We just came off a successful WBA Winter Conference and State Legislative Day and as I write this, we’re finalizing preparations for the WBA Student Seminar and the WBA DC Trip. These are a few of the many offerings and opportunities your WBA provides for our members.
Speaking of WBA membership, I have to share something with you that recently reminded me “Never Assume.” Earlier this year, I overheard a comment made by someone who works at one of our WBA member stations. She was unaware that she was a member of the WBA. She assumed that just her station was a member. I have to admit that at first, I was a bit taken aback. Then I started to wonder how many others think the same thing. I shared this at our January board meeting and many were struck by the thought… “I wonder if my employees know that they are members of the WBA?” Since then, we’ve tried to highlight “If your station is a member of the WBA, YOU are a member of the WBA.” You’ll notice it front and center on our e-newsletter we implemented this year. It was also mentioned during the Winter Conference and we will continue to do so at WBA events. In the meantime, if you could please help us to spread the word on this at your stations, it would be most appreciated.
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Make sure to send your Young Professionals to The Toolbox!
It’s an event that’s been solely put together by our WBA Young Professionals Group (with a bit of oversite from Linda and Kyle in our office). It will take place the day after our WBA Summer Conference this summer in Milwaukee.
Many of our stations are stepping up with sponsorships for the event – as Hannah Anderson and Terry Stevenson from the WBA’s Young Professionals group made excellent presentations at both of our board meetings (Association and Foundation) and during the Business Luncheon at our Winter Conference.
I know they are still accepting sponsorships. What a great way for you, our valued member stations, to show your support for the future of our industry!
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The WBA Walker Broadcast Management Institute will take place April 17- 19 on the UW-Madison campus. The Institute, which is in its 21st year, is the first of its kind to be sponsored by a state broadcasters association. This year’s event has been sold out since Jan. 23, which is surely a sign of a highly successful event. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joan Gillman, who has coordinated the program since its inception. We’re grateful that Joan really likes us and, despite her Emeritus status at the School of Business, UW-Madison, she’s willing to continue to work with us on the program, securing top-notch sessions and speakers each year. Make sure to register early for next year’s Institute. You’ll be glad you did, as these 128 graduates can attest to.
I look forward to seeing many of you over the next several months at one of our many WBA events: Walker Broadcast Management Institute, WBA Awards Gala, WBA Summer Conference…and that’s only the first half of the year.
Thank you, as always, for your time and support! We wouldn’t do what we do without YOU, our valued members. Don’t forget that if your station is a member of the WBA, YOU are a member of the WBA.
