I hope those of you who were able to attend the Midwest Regional Conference came away with new tools in your toolbox  We added one more chapter and one more state, bringing 150 participants together from Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois to provide technical tips, insight into industry trends, leadership skills and exhibitors with the resources available to solve our business challenges along with networking and a little fun and prizes.  I know I had lots of "ONE MOREs" this year.  A huge thank you goes out to this year's conference co-chairs, Bill Reidinger and Chris VanTassel and Deb Hypke for their leadership and agility to adapt to last minute changes.  I would also like to thank our subject matter experts who so graciously give their time to help us be successful, the exhibitors who keep us forward looking with their solutions along with their financial support that helps subsidize the cost, the committee members who volunteer their time to make the event a success and of course, to our HQ CEO Stuart Binstock for taking time out of his schedule to join us and provide insight to what's happening nationally. 

Looking ahead, we will continue to offer many opportunities for both education and networking.  There is still time to join us this week for a breakfast program, Wellness in the Workplace.  Join us to learn how the health status of your employees can reduce costs; translating to a healthier bottom line for your company.  This is a great program to invite your human resource representatives to attend.  In November we will close out our education program for the year with an Economic & Market Update for 2018.

The holidays are around the corner, and the perfect time for a networking, social event.  I invite you all to join us on December 7th for our Annual Holiday Social.  This year's event will take place at Raised Urban Blue, a rooftop venue at the Renaissance Hotel in Chicago.  The Holiday Social is one of our premier networking events. 

One of CFMA's most valuable member benefits, CFMA Building Profits, provides construction financial professionals with in-depth articles and practical takeaways by industry experts on topics ranging from construction accounting to tax to risk management to technology.  CFMA members can access CFMA Building Profits at any time, from anywhere through CFMA BP Online. Not a member? Check out a recent issue to see what you're missing!

Speaking of what you are missing.  Did you know CFMA is running a 12+ campaign for new members?  Join now and your membership will be good through March 2019!  Current members, this is your opportunity to share CFMA with one of your colleagues.  Each newsletter this year, I have talked about the importance of doing/joining/giving/attending "one more."  Consider inviting one person to join CFMA.  Share the benefits of membership!

As the board prepares for the strategic planning in November or the Program committee begins planning for 2018 sessions, I encourage you to look for ONE MORE thing you would like to see our chapter do for you, our members, and reach out to myself, a committee member or the board.  Better yet, take that idea and see how you can volunteer to help make it happen.  Happy Fall!

Mary Davolt