Dedicated to Improving Colorado State Government

Colorado State Managers Association
P.O. Box 19276
Denver, CO 80219-0276
Phone: (303) 922-3736
Fax: (303) 922-5295
adminoffice@csma.info

Membership Application Apply/Renew On-Line

REMIND ME, WHY SHOULD I JOIN CSMA? or
Top 10 Reasons You Should Join CSMA!
By Michelle Pedersen, Human Resources Director for the
Department of Regulatory Agencies, and CSMA Board Member

As many of you already know, CSMA is a “companion association” to the Colorado Information Managers’ Association (CIMA) and the Colorado Financial Managers’ Association (CFMA). The memberships of both other associations currently outnumber CSMA, and the CSMA Board is interested in significantly increasing its association membership in order to expand the many benefits it currently offers to its members, and to become an even more credible contributor to the effective management of Colorado State Government.

In lieu of initiating a comprehensive membership drive, the CSMA Board quickly offers the following “Top 10 Reasons You Should Join CSMA” (as you’ll see, in random order):

1. Price is Right: Annual membership is a bargain at $25.00. (Even purchasing Managing for Dummies is going to set you back $21.99.)

2. Leader’s Digest: Membership will include the “free” subscription to the Leader’s Digest. Each quarterly newsletter features a variety of useful articles, and timely information about any number of issues of interest and criticality to state employees.

3. Excessive amounts of time or energy are not needed. Don’t be mistaken—you can spend as much time, or as little time, as you’d like in participative activities; however, you can feel free to leave “the work” to others.

4. Additional opportunities, workshops, speakers, conferences, informational materials and resources, etc., will be available, given an increase in membership.

5. Seriously discounted registration fees for several worthwhile CSMA-sponsored events including (but not limited to) Brown Bag workshops, conferences, and the annual Legislative Luncheon. As many of you know, this luncheon is the place to be each January. Attendees are provided with a truly unique opportunity to listen to, learn first-hand from, and visit directly with legislators about key legislative issues and subjects of interest to state employees and state government.

6. Ease of sign-up, credit cards are accepted; and for the reasons highlighted on the CSMA web-site , including access to the exclusive “members only” pages

7. Joining CSMA is an opportunity that is available to state employees across all jobs, disciplines, professions, areas of interest, etc. You need not be in any specific occupational field to join—and also need not specifically or currently be a “manager.”

8. Obligatory language: Networking; looks great on a resume; discounted workshops; value added, educational forums; information exchange opportunities; dynamic and well-received conferences, etc.

9. “I AM a member, I’ve just forgotten to renew my dues—but thanks for the reminder,” is your response to this article.

10. No hidden fees, costs or obligations; members get more than they pay for; membership does have its privileges (and includes a commemorative pin and membership card that any state employee should be proud to possess).

Certain that this information has compelled you to promptly renew your membership, or join anew, please feel free to also take a moment to share this article (and any resulting enthusiasm) with colleagues, counterparts, office/cubicle neighbors, and (even retired) friends.

Thank you in advance for your interest and attention—and as always, please feel free to contact any board member with questions.

Membership Benefits

Why join CSMA?

Current and future state managers who are looking for a group of people with which to share and learn things needed for their jobs, their interests, and their future will find CSMA membership a worthwhile investment. Membership provides a ready list of resources and someone to call for ideas and assistance, as well as an invaluable way to stay abreast of current innovations and events that impact the work of State government.

	CSMA provides education and information. Annual conference, special workshops, and events make available top-notch speakers and information regarding key issues facing State government. These events are open to all state employees, but fees are discounted to CSMA members.
	CSMA provides state managers an opportunity to get to know Colorado's legislators. The Annual CSMA Legislative Luncheon brings members and other state personnel together with legislators to build a good working relationship. This luncheon is held the first week of January, immediately following the Governor's State of the State Address.
	CSMA members receive the CSMA Membership Directory and Leader's Digest. More targeted than the state telephone directory, the CSMA Membership Directory provides phone, address, and fax information. The Leader's Digest, published four times per year, is packed with news about CSMA, upcoming events, networking opportunities, and educational forums.

How does CSMA work? The CSMA Governing Board sets the direction and policy of the Association and ensures that appropriate services are provided to its members. The Board is comprised of one representative from each State Department within the Executive Branch, and one from the Legislative and Judicial Branches and the Governor's Office. The Governing Board elects the Association's Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Representatives serve for a term of two years, with one-half of the departments changing representatives annually. Officers are elected to terms of one year.

Call us! For more information about CSMA events, membership, and benefits, please contact the CSMA office at 303-922-3736.

Last Updated o n 08/26/2008 Web Site Comments: adminoffice@csma.info