MPI MN September President’s Message

As we are nearing the end of summer and the start of our new MPI year, I hope you and your families are doing well.  As I reflect on the past 5 months, my personal journey went completely different than what I expected.

On March 18, 2020, my employer of 8 years, Minneapolis Marriott City Center set individual appointments with each manager to discuss upcoming furloughs as our occupancy went from 70%-80% to 5% in a matter of days. When I sat down with HR and was told that I was going to be furloughed until May 15, 2020, I was shocked thinking who is going to sell our newly renovated hotel? The tears started to flow; I love my job, hotel, my clients, and especially the people I work with.

Once reality set in and I realized everyone in our industry is in the same situation, I needed to make a positive plan to fill my days and stay connected to my people, you.

When I got home my daughter called and told me my granddaughter’s school was closed and she needed to be homeschooled, she was in luck, I had plenty of time and 2^nd grade should be easy!  Well, not so much, I was responsible for teaching her how to count money… pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.  Also how to tell time with an analog and digital clock.  I learned how to make pancakes that don’t come out of the freezer and ride a bike again. We had makeup and hair class, music, science too. I will cherish that time with her forever.

As I was preparing to take over the role of president of our chapter, I knew that things would be much different. We would need to make decisions and processes to move from live events to virtual and have safety procedures in place to keep our members healthy.  I know many of our members are furloughed as well and not receiving emails so we need to use social media to get info out about upcoming offerings. It is important to keep our members connected to MPI Global with valuable education offerings, membership discounts, and resources.

In August, we usually have a kickoff event and a time for our committees to meet with our members to recruit volunteers, this year our membership committee will be rolling out a new plan, stay tuned.  We have four committees: Marketing/Communication, Education, Membership, or Strategic Alliances. There are open positions on most committees. 

We want to hear from you! MPI Minnesota will be conducting focus groups again this year, we are planning to do four over the year. We will schedule them at different times so you can hopefully join in at a time that works for you. Topics will include membership, education & events, volunteering, and strategic partnerships. We want to hear your opinion on strengths, challenges, misconceptions, frustrations, obstacles, etc.

MPI has allowed me to make valuable connections and great friends. Like I said in my last statements, we will meet again, but now as new friends that share the bond of growth and the drive to connect knowing tomorrow brings us together in hope.

Warm Regards,
Barb Madigan