The Board convened in November for its annual day-long retreat. Unlike former retreats, the Board committed to an agenda that concentrated exclusively on existing challenges and opportunities directly related to membership and the National Conference. Typically, retreats have been based on the premise that brainstorming new ideas and concepts was primary. The Board fully scrutinized elements in regard to these two topics with an eye on historical statistics to determine what specifically is effective, what needs enhancement and if any elements related to membership and the National Conference should be jettisoned altogether for effective strategic planning.

As an outcome of this approach, the Board was able to develop specific goals, objectives and activities to better address both topics.