September 2012 Executive Board Strategic Planning Retreat 

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Joed Lopez, association Public Relations Officer, provided the executive board this Abraham Lincoln quote- a call if you will to usher in a reexamination of our organization through a strategic planning process.  

Key areas of focus for the association during the retreat are:

§  Update the organizational mission, frame a future vision, and identify core values

§  Utilize a SWOT analysis to identify and discuss  the association’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

§  Develop major objectives, strategies, and action plan based on the SWOT analysis

The executive board’s retreat is scheduled for September 19-21. The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel in Atlantic City is the host site.The association covers all meals, room, and parking.E-board members are to confirm participation by emailing Vice President Maretta Hodges at maretta_hodges@bloomfield.eduor by phone at973-748-9000. Ms. Hodges is coordinating all hotel arrangements.  A retreat itinerary will be emailed to all e-board members one week prior to the retreat date.

The hotel website link ishttp://www.atlanticclubcasino.com/

Resources for Retreat Preparation

Mission Statement Updating: http://richardmale.com/enhancing-and-updating-your-mission-statement/

Core Values: http://www.johndehartblog.com/2011/09/22/what-do-core-values-do-why-do-i-need-them-well-at-least-the-top-11-reasons-why/

Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: http://managementhelp.org/freenonprofittraining/strategic-planning.htm

Pre-Retreat Discussion Forum

Executive board members may use Quick Topic- Instant Discussion Space (free message board) for gearing up for the strategic planning retreat. Please post your comments on discussion topics. The postings can help to set the stage for this important planning retreat.

http://managementhelp.org/freenonprofittraining/strategic-planning.htm