ASTD SW FL is excited to announce that our 2011 programs will be structured around the core competencies of the training industry as defined by our national organization. Each month we'll highlight one of the nine topics that form the backbone of a complete education for any training professional.

Our luncheon meetings will be facilitated by experts in each subject area. And, we'll offer more in depth discussion sessions on each topic in the form of supplemental evening meetings. So, plan to come to the luncheon meetings to network and to learn from experts with real-world experience. Then, come to an evening session to really cover the subject area in depth - (with an option to work toward certification as a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), if you wish).

Here's what other CPLP's say:

"I think credentialing ourselves effectively is important to establish credibility for the work we do. Holding the CPLP has already helped me gain work as an independent consultant."-E. S., Linkedin

"I was looking for a way to validate the experience I had and have a credential. The CPLP did a wonderful job of filling some theoretical gaps in my nearly 20 years of experience."-K. B., Linkedin

"As I studied for the knowledge exam, I found myself re-engaged with my chosen profession in a new way and knew I was where I need to be."-D. M., Linkedin

"In my job, I only dealt in a few of the content areas. I thought that if I committed to the CPLP certification process, it would force me to become more knowledgeable about the other content areas."-L. H., Linkedin

"I really did it for myself. It was a way to represent my 20+ years of learning and development experience without having to spotlight my crows feet."-S. W., Linkedin

"I thought obtaining my CPLP was a good path to take. What I didn't anticipate was how hard I would have to work to get it. Obtaining my CPLP didn't come easy, but the hard work made it so much more worthwhile."-K. W., Linkedin

"The biggest benefit snuck up on me. I found that I had a broad and integrated background in the 9 subject areas but had been thinking in "silos" and single subjects. Now I have 4 new clients - 3 start-ups and a turnaround."-K. S., Linkedin

"I was working in training in a small organization and had no mentors or peers in the same organization to measure myself against and I wanted to have a larger sense of the profession. The CPLP got me more engaged in my profession and it helped me get one job."-M. P., Linkedin

Our December 15 Holiday Meeting was the Chapter's biggest night of the year.

There were five major events:

1. Celebrating the ending of our 20^th Anniversary Year

2. Recognizing ASTD's National Employee Learning Week (Dec. 6-10)

3. Honoring our Past-Presidents who have served us since 1990

4. Conducting our annual silent auction to support our chapter and community projects

5. Installing our Board of Directors for the Year 2011

Meeting attendees whose organizations have acknowledged Employee Learning Week shared how their firms recognized this initiative during the month of December 2010.

Our current president, Lorna Kibbey, provided a recap of our successful 2010 year and announced the "big news" for our chapter in 2011.

On January 19, we'll be playing a Training Challenge Trivia Game providing you the opportunity to assess how much you already know. It will be a fun and interactive way to introduce you to what's coming in 2011.  Please register for our January 19 meeting for a preview of topics we will cover in the coming months of 2011.

WHERE:

The FGCU Florida Institute of Government which is at The Atrium - 8695 College Parkway, Suite 1181, Fort Myers, 33919.

RSVP: Mike Fischer  (Members - please specify whether you want lunch!)

We polled our members and asked them why do you consider a membership in the Southwest Florida Chapter of ASTD to be important to you?  The following are their candid responses.

• Networking with and meeting other professionals in my industry.
• Learn more about Training & Development from other professionals.
• Since most of my consulting work has been out of state, being a member helps me to stay tied to the SW FL community.
• Gain leading edge knowledge of our industry.
• Continued career development.
• Knowing I have support-on many occasions I have asked for ideas, assistance, or referrals from fellow chapter members who are always willing and eager to share.
• Having the opportunity to be a resource for a colleague is truly rewarding.
• Social benefits of connecting with others in my professional field-it is sometimes frustrating to work in an organization where many fellow workers don't quite "get" what it is learning professionals do.
• Continually learning and growing-I always leave chapter meetings with several "nuggets" that I can apply on the job immediately or in the future.
• Opportunities to be published by ASTD.
• Opportunities to make presentations at National and International ASTD Conferences.
• Gained knowledge that enhanced my career.
• Made connections that eventually led to business.
• Opportunity to exercise leadership capabilities by serving on the Board.
• Enhance skills by learning and sharing with other professionals.
• A network of professional resource contained within positive social interactions with fellow members.
• Relevant and applicable professional development opportunities offered by the chapter.  
• Access to current industry Best Practices in the training and development community based on the Inter/National/Local ASTD relationship.
• To stay current and cutting edge.
• To engage myself to become a better professional and to continue to bring value to my organization.
• To interact with peers who share the same profession.
• Because I am passionate about training and development.