New Hampshire Association of Certified Public Managers®

By Charlene Cutting, CPM
charfarm@comcast.net

Spring has finally arrived in New Hampshire, leaves are popping out and flowers are blooming. But, like every other state, New Hampshire is facing budget crunches.

Our March conference was cancelled with low registrations due to fiscal constraints. The New Hampshire Association of Certified Public Managers® (NHACPM) was praised by some State government officials for being fiscally responsible with our decision to cancel and return all registration fees. We hope to be able to work again with New England College to offer this conference at a later date when funding is available.

With all travel funds having been suspended, our Board has approved scholarships for three members to attend the AACPM conference in September and represent the Society in the House of Delegates meeting.

The Board is also working with our CPM Program Director to develop some workshops that are appropriate for these troubled times of doing more with a lot less, such as morale boosting and succession planning. The plan is to offer “bare bones” workshops (no refreshments or lunch), but also at no cost to the participant. Thanks to the successful 2005 New Hampshire conference, we are able to offer these workshops and give something worthwhile back to our members.

Last year the HOD approved a $5 increase in AACPM dues to become effective January 2009. Rather than raising Association dues and placing the burden on our members, the Association will be reducing the amount of funds that it retains. With the additional workloads, outrageous gas prices and increases in the cost of groceries, the Board unanimously decided that we should not ask for additional dues from our members. Thus, NHACPM membership dues for 2009 will remain at $30.

We continue to try innovative ways to meet the needs of our members and the public sector. NHACPM will assist in the graduation process for the CPM program by setting up a table to greet and register attendees, and provide information to the graduates about our organization. We feel it is a privilege to participate in this special occasion.

This year as members renewed or joined NHACPM, they were sent membership letters, certificates, membership cards, luggage grippers and license frames thanking them for their support. The response has been positive with our membership at 47 as of May 1.

© Copyright 2008, American Association of Certified Public Managers®