Mission: Helping our members develop and grow in their professional and personal lives.

February 2003

Member Snapshot

3

February Birthdays

3

Tunica Trip 3

Membership Information

4

New Member Orientation

4

Welcome New Members

5

Professional Development

5

New Member Groups

5

Winter Gala 6

Young Profes-sionals Summit

6

Special Olympics

6

Gold & Bronze Award Winners

7

Country Music Marathon

7

Zanies Night 7

Inside this issue:

REPORTER A Nashv i l l e Area Jun io r Chamber o f Commerce Pub l i ca t ion

Are you a good leader? Here’s how to find out…

Some of the best answers on how to improve your leadership style may be right outside your door. What better judge of a leader’s style than the feedback from your volunteers?

Many leaders are reluctant to ask their volunteers for feedback because: it may turn into a gripe session, it may raise unpleasant issues and it may make you seem weak.

But if your goal is to be a great leader and have a better working relationship with your volunteers, then you owe it to yourself to learn everything you can about how to improve your leadership skills—even if at times you have to “take your medicine.” By asking your volunteers in the right way, you will show them that you are tough enough to take it—and that their input matters.

How to get honest feedback… If you want to hear great things about yourself, call a meeting and ask each volunteer face-to-face: “What do you think about my leadership style?” You’ll hear exactly what you want to hear, and learn exactly nothing. Why? Volunteers don’t want to hurt your feelings or set themselves up for reprisal. To gain honest feedback, you will need anonymity. A blind survey or third party moderator are two options.

How to avoid a gripe session… While every volunteer may have complaints, to avoid a gripe session and focus on the big picture, you’ll want to explain the reasons for the survey—to improve your leadership style and, in turn, the working relationship—not to air petty grievances.

What questions should you ask… Certainly you’ll want to tailor the questions you ask to specific concerns you have. But at a minimum, questions to ask include:

√ Do you treat all volunteers fairly? Ask for examples of where this fairness/unfairness was evident.

√ Are you ethical? How is or is this not demonstrated?

√ Are you direct and clear when giving instructions?

√ Do you create teamwork or dissension? (Ask for examples.)

√ Do you listen to feedback and act accordingly?

√ Do you “walk the talk?”

√ Do you reward the work of individuals and teams rather than take credit for it yourself?

√ Do you set appropriate goals and give the support and time to do the assignment?

√ Do you have positive relationships with your volunteers?

Be certain to include an “additional comments” question for areas not covered above.

When the results are in… Crucial to the process of soliciting feedback is follow-up. Many leaders find the best approach is to have an open meeting with all volunteers and go over any concerns or issues that arose and detail how these will be addressed. This is a powerful step that will show volunteers that their re-sponses were not an exercise if futility. It will also help to ensure that any negative issues that arose during the survey won’t continue to fester. Next, begin to take steps to address the most pressing concerns.

While the prospect of polling your volunteers on how you can improve your leadership style may at first seem daunting, the answers you receive will ultimately benefit you, your volunteers and your organization.

2002/2003 Officers

President: Guy Looney, A.C.E. Systems, LLC President-Elect: Adam Small, Image Merchandise Ex-Officio: Dana Shute, Medibuy.com Treasurer: Ken Youngstead, Byrd, Proctor Mills, PC Legal Counsel: Anne Martin, Dodson, Parker, Dinkins & Behm

2002/2003 Board of Governors Todd Batson, Gale, Smith & Co., Inc. Trey Campbell, The Southwestern Company Travis Falls, Consoer Townsend Envirodyne Engineers Dana Forrester, Nashville Rehab Hospital Drew Heltsley, The Buntin Group Michael Hodges, Nissan Stuart Lackey, Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company Heather Peterson, Ernst & Young Rina Rickman, Chubb Group of Insurance Penelope Roberson, CNA Insurance Emilie Shetler, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Kristin Triplett, Deutsche Bank Group Lisa Turnbow, Rock Solid Security Jason Wolf, 4 Results Executive Director: Sarah Norman Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce 4711 Trousdale Drive, Suite 129 Nashville, TN 37220 Ph: 615.255.7873, Fax: 615.255.4880 www.najcc.org najcc@najcc.org

Reporter: Jennifer Whitten IT Committee & Website: Daryl Dennison Retention: Michael Hodges Ambassador Program: Greg Simmons New Member Orientation: Mark Hayes Membership Benefits: Rosalind Teal Top 10% Party: Helen Burr Disaster Relief Party: Kara Allen Jennifer Whitten Social Mixers: Jon Parker Summer Party: Ben Prom Winter Gala: Carrie Orahood Robyn Reitzell Community Affairs: Rina Rickman Kristin Triplett Joy of Giving: Suzanne Angele Country Music Marathon: Tyce Hudson Special Olympics: Brian Schlanger Angie Alsup Leadership Class: Dana Shute Professional Development Series: Jason Wolf Trey Campbell Toastmasters: Tom Shumate

Page 2

Reporter The official Publication of the Nashville Area

Junior Chamber of Commerce—Est. 1921

2002/2003 Committee Chairpersons

Reporter

Chairs: Lisa Turnbow Lindy Sevier Andi Parker Events & Marketing Director: Emilie Shetler Finance Director: Jennifer Miracle Game Day (Field) Director: Heather Peterson James Karst Game Day (Stadium) Director: Rina Rickman Individual Ad Sales Director: Brian Schlanger Suzanne Angele Manpower Director: Penelope Roberson Prizes Director: Teresa Roe Treasury Director: Jennifer Miracle Corporate Sales Director: Jay Brothers

Sub-Chairs Bonfire Sub Chair: Drew Heltsley Guy Looney Bowling Sub Chair: Jim Compton Bridge Sub Chair: Jonathan Jolivette Catering Sub Chair: Teresa Roe Field Coordinator: Ben Prom Putt-Putt Tournament: Angela Mink Billiards Tournament: Jon Parker Midnight in the Market: Kara Allen Jennifer Whitten Press Box: Jennifer Alexander Team Reps: Jon Parker Tickets/Gates: Amanda Spicer Manpower Sub Chair: Courtney Nunnally Ben Prom Trey Campbell TSSAA Rep: Kara Allen Parking: Neil Parrish

Clinic Bowl 2002 Speaking of Leadership…. The office will be closed on

Monday, February 17 for Presidents’ Day.

Mission: Helping our members develop and grow in their professional and personal lives.

Member Snapshot — Jason Wolf

Page 3

“He’s a complicated man….” No, not Shaft (not even close) But, apparently being Jason Wolf is an adventure in and of itself.

What is your favorite NAJCC event that you have volunteered for or attended? The many workshops in the Professional Development program put on by our great team of volunteers. What item would someone be sur-prised to find in your desk? A hairbrush…ok seriously…how about Play-Doh…now how is that for a stress reliever. What item would someone be surprised to find in the trunk of your car? I don’t have a trunk, but being from New York one of our mem-bers once asked me if I was in the Mafia…sorry no bodies in my trunk either. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Ernest Hemingway – It would be quite a party, especially if we could get FDR and Eleanor to join in. If you were stranded on a desert island, what one book would you want to have with you? How to Survive on a Desert Island If you were stranded on a desert island, what one CD would you want to have with you? Are you serious? Do I get batteries, a CD player and a snack bar too? It doesn’t sound too deserted anymore to me… What do you do to "get away from it all"? Beach, beach and more beach…but preferably not on a desert island What is the biggest fight you've ever been in? A great man once said “I’m a lover, not a fighter.” What is the naughtiest thing you've ever done? I bet someone reading this knows… (how scandalous). What is

the most embarrassing CD, Record or 8 Track in your collection? I did have Tony Orlando & Dawn and Cap-tain & Tenille on 8 Track when I was younger (yes I am that old)…it is a hard toss up between Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Knock Three Times and Love Will Keep Us Together…but being a lover…well anyway… What was the best/worst job you've ever had? Best – my company 4results..that’s www.4resultsnow.com (ok, yes it’s a bit of shameless self promotion but a man has to eat) or maybe life-guarding in Myrtle Beach SC during summers in college. What is your best/worst college experience? Worst is the easiest – two words: Studying (see what I mean). though What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Captain Morgan and ?? What person do you most admire? My mom.

Kelly Acree 3

Lori Lazo 3

Pam Jeter 5

Holly Grant 6

Terry Thompson 11

Katy Oss 12

Andi Parker 13

Katina Arakas 14

Penelope Roberson 17

Amanda Spicer 17

Drew Heltsley 18

Jennifer Lai 18

Emmet Stevenson 18

Jennifer Meranda 21

Jim Cain, Jr. 22

Elliot Harrington 22

Guy Looney 23

Stacy Lindeman 27

Febr

uary

Bir

thda

ys:

Tunica Trip Coming Soon!!!!

Mark your calendars for March 15-16!!!

Watch your Weekly Email Reminders for more information on this weekend get-a-way!!

When you speak in front of a group does your audience hear only “Blah, Blah, Blah” like the teacher from the Peanuts cartoons? Could the reason they seem not to pay attention to you or understand you be because you’re a lousy public speaker? We can help!! The Toastmaster program was created for people like you! We meet at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at the Work & Greer Bldg. downtown at 206 Capitol Blvd. For questions or directions, call Tom Shumate at 259-4685.

Page 4

NAJCC TNAJCC TNAJCC TOASTMASTERSOASTMASTERSOASTMASTERS

Reporter

Weekly E-mail Reminders Are you receiving your e-mail reminders from the NAJCC on Monday’s?

If not and you would like to subscribe, please contact Sarah Norman at najcc@najcc.org and type “I WANT TO BE THE MOST ACTIVE MEMBER EVER AND PARTICIPATE IN EVERYTHING, SO WOULD YOU PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR THE E-MAIL REMINDERS?” in the subject line.

Remember…the Weekly Reminder is one of the best ways to stay informed about upcoming NAJCC events and announcements.

Membership Membership Information SessionInformation Session

When: When: February 27February 27thth

Where:Where: NAJCC Office NAJCC Office

(4711 Trousdale Drive, Ste. 129)(4711 Trousdale Drive, Ste. 129)

Time:Time: 5:45 to 6:30 pm5:45 to 6:30 pm

Is your membership renewal coming up? How would you like to have your membership paid in full without you spending a dime? All you have to do is recruit new members to the organization!!! (Contact Sarah for details 255.7873)

I encourage you to invite potential new members to one of our Membership Information Sessions that are held on a monthly basis. This BRIEF session will detail the organization and allow your potential new members to ask question and see how the NAJCC can work for them!

Contact Sarah Norman for questions or to obtain information to give to interested parties.

New Member Orientation

Are you a “New Member” and have not yet at-tended New Member Orientation? Mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 18 for 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at the NAJCC office. Please call Sarah at the office (255.7873) if you plan to attend.

The Community Service Committee is actively compiling a directory of individual opportunities of service for our membership. If you know of any opportunities that our members could get involved in please contact the office and the committee will contact the organization and determine if we can be of assistance to them.

The cold winter months are a difficult time to schedule group service projects that involve any lawn, garden, or exterior painting. Continue to look at the weekly e-mails for future Community Service Projects.

Mission: Helping our members develop and grow in their professional and personal lives. Page 5

Professional Development Program: Back to Basics

The Professional Development (PD) Team is busy planning its Spring line-up of workshops for the membership. In 2002 we offered a variety of workshops from the practical with Tax Preparation for 20/30 Somethings, to Personal Growth and Career Development with “What Color is Your Parachute.”

In reviewing the year, the team was encouraged by the participation of membership, but was concerned with the limited turnout at many of the events. The PD Team realizes that while PD events are an important reason for people joining the Junior Chamber, that we may have tried to provide too much too soon as part of this new program.

Look for a more back to basics approach in our Spring line-up. We look to provide one major PD event a month and have been reviewing recent membership surveys to determine what topics are of interest to you. We encourage you to send your feedback and ideas to Sarah Norman in the office so that we can ensure we provide programs that are not only of value, but are appealing to a wide-range of members.

Our goal is to make Professional Development an integral part of your membership in NAJCC and to provide you with the development that you hope for from our organization. Please look for the schedule of PD events in your weekly reminders and we look forward to seeing you at a PD workshop soon.

NEW MEMBER GROUPS

With the New Year the Ambassador program will be taking an exciting new direction! Gone are the days of ambassadors. The Ambassador program can better be described now as the New Member Group for each month. Each New Member Group will initially attend the New Member Orientation as they have traditionally done. From there things have changed. Each New Member Group will be tasked to complete a project of their own choosing. The project has a parameters of being involved with one or more of the three fundamental areas of the NAJCC; Leadership Development, Community Service or Professional Networking. The other parameter is the project must be completed with in a three-month time frame. Pretty simple, huh.

Two current members will be available to assist the New Mem-ber Group in the conception, planning and completion of their project. One of the two members will be the Ambassador/New Member Group chairperson and the Board Liaison for the month. Drew Heltsley and Greg Simmons will be Assisting the January New Member Group. Dana Forrester and Greg Simmons will be working with the February New Member Group.

Additionally there will be one event planned monthly for the New Members. This will be a Networking opportunity for all members with one year or less in the NAJCC. The first event is scheduled for Saturday, February 15 and will be Ice-skating at the Centennial Sportsplex from 11:00am to 1:00pm. If you plan to attend this event please RSVP by Wednesday, February 12 to najcc@najcc.org.

If you have any questions or would like further information about the New Member Groups or you would like more information about being a part of this new program please contact Greg Simmons at gsimmons@trane.com.

gg Quote of the Month hh

Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.

- Will Rogers

Welcome New Members! Malissa Bowman

Private Business Inc.

James Cary Kraft CPA

Michelle Elsner Kraft CPA

Sarah Goschy XO Communication

Shannon Grogan Kraft CPA

Ashley Lawhon WSMV

Barrett Sellars William Morris Agency

Page 6 Reporter

Please join us... The NAJCC's Annual Winter Gala will be held Saturday, February 22nd at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville Hotel. This formal event is our opportunity to shine the spotlight on our best members, new and old. Awards will be given in several categories, including Member of the Year and New Member of the Year. This is one event you can't miss!

Who: Who: All NAJCC Members and their dates

What: What: Annual Winter Gala

When: When: Saturday, February 22nd.

Cocktails at 6:00 pm, Dinner, Awards and Dancing 8:00 pm until Midnight. Entertainment by Jeff Gayhart (during

cocktails) and our very own DJ Too Fly Guy Looney

Where: Where: Sheraton Nashville Downtown , 623 Union Street

Why: Why: To formally honor the NAJCC's best and brightest from the past year, and to have a great time!

Cost: Cost: $35 per ticket, FREE self parking or $10 valet parking

Dress: Dress: Black Tie Preferred

The Sheraton Downtown Nashville Hotel is offering all Winter Gala attendees a special room rate of $89! Please make sure to tell them you are with the NAJCC when you book your room. Please call Robyn Reitzell at 340-4126 if you have questions, or call the office today to reserve your place!

Is it already time for the Summer Olympics? No, it is time for Special Olympics. The NAJCC will be assisting in the Tennessee Special Olympics Track and Field Events, on May 17, 2003. The NAJCC has been a part of this

state wide event for several years. Do you want to be a "picker" or a "hugger?" Stayed tuned for more information.

Young Professionals Summit Date: March 8, 2003

The NAJCC Board will participate in the first ever Young Professionals Summit with other “Young Professional” organizations like the Junior League, Young Leaders Council and SOLID (Society of Leaders In Development). The location is to be determined.

Areas to be discussed are :

Issues Facing Our Organizations

Calendar Sharing

Exploring Strategic Partnerships

Young Professionals Day II

Watch your March and April Reporter for more detailed information about this summit!

We are looking for another co-chair for this event. If you want to know more about picking and hugging, contact Dana Forrester at djforrester@mindspring.com.

Mission: Helping our members develop and grow in their professional and personal lives. Page 7

The NAJCC continues to peruse opportunities to raise more funds for our NAJCC Charities Organization. The NAJCC operates as two organizations, and we distribute annual grant funds. We are planning on working at sporting and musical events to help our Charities Organization. Please stay tuned to the weekly e-mails for these upcoming events.

Do you want to work with the Nashville area entertainment venues and help coordinate these future events? Please contact Dana Forrester at djforrester@mindspring.com.

The NAJCC is excited to announce that we will be participating in the Annual Country Music Marathon, on April 26, 2003. The Marathon raises money and awareness for the Leukemia Society of America. For the past two years, the NAJCC has manned a water station. The Nashville Sports Council has asked for our help again with a water station. Are you the one who wants to work with the Nashville Sports Council and coordinate our membership for manpower at a water station, if so, contact Dana Forrester at djforrester@mindspring.com.

Tired of the frigid weather?Tired of the frigid weather? Job stress mounting? Job stress mounting? Need a night out? We have a solution:Need a night out? We have a solution:

It’s time for the NAJCC to get our laugh on!! Back to Zanies Zanies we go, to chuckle, exercise our funny bones and create some new laugh lines — they are en vogue this season. Thursday Feb 20th, we are going to see the hilarious Jake Johanssen!!

Jake is one of the most unique and respected comedians working today. You might recognize Jake from his Cable Ace Award Winning HBO SpecialCable Ace Award Winning HBO Special , The Tonight ShowThe Tonight Show , or for his 20 plus appearances on Late Night with David LettermanLate Night with David Letterman . Jake Johannsen is a tremendous performer and a must see!

Must RSVP & pay in advance to the NAJCC office no later than Feb 19. We have to purchase all tickets before the show opens. It’s just $5 a person (usually $15) and a two drink/food minimum. Neither of which seems to have ever been a problem for our crew.

2002 Clinic Bowl Gold & Bronze Award Winners Gold Awards are given to those who earn over 2000 points, while Bronze Awards are given to those earning more than 750 points but less than 1159. Although Clinic Bowl takes everyone's contribution without these Shining Stars nothing would be possible! Gold Awards: Kara Allen Crissy Paxton Suzanne Angele Heather Peterson Jay Brothers Robin Reitzell Trey Campbell Penelope Roberson Jim Compton Brian Schlanger Lisa Fairfax Emilie Shetler Dana Forrester Dana Shute Drew Heltsley Ryan Small Guy Looney Belinda Smith Angela Mink Tondra Smith Jennifer Miracle Kristin Triplett Sarah Norman Jennifer Whitten Jon Parker Melany Woodard Bronze Awards: Sherri Glover Rina Rickman Michael Hodges

To the 2002 NAJCC Clinic Bowl Chairs:

Andi Parker, Lindy Sevier and Lisa Turnbow

You did a phenomenal job with this year’s event. Thank you so much for all of your hard work!!!!!

- From all of your friends at the NAJCC

4711 Trousdale Drive, Suite 129 Nashville, TN 37220

FAX REPLY SHEET ...or RSVP online at www.najcc.org.

Fax this sheet to the NAJCC office at 255.4880.

If you prefer snail-mail:

NAJCC, 4711 Trousdale, Drive, Suite 129, Nashville, TN 37220

Member Name: Phone: E-mail:

Address/Phone/E-mail Changes?

I am interested in the following events: o New Member Orientation — February 18

o Zanies Night — February 20

o Winter Gala — February 22

o Membership Info. Session — February 27

o Toastmasters — February 12 & 26

o Tunica Trip — March 15-16

o Country Music Marathon — April 26

o Special Olympics — May 17