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Associations. They’re the backbone of any industry; each steeped in its own purpose and agenda. However, each of Atlanta’s diverse creative and visual communication associations holds a unique meaning and has become a staple of collaborative information, education and participation.
More than just a networking platform, these groups selflessly promote, support and aid the causes of their namesakes. From educational conferences on cutting-edge technologies to elite award shows that bring coveted recognition of outstanding work, associations are behind Atlanta’s quest for creative greatness, which poses some interesting questions:
If associations are the forces behind the movement, then what are the forces behind the associations?
How do the events, functions, conferences, presentations and meetings take place?
Do they just happen?
How do these associations function?
Is it by magic?
It may seem as effortless as waving a wand, but successful associations require hard work from a team of dedicated professionals. Executive boards, committees and volunteers donate hours of time and energy to maintain operations and raise awareness of key issues, and they do it while holding down a day job of 40, 50, and 60 or more hours.
“Sometimes it feels like a career in itself,” states Darryl Cohen, President of the Atlanta chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Cohen, whose long tenure includes two terms as national Vice President and Chapter President, credits his diverse experience. “My background as an attorney, commentator, actor and Screen Actors Guild member helps execute my presidential responsibilities.”
The ability to juggle multiple priorities of work and association life is an acquired skill, but to some, association responsibilities are just an extension of everyday life.
“I get so much out of The Creative Club, both professionally and personally. I treat my presidential duties as a part of my regular job,” says Wendy Sugarman, President of The Creative Club of Atlanta, who is also Vice President, Creative Director for Current, Inc. “At work, I manage a creative department and with The Creative Club I just help run a bigger one.”
To others the desire to share their experience, as well as build a successful chapter of a national association is a calling. “I wanted to continue to grow the AIGA Atlanta Chapter, and I am proud to say that we are now the ninth largest chapter of the AIGA in the country,” states Peter Borowski, President of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Atlanta Chapter. Borowski, who also volunteers his creative services to the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia, works AIGA into his busy schedule at Clarion Marketing, where he serves as Vice President, Creative Director. “I felt that I could contribute something to the chapter and the community.”
Whether it is a local chapter or an original association, operating and managing are only the beginning. Associations are responsible for hundreds of functions held within the creative community each year, from events that spotlight achievement and talent to programs that foster the education of present and future professionals.
“We are committed to growing young talent,” says Suzanne Harkness, President of the Atlanta Ad Club. “Because we believe the industry needs to be bringing along the next generation of leaders, we have established an educational trust fund from which we grant scholarships, as well as sponsor an Evening at Emory program, and an annual career day that allows graduating students to mix and mingle and hear from some of the agencies and leaders in our community.”
In a time when ‘giving back’ seems to be the norm, many associations are taking a proactive step by investing in the future. In Atlanta, associations are making their mark and they’re making a difference. A collective sample of Atlanta’s creative and visual association presidents discuss their mission and how they’re making it happen.
Atlanta Advertising Club, Inc.
www.atlantaadclub.org
President: Suzanne Harkness
About The Atlanta Ad Club: The Atlanta Ad Club provides a forum which confronts and addresses important industry issues. The force that nurtures the quality of the advertising product in our city. The group that lends its talents to local not-for-profit entities in need of communications help. The body that sustains and supports both the advertising business and its image in Atlanta. The voice that speaks on behalf of the advertising community.
How do you fit your presidential duties in with your everyday responsibilities?
“It’s tremendously helpful that I have the full support and backing from my agency, Fletcher Martin Ewing. Not only are they supportive of me and my role in the Ad Club, but other agency members have volunteered to help with things like the creative development of program invitations. It’s a team effort in every sense of the word.” — Suzanne Harkness.
www.aiga-atl.org
President: Peter Borowski
About AIGA: The purpose of the AIGA is to further excellence in communication design as a broadly defined discipline, strategic tool for business and cultural force. The AIGA is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research, and advance education and ethical practice.
What kind of duties do you have as president?
“I attend the AIGA National board retreats and conferences each year. In Atlanta, I plan and facilitate the annual Atlanta board retreat, direct the AIGA Atlanta board, and run the monthly board meetings. Additionally, I oversee the planning of chapter events, approve budgets and lecture at colleges. Quite a lot of time is spent building and maintaining relationships with AIGA sponsors and with other design organizations in the city. I also participate in the monthly chapter presidents conference calls, and serve as mentor to smaller AIGA chapters across the country.” — Peter Borowski.
Atlanta Print Production Association
www.appa-printproduction.com
President: David Young
About APPA: The objectives of Atlanta Print Production Association are to provide educational programs, to study advertising production problems, to develop the professional, creative, business and executive aspects of advertising production, and to promote and advance print production methods and standards.
As President, what kind of duties do you have?
“Appoint unfilled committee chairs, welcome letters to new committee chairs and board members, chair board meetings and set board meeting agendas, open the monthly membership meetings with a welcome to members and make any special announcements. As with any business, you are no better than the people you surround yourself with. The board of APPA is graced with talented, self-starting people who only occasionally ask for assistance.”
How do you fit your presidential duties in with you everyday responsibilities?
“We find time to do the things that we feel are important to us.” – David Young.
www.creativeclub.org
President: Wendy Sugarman
About The Creative Club: The Creative Club of Atlanta is dedicated to nourishing the energy and vision that is essential to the creative process. It also serves as an advocate for the creative integrity of Atlanta and the Southeast.
How do you think The Creative Club serves Atlanta’s creative community?
“We provide a forum for interaction and learning while fostering a sense of community among our members. The Creative Club represents art directors, writers, photographers, illustrators, designers, directors and account executives. We make every effort to address the needs and interests of all members with appropriate programming and activities.” — Wendy Sugarman.
American Marketing Association
www.ama-atlanta.com
President: Margie Driscoll
About AMA: Founded in 1937 as a professional non-profit organization for marketers, the purpose of the AMA is to promote education and assist in the personal and professional career development of marketing professionals. The Atlanta Chapter, chartered in 1949, is composed of nearly 1,000 professionals. Members represent companies and industries across the board from Fortune 500 executives, to small business owners, to students.
In your opinion, why are executive boards critical to the success of associations?
“We have 14 board positions, including the past president and a director at large. These positions provide excellent professional development opportunities for marketing professionals. Also, with board members coming from different companies, work environments and industries, as well as varying levels of marketing experience, I believe the diverse experience provides exceptional value to the future of the chapter.” — Margie Driscoll.
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Atlanta Chapter
www.natasatlanta.org
President: Darryl Cohen
About NATAS: The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) represents the full spectrum of television, fostering communication both within the industry and between the industry and the community as a whole.
As president, what kind of duties do you have?
“Soup to nuts, I preside over all meetings, executive committee, and head coach any issues that arise.”
How do you fit in your duties as chapter president with your everyday responsibilities?
“There’s an old saying that if you want something accomplished, give it to a busy person.” — Darryl Cohen.
www.prsa-ga.org
President: Marleen Burford
About PRSA: The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the world’s largest professional organization for public relations practitioners. Since it was chartered in 1948, PRSA has continued to provide a forum for addressing issues affecting the profession, and the resources for promoting the highest professional standards. It offers unequaled opportunities for improvement of skills and advancement of knowledge, as well as for exchange of information and experiences with other public relations professionals.
How does PRSA serve the Atlanta public relations community?
“PRSA Atlanta is made up of individual members, not companies, and our goal is to serve each one through personal, professional growth by offering professional development and training, networking and mentoring opportunities, and career development. This year, driving our goals and strategies is a major shift in the public relations environment in Atlanta.” — Marleen Burford.
About Women in Film: Women in Film/Atlanta is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, video and other screen-based media. With an emphasis on education, the association serves its members and the community by providing access to opportunities, supporting women’s professional accomplishments, fostering greater public awareness of women’s efforts and encouraging high standards of professionalism.
How do you think Women in Film serves Atlanta’s visual artists?
“We try to design our monthly programs to assist our members and guests in their respective creative field. Programs such as ‘How To Brand Yourself In Your Business,’ ‘How To Win Your Audience Everytime,’ ‘How To Know If Your Work Is Commercial’ and ‘How To Protect Yourself Legally,’ appeal to everyone from actors to writers to set designers. We are gearing us up for VISION 2001, an event that will showcase the ‘10 most viable projects to be produced in Georgia’ and expose them to potential investors, sponsors, distributors and business partners. My passion, which is shared by our board, is to provide a forum to sharpen business skills, which is something that is essential to creatives. We need to be able to construct a killer business plan that speaks to the investors. Too often we go in our respective corners to paint, or draw, or write, or whatever, and pray that someone will come along who believes in us and takes us under their wings. We need to marry our creativity with the know-how to drive ourselves and our artistry forward. That’s what WIF/A is all about!” — Candace Long.