July 2015 CFMA South Jersey President's Message

To not only face your fear but conquer it is a feeling everyone should have at least once in their life.

I am back from Chicago and while I am slowly getting back to my work routine, I keep thinking what a great experience this conference was. There was record attendance (827 strong), great seminars (I am a Squiggle and proud of it - You’ll have to ask me about that seminar!), great networking, and just an overall great time. I want to thank all of our National Employees for their hard work and dedication to our organization. The National Conference Committee did a great job, as did the National Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Without this great team, the conference could not be so successful for the chapter members.

For those of you who have not yet heard, I am proud to say that South Jersey was the winner of Chapter of the Year for our size category. It is the dedication of our Board of Directors and Committee Members, as well as our presenters and membership, that propelled us to our win. It is quite the honor, and I hope we can repeat next year. In addition, our Chapter Showcase on the CFO Roundtable was shown at one of the general meetings, and we received many complements from conference attendees on this program.

If you look back at the June Newsletter, we talk about the theme that ran through the presenters’ comments on their experience with CFMA: It is all about the people. Last month’s President’s Message was about what I am thankful for at CFMA. I have often said that CFMA is not only about professional growth, but personal growth as well.

Those of you that know me know that I have a real fear of heights. Ferris wheels, mountains, towers? No way! I am one of those who flies with the window shade down on the plane because I cannot bear to look out. All that changed in Chicago: Kimberly went to the top of the Willis Tower (formally known as the Sears Tower), and not only did she look out all the windows and take great pictures, but she walked out on the 4’ glass ledge, 103 stories above the ground! There are four such ledges, and I was on all four, taking pictures looking straight down as well as to the horizon. Not only did I live, but it was thrilling and awesome, and I would never have done it without the people of CFMA. Two things gave me the bravado to do this: The people who encourage me to take risks and be open to new experiences, and a book from the June Newsletter reading list compiled by our presenters. “That space in time… is the great sensation that exists in the realm between fear and faith.” (A Patriot's Calling).  (Click Here for a Slide Show of Pictures)

CFMA helps you achieve so much and makes so many things possible that you would not have the opportunity to do otherwise. If you are not yet a member, think about all the different ways CFMA and its members can make you a better and more successful person. If you are a member, get involved and make the most out of this fantastic opportunity. I am glad I did.

Lead. Grow. Engage. Encourage. Participate.

Have a great July!

Kimberly A. Hullfish, CCIFP

PS. While we have no scheduled meetings in July and August, we are available to talk! Post questions on our LinkedIn Group or on our CFMA Café (must be logged in as a member), or email the board directly! Stay in touch over these busy summer months and see you September 9th! Click Here for our main website.