Rear View Mirror By Lee Bennett

I have been asked to write an occasional article for our Council Newsletter and web site, and I decided to use this opportunity to look back and reflect on my experiences during 35 years of involvement in what was called the National Association of Accountants, and now known simply as IMA.

Did you know that our Michigan Council of IMA has earned eleven straight (1998-2008) national "Council of Excellence Awards"? The criteria for this award are simple. Each year, the council first must verify that it has performed all the functions expected in National guidelines; and then the trick is to "kick it up a notch", and demonstrate how our council has gone beyond those expectations in serving its chapters and members.

Looking back at my own 35 year IMA "career", from associate newsletter director for my chapter, in 1973, to National Area Vice President in 1997-98, I see in retrospect that those simple rules for defining excellence work in many aspects of our lives.
The first step is to make a commitment, whether it is in a relationship, a job, or a volunteer assignment. Then, you perform the task(s), at least to the degree that you promise when making that commitment. You have finally achieved excellence, when you have gone beyond the expected, and made the task or job something special.

When I was an IMA Chapter President, the positions that were considered "important" were Membership, Member Retention, and Communications. People in those positions usually moved up. But, I was most impressed with some who accepted the so-called "minor" positions of Special Activities or Meetings and got themselves noticed through innovation and dedication. They always had reports to the board that sparked conversation and sometimes debate. It takes something special, especially in an unpaid volunteer, to re-define the job, whatever it may be, in a whole new way. Each person has a different set of skills, and we can use those talents to offset our shortcomings, and make a difference in whatever job we tackle.

Your creativity and effort may reap added income, awards and peer recognition, but remember, too, "Excellence is it's own reward"!

 

The Stuart Cameron McLeod Society By Lee Bennett

Following my term as chapter president, I was elected to the National Board of Directors. During that year I was very proud to receive an invitation to join the honorary, Stuart Cameron McLeod Society and join a group of present and former IMA leaders whom I admired greatly. I was formally inducted in a "secret" ceremony at the next IMA National Conference. The association with leaders and friends in IMA and SCMS gave me the confidence, experience and ability to reach goals I didn't think I could achieve. I later went on to become Michigan Council President in 1993-94, member of several national committees and National Area VP in 1997-98. Thirty-five years after joining IMA, I still retain my membership in SCMS.

In 2008, times have changed, but you can be just as proud of your years of volunteer service and your accomplishments in the IMA. If you are or were a Regional Director, Regional Council Officer or Committee Chair, a National Officer or on a National committee, you probably have been invited to join. Why don't you?

The Stuart Cameron McLeod Society (SCMS) was formed in 1934 as the Spot Club (for "X marks the spot"). In 1957, the name was changed in recognition of Stuart Cameron McLeod, one of the founders and the strongest promoter of the Spot Club. He was Executive Secretary of the Association from 1919 to 1944. The SCMS acronym also means "Society for Continuing Membership Service". There are currently more than 1,000 regular and Emeritus Life members of the Society.

It was obvious a great number of talented people would serve as national officers and directors, and then would pass from office when their terms ended. A link was needed to maintain the connection with these past officers and directors to the Association.

Now, members of the SCMS consider it a privilege to serve and be a part of the continuing growth of IMA. As a group, they recognize the debt they owe the association for their own professional development, and for their growth as better human beings through their volunteer service.

The purpose of the SCMS is to promote and perpetuate friendships developed through service in IMA. It also provides an opportunity for its members, through their interest and experience, to offer leadership and guidance in the development, growth and expansion of IMA. The Trophy awarded to the third place chapter in the Stevenson Division competition is sponsored by the SCMS. The Society also sponsors the "S. Alden Pendelton Award for Excellence in the Community Service Program of the IMA". In addition, the Society sponsors and provides judges for the selection of recipients of the Stuart Cameron and Margaret McLeod Scholarships.

If you are eligible, and desire to join the McLeod Society, contact the Member Services Division of IMA for an application. Dues are a bargain.

Learn more about SCMS, its scholarships and activities on their website: http://scms.imanet.org.

Lee Bennett, Past National Vice President and Past Michigan Council President