In 1993, the Chapter began a pilot program targeted at higher-level managers in government, entitled “SGMP Awareness Program.” The intent of the program is to introduce SGMP to the top decision makers and promote the organization as a cost-saving measure, both in staff time and dollars spent, in order to obtain the endorsement of SGMP from the top down. This is an ongoing project of the Chapter.

In May 1994, the Chapter established its Bylaws, which were approved by the National Board and the membership; each member received a copy of the finalized Bylaws. In 2003, under the direction of the SGMP National Board, all SGMP chapters operate under the SGMP National Bylaws. Committee Policies and Procedures were also established in 1994 and are revised as needed.

The Chapter Board of Directors receives a complete packet of Bylaws and Committee Policies and Procedures in their Board handbooks. Committee chairmen are given copies of their respective committee policies.

In 1995, the Chapter first contracted with a management company to handle all Chapter mailings, registrations, Chapter archives, name tags, membership directories, to name a few. Committee chairmen are responsible for coordinating with the contractor for mailings, which saves on postage because several items can be mailed to the membership at one time.

In March 1995, in an effort to recruit new members, the Chapter Membership Committee conducted a “Meeting Planning Basics” one-day seminar. The cost of registration included a one-year’s membership in SGMP for new members. Current Chapter members were given the opportunity to attend at a reduced rate.

The agenda included a back of the house tour, negotiations, meeting room setup, and contracts. Members had the opportunity to talk to suppliers at the trade show.

In April 1997, the class was taught by Lynette Schick CMP.

In order to provide the best service to our Chapter members, the Chapter contracted with a voice messaging service, giving the Chapter one central number (303-402-7777), which contained pertinent updated information on Chapter activities. When the Chapter contracted with its new management company, the number was changed (720-529-8766). A member of our management company returns calls within 24 hours.

In July 1997, the Chapter members, at the annual strategic planning session, developed a Chapter theme: “Relationships–If you Build Them, Success Will Follow.” This message was printed on all agendas, programs, letterhead, etc.

In September 2000, the Chapter hired its third management Company, Catalyst Meetings and Conferences, bringing our Chapter to new levels of professionalism. There is a dedicated phone line just for our Chapter, and we have a centralized mailing address.

9249 S. Broadway, #506

Littleton, CO 80126

info@catalystmeetings.com
www.catalystmeetings.com

In January 2006, the Chapter hired a new management company, The Meeting Edge, with Anne O’Neill being the primary contact. Our chapter’s newest address is:
SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter
c/o The Meeting Edge
7000 Broadway Suite 320
Denver, CO 80221
303-457-2119
anne@themeetingedge.com

In May 2010, the Rocky Mountain Chapter ended its contract with The Meeting Edge so that the chapter members could play more active roles in the chapter. Roles from the management company were divided up among the chapter board and committee chairs. The money that was used to pay the management company was then spent on quality speakers and/or education programs and scholarships.

On January 21, 2012, the Chapter held a “Meeting Planning 101 Boot Camp. Approximately 20 members were in attendance. Three contact hours were given to attendees to apply to their CGMP recertification.

Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

On August 13-17, 2012, the CGMP course was held at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel, with 15 members in attendance. All successfully passed!

On July 20-23, 2010, the CGMP course was held in Denver, Colorado, with 15 members in attendance. All successfully passed!

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Over the years, the Chapter’s Community Service Committee has worked to help organizations in the local area, including Denver Human Services, Jeffco Action Center, Food Bank of the Rockies, and other local food banks.

2015

• The Chapter held a 50/50 raffle to support the National Charity, Women’s Advocate, Inc. and raised $65.
• Members provided dinner for Judi’s House as part of the center’s nourishment program

2014

• The chapter held a 50/50 raffle to support “Serving Up Hope” and collected non-perishable food items.
• Members provided dinner for Judi’s House as part of the center’s nourishment program
• Members pulled weeds at Judi’s House to help clean up the front of the property to make the building more inviting to the families who attend support groups.
• The chapter held a 50/50 raffle to support the National Charity –

 

2013

• The chapter held a 50/50 raffle to support “Serving Up Hope” and collected non-perishable food items.
• The Community Service Committee hosted a Day of Service for Denver Children’s Advocate Center.

2012

• Serving Up Hope Food Drive
• Tennyson Center for Children
• Denver Children’s Advocacy Center

2011

• Sponsored Network for the Needy (Now Serving Up Hope)
• Sponsored Children’s Diabetes Foundation Brass Ring Fundraiser
• Participated in gift deliveries to Children’s Diabetes Foundation
• Sponsored Children’s Hospital Foundation Frosted Fundraiser
• Sponsored SGMP Exhibit at the Meetings Industry Council Conference
• Raised money for the National Charity – Virginia Wounded Warriors Program

March 2008 – One of our Chapter members, Greg Martinez, is serving in Iraq and asked if the Chapter could send soccer balls for the kids in Iraq. We would like to be able to send a box of soccer balls every month while Greg is in Iraq for the next 6 months. Bring a soccer ball to a meeting and the Chapter will cover the costs of shipping.

August – December 2007 – Marine Unit and Adopt a Family
How would you feel if you were in a foreign country and fighting for your country and not receiving mail? This has been discovered with a Marine regiment in Iraq — 3/5 India Company, 2nd Platoon. We received the names of 10 soldiers who apparently aren’t receiving mail. Every other month, cards were placed on the tables at our meeting for Chapter members to send their greetings to our servicemen. We also want to assist a Colorado serviceman’s family during the holidays. This was our way to show that we care for those who are left behind. While our military men are serving their country, their families are stateside trying to cope with everyday life on a very tight budget. Thanks to Crystal Strain, Family Program Specialist, Joint Force Headquarters, the Chapter was approved to help a young military family. Due to confidentiality and Privacy Act, we were not given the names of the family, just the ages and gender of the children. The husband has recently joined the service and will not be home for the holidays and the mother is raising a 2 month baby and a 2 ½ year old. A message was put out to Chapter members and thanks to their help nine bags of goodies for the children and the mother were delivered to the Joint Force Headquarters office.

2006

• Chapter members donated non-perishable food items for the Jeffco Action Center food bank. Jeffco Action Center is a haven of hope for so many in Jefferson County.

December 13, 2005 – The Chapter assisted the Denver Human Services by providing Christmas gifts to the teenagers in the Denver area.

2005

• Chapter members donated non-perishable items for Food Bank of the Rockies. The chapter also adopted a unit station in Iraq (the 793rd Medical Detachment) to show its support for our troops and to make the holidays brighter for our brave service men and women stationed in Iraq. Many items were collected for a very large “care package.”
• Chapter members donated school supplies for the Annual School Supply Drive for the Denver Human Services.

2003

• Chapter members donated 500 pounds of women’s clothing for Mi Casa Resource Center for Women, Inc, which offers free job training, job placement assistance and ongoing help in traditional and non-traditional careers, primarily to Latinas and youth. They also offer skills classes in small business development and GED preparation.
• The chapter donated a multitude of teddy bears for Children’s Hospital Annual Teddy Bear Drive
• The chapter raised $250 for the Denver Rescue Mission
• The chapter donated $250 to the Colorado Fireman’s Fund
• The chapter donated candy, soap and other hygiene products to the Salvation Army for the fire fighters fighting the forest fires in Colorado
• The chapter donated teddy bears to be used by police and fire fighters for children who have gone through a traumatic experience.

2002

• Chapter members donated non-perishable items for fire fighters in Colorado.

2001

• Greyhound Rescue Association.

• • Members of the Colorado Greyhound Association foster dogs until they can hopefully be adopted. Chapter members individually gave monetary donations (totaling $60), as well as donating dog food, toys, etc.

• Children’s Hospital

• • The Chapter gave teddy bars to Children’s Hospital
  • For every $10 monetary and/or toy donation, a raffle was held for both a palm pilot or a weekend stay

• Denver Rescue Mission

• • The Chapter made a monetary contribution of $250 to the Mission

• Food Bank of the Rockies

• • The Chapter also gave non-perishable items to the Food Bank.

2000

• Children’s Hospital Teddy Bear Drive
  • New toys were donated to Children’s Hospital for children who are in the hospital for an extended period of time. Members were able to donate on an individual basis.
• Denver Rescue Mission
  • The Chapter as a whole gave a monetary donation of $250.

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