The Genesee Valley Chapter—A Small Chapter with Big Achievements

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Rochester, New York, the Genesee Valley Chapter is a small chapter that generates an impact of a chapter two or three times its size. With approximately 100 members, the Genesee Valley Chapter’s strength comes from its vibrant board of directors, focused strategic plan, and vision to leverage partnerships in the local community.

Leveraging Community Partnerships

The Genesee Valley Chapter developed partnerships with seven organizations as part of a strategic planning effort including business, professional, and academic organizations. Over the past two years, there have been 24 partnership events, resulting in the development of both human and financial resources for all partners. All chapter members have been involved with at least one event, with more than 1,500 volunteer hours contributed. In addition, the chapter has partnered with national ASTD resources (NAC and chapter coach) to enhance the project. Inclusion of  partnerships as part of the chapter's long-range plans and leadership development have already resulted in greater name recognition in the community, increased membership, 100% CORE achievement, and a re-energized, excited, and refreshed chapter board.

Partnerships Benefit ASTD and the Community

Community businesses and universities have embraced the strategic partnership program to educate their executives and students about training and development topics. The program has become a win-win for the chapter and businesses in the local community because they can offer training and development education while sharing in the revenue generated from events and classes, acquiring new students, and increasing their visibility.

In addition, local members have become more aware of the CPLP certification and have become interested in pursuing the credential. One of the chapter’s partners, St. John Fisher College, has developed an accredited business course on CPLP that will be facilitated by one of the Genesee Valley Chapter’s board members.

Solidifying their Image in the Community

The Genesee Valley Chapter has helped to solidify the image of ASTD within the community, gaining a reputation that ASTD and the chapter can help organizations understand how to achieve success through their investments in training and development. The Genesee Valley Chapter credits its success and reputation of being a training and development leader in the community to the chapter’s strategic partnership program, top speakers, strategic plan, and most importantly, the hard work of its members and board of directors.

Recognition for a Job Well Done

This year, the Genesee Valley Chapter was awarded the Excellence in Strategic Partnership award in the small chapter size category of ASTD’s Chapter Excellence Award for its achievements in 2006. The award recognizes chapters that make a significant impact on local businesses and communities. Congratulations to the Genesee Valley Chapter on achieving this award and for being named Chapter of the Month for November 2007!