NOV/DEC 2006 (Volume 18 Number 2) About the Quill

In This Issue

President's Message: Stress or a Sense of Accomplishment?

Debbie is all about the Holiday season, and facing its challenges, deadlines, and stressful moments head on. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

General Meeting: Dealing with "Customers"

At our November meeting, Carolyn Watt, past president of the Toronto chapter and customer experience guru, shared with us how to create a positive experience for your customers (yes, this includes SMEs) and make you and the SME look good!

Director's Message: Stand Up and Be Recognized!

In an excerpt from her bi-monthly directorial address, Cindy, Director for Region 1, fills us in on the recognition awards, the Region 2 conference across the pond, and her upcoming tour dates.

Framemaker Chautauqua 2006

Travel down to Austin and the FrameMaker Conference with Fei Min, our chapter FrameMaker expert, and learn about the hot debate between structured and unstructured content. Which side of the fence are you on?

Learning, the Endless Possibilities

All of our upcoming educational events in one easy read, and an opportunity to let us know what else you want to learn about. You're welcome.

What's In It For Me? Getting the Most Value out of your Membership

It's renewal time for your STC membership, so why should you renew? Debbie has lots of great reasons...

Membership Profile

Know Jacqueline Fry? Well read all about her! She joins our chapter for the first time this year, and is looking forward to the ride.

New and Improved Student Awards

Calling all students! This year you can submit your application for the Heidi Theissen Memorial Award online. Read all about it!

Council Meeting Minutes

In breaking news, the council DID NOT HAVE PIZZA in our last meeting. We went an entirely different route. You'll have to read Carol's minutes from the meeting to satisfy your curiosity. You know you want to.

The Editor's Message

Fa la la, la la la la. December is the month of giving, but while you are out battling the crowds for just the right colour iPod, don't forget to stop and smell the poinsettias. And as my gift to you, there will be no singing of carols in this edition of The Quill; however, I cannot promise you won't be spurred into the occasional thoughtful hum. ;)

Staying Connected

This is more than just plugging in your modem, roaming with your cell phone, and googling on your PDA—it's about all of that, and actually endeavouring to have meaningful conversations with the people you know or want to know better. Come up with a unique question this holiday season and ask everyone from great Aunt Thelma to your six-year old nephew (trip him as s/he races by if you need to).

When you learn something new about someone, it can spark a lot of interesting conversation, beyond the ol' exchange of leftover turkey recipes. Go ahead ask cousin Fred about the worst storm of his life, where he was, and who he was with. Everyone has a story.

And even though the chapter is taking a break over the holidays, you can stay in touch through our website and we are always available via email. We may be "on hiatus" over the holidays, and into January, but we are always connected. Really.

The Elves

Speaking of connected, I would like to take this opportunity to personally and publicly thank all of those who help make this newsletter possible each issue. Debbie, for her dedication to detail and always worrying for me. Laura, for reading everything I send her and getting it back in record time. Cindy and Carol for their regular contributions, and the rest of the council for jumping in whenever I ask. And last but not least, you, our membership, the heart of our organization, who actually read what we publish and let us know when we hit a chord. Thanks to all of you.

And to all a very sparkly holiday season— may it be wonderful and insightful.

Questions? Comments? Email Margie at quill@stc-soc.org.

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