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ATA eNewsletter September 2009
Tourism Leader Highlight A native of Arizona, Joanne Winter graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Before she could find work within this field, a friend persuaded her to take a job at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel in L.A. Thus began her career in hospitality … Joanne left the Hilton in the early 80s as Assistant Manager and headed back to Arizona to help with the family business, at that time, an advertising agency. Over the years, she has dabbled in many things including graphic design & print brokering, meeting planning and association management – at one time managing five local professional associations. She is currently in her 23rd year as the Executive Director of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and in her 15th year with the Arizona Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. When combined, both associations represent 800 Arizona members and all hospitality sectors. Both associations have been ranked in the Phoenix Business Journal’s top 25 professional associations. Joanne credits her mom, Peg Winter, for mentoring her. Peg served as the Executive Director for the “association of all associations” – the Arizona Society of Association Executives– for almost 20 years. As a volunteer, Joanne has served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Family Business Alliance, Cinquenta Women’s Club, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (Americas Board) and is currently serving on the Board for the Arizona Society of Association Executives.
Q: What was your first meeting planning job and how old were you? A: Well, I am pretty sure it was on a volunteer basis. Ever since I can remember I have loved organizing – parties, meetings, events – you name it. My first official (paid) job was a small meeting for the Arizona Society of Home Inspectors back in the 80s. I will not tell you how old I was! Q: How do you gauge success? A: For me, it is watching our association members grow and blossom. Whether it is a student, through hard work and determination, who eventually starts a meeting planning company or a member who works their way up to become a top salesperson or General Manager in the hospitality arena. It makes me very proud. As I see members reach their goals and “live their dream”, I realize that our association has been successful in providing them with the valuable tools and relationships they needed to help attain these goals. There is nothing more satisfying. I love what I do! Q: What are your words to live by? A: Live life to the fullest and with NO regrets! Q: What are your pet peeves? A: Obviously I am in this profession because I love working with people. But … sometimes certain things do bring me down – like negativity. It is unnecessary, toxic and can be dangerous. Obviously our industry has taken a big hit lately and the one thing that is going to keep our industry alive and thriving is a positive attitude. We WILL all get through these trying times and become even stronger! Q: What is the most important attribute of a leader in your opinion? A: Passion – it sounds so simple, really. I do not know how anyone can lead, especially in a volunteer-driven association, without a true passion for that particular industry and a love of working with volunteers. Joanne can be contacted at 602-277-1494. More information on both of these associations can be found at www.azmpi.org and www.hsmai-az.org. |
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