Tobin received a University of Minnesota Gophers hat as a welcome gift.
NEW YORK
New York members came together in early December for a holiday networking party. Chapter officers John Beaver and Steve Alford delivered a presentation focused on tech topics that will help to reduce operating costs and increase personal and organizational efficiency.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Northern California recently hosted its 55th annual Electronic Industry Christmas Party and Charity event, the oldest function of its kind in ERA. Each ticket included a donation to two local children’s hospitals.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Southern California ERA sponsored several of its Electro Tech table top shows in late October. Future shows are scheduled in late January in South Bay and in late February in Orange County.
SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS
The Spirit of St. Louis chapter is heavy into planning for its 2016 Electronics, Electrical, Engineering and Manufacturing Show. It runs on April 6 at the Orlando Gardens Event Center.
SOUTHWESTERN
ERA members in Texas attended a Dec. 16 “Meet and Greet” event in Dallas with Walter Tobin, ERA’s CEO. This was a free program for all attendees and was focused on networking, membership and spending time with both old and new friends.