Join Dave and Bill Elliott, the President and CEO at the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, as they discuss the importance of being involved in an association. They talk about the many advantages that being a part of an association encompasses, including advocacy, resources, education and much more. Dave and Bill also talk about having to pivot if needed during a rough economic time and the importance of having a contingency plan.
Bio:
Every association has a unique mission that drives them, and my passion is in assisting with the development and implementation of strategy that guides organizations to mission success. Through my experience in governance and strategic planning, I have established a solid track record of overseeing membership and revenue growth both domestically and internationally while increasing the quality and reach of our continuing education programs.
After a brief time in politics, I began my career in association management working in membership development and sales with the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association (now the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association – or WH&LA). It was apparent to me very quickly that my knack for organizing and working with groups of passionate people was the perfect fit for becoming a leader in the association world.
After nearly five years with WH&LA I moved to Association Acumen, an accredited association management company where I had the opportunity to serve as the staff executive of several organizations, lead teams of people and consult with various boards of directors. Our mission was to guide organizational evolution, and even though I have left the company, I strive to achieve the mission. During my tenure with Association Acumen I was the Executive Director for the Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA), which is made up of experienced leaders in the corporate fleet industry. One of my favorite projects was organizing a global partnership initiative as our members were starting to get additional responsibilities beyond the North American borders. I also served the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU), which is made up of insurance fraud investigators from around the world leading the fight against insurance fraud. Through the two associations I managed I was responsible for a membership of more than 4,600 individuals and budgets of more than $1.8 million.
Now I’m back at the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association as the President & CEO, and I’m very excited to help lead the organization through our next chapter. Wisconsin is a wonderful place to work, live, visit and play, and I am thrilled to be serving an organization that helps promote our state.
Get In Touch:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billelliottjr/
https://www.wisconsinlodging.org/
Tip of the week:
Make a strategic plan and stick to it!
