Recap: The 13th Annual Illinois Statewide hosted by the Chicago Chapter
September 20th thru September 22nd, 2006
STATEWIDE 2006 WAS A “WINNING” SUCCESS
Comments from attendees, vendors and
presenters indicated that our 13th
annual Illinois payroll statewide was a
‘win’ for those who attended.
We began the conference on September 20th,
2006, Wednesday evening with the
registration reception sponsored by ADP.
Attendees came out to mix and mingle,
receive their conference material and APA
bag (with all the goodies) and visit
with friends and peers to catch-up on past
payroll happenings.
Thursday morning began with the pledge,
opening comments from the Chapter president
and payroll updates from Gwenella H.
Blackshire from the IRS. We
had a surprise appearance by the “official”
bugle horn blower from the Arlington
Park racetrack who serenaded attendees and
launched them off to their work-shops.
Our Thursday lunch program started with Paul
Dieterle from SSA Chicago. His updates were
short and to the point. Our guest speaker,
Mr. Phillip Clark took the lectern, was
welcomed by the audience who held to his
every word as he talked on life, challenges
and success.
Statewide participating vendors set-up their
vender space and many of the vender displays
were quite impressive. Most of the vendor’s
excitement came when conference attendees
visited their display booths. Some venders
offered booth raffles, some had attendees
playing games and one even gave back
massages! One lucky attendee won a 2 ½ “
colored TV from a vendor. As we moved to
dinner, the turnout was great. Laughter and
applause rang across the ballroom as our
guest comedian entertained us. Dinner
attendees participated in a mock horse-race
where their phony money and raffle tickets
allowed them to compete for prizes.
Friday brought us a brief presentation from
Cook County Commissioner Peter Silversti who
conveyed to the audience the importance of
the payroll profession and how our roles
impact local government. He captured the
audience with humor and sincerity.
We saved the best for last, our lunch-time
closing speaker, Mr. John Blumberg talked on
the purpose “in the payroll winners’ circle”
and how we, the payroll professionals, can
achieve goals through understanding purpose
and focus. From the moment he took stage,
John captured the audience and held their
interest and sincerity with stories of hope
and inspiration. He wove his inspirational
message into the Purpose. It was a perfect
end to a perfect conference.
Our many thanks goes to the attendees,
presenters, vendors, the Marriott Hotel, and
others who helped us with achieving our
goal.
Vendor Comment:
I wanted to personally thank you for
allowing Ceridian to attend and participate
in your conference. My team was so
impressed by the conference and all had a
great time.
Comments from attendees:
I felt it was an enjoyable experience. This
was my first Statewide and look forward to
next years.
Name badges, with schedules, were
wonderful.
Great, knowledgeable speakers. I learned a
lot (that’s a good thing.)
As always, Chicago Chapter operates a world
class act!
See everyone next year! |
