AFPMASH ● 2016 Newsletter ● Issue 1

he Mahoning-Shenango Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is comprised of a diverse group of members, each

with their own story and unique background. In this issue, readers have a chance to get to know our new

chapter president and find out what fuels his fundraising passion each day.

Jim Echement, CFRE

Executive Director, Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley

President of AFPMASH

What positions have you held in the chapter? I joined the AFP Mahoning-Shenango Valley Chapter in 2004 and have been on the Board of Directors since 2006. While on the Board I have chaired the Government Relations, Scholarship, and National Philanthropy Day committees. I have held the office of Secretary, and now serve as President.

What do you like best about being a member of AFP? Solomon said it best in Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Everyone is smarter than me because they all know something I don’t know, and just perhaps I might know something they don’t.

Was fundraising your first career choice? My initial career plans date back to the 1960s, and they did not included what I get to do today! Fast forward to

AFPMASH MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

What I Wish I’d Known: Planning Today for the Best GivingTuesday Yet

“Member Spotlight” continued on page 3

Debra Arkanase, founder and digital engagement strategist at Community Organizer 2.0, will discuss what we can do now to prepare for the best GivingTuesday yet. During this unique, hands-on workshop, Arkanase will highlight new trends in online giving and present a successful GivingTuesday case study. She’ll offer a framework for designing and implementing your own successful GivingTuesday campaign to help you move your stakeholders to action on November 29, 2016!

DEBRA ARKANASE Guest Speaker

Register today at www.afpmash.org! AFP Members $15│Full-Time Students $10

Not-Yet-Members $25

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Johnny’s Fine Food & Spirits 7807 Market Street, Boardman, OH

Registration and Breakfast│8 a.m. Program│8:30-10:30 a.m.

This past November, AFPMASH celebrated its 25th National Philanthropy Day, honoring the many businesses, organizations,

and individuals who contribute to the success of our communities through their generous philanthropy. Congratulations to all of the 2015 Honorees.

Donna Detwiler, President/Co Founder Yellow Brick Place, Youngstown, OH Jeannine Donatelli, Director of Donor Relations Stambaugh Auditorium, Youngstown, OH Landis E. Erwin, Fund Development Specialist Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, Youngstown, OH Jonathon Fauvie, Gift Officer Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley Youngstown, OH

New AFPMASH Members July 1-March 1, 2016

Deborah Grinstein, Endowment Director Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, Youngstown, OH Rob Klamut, Major Gifts Officer Westminster College, Youngstown, OH Dan Kobb, Development Officer YSU Foundation, Youngstown, OH Gina Marinelli, Major Gift Officer Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, Youngstown, OH Brian J. Wolf, Development Officer YSU Foundation, Youngstown, OH

2015 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY HONOREES

Outstanding Young Philanthropist Adriana Italiano and Leah Juhasz

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Gere Weller

Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist Handel’s Ice Cream

Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Simon Roofing

Special Recognition for Valley Impact Bruce and Carol Sherman

Outstanding Philanthropist Vincent and Phyllis Bacon

Legacy Award Presented in conjunction with the Mahoning-Shenango Planned Giving Council William M. and Alyce Cafaro

PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear AFP Members and Friends,

Happy 2016! I trust you all flourished this “2015 season” where fundraising is conducted at its greatest intensity. I am looking forward to the newness of 2016. New programs, new members, new educational opportunities expanded horizons. Our Chapter is loaded with talent, fiscally sound, and we have the requisite resources to experience a breakout year! Let’s do something new and exciting! I’m challenging all the members to dare to bring something new to the table in 2016.

Jim Echement Jim Echement, CFRE, AFP Mahoning-Shenango Chapter President

Executive Director, Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley

Deborah Grinstein, Endowment Director Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, Youngstown, OH Rob Klamut, Major Gifts Officer Westminster College, Youngstown, OH Dan Kobb, Development Officer YSU Foundation, Youngstown, OH Gina Marinelli, Major Gift Officer Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, Youngstown, OH Brian J. Wolf, Development Officer YSU Foundation, Youngstown, OH

2003 and my first introduction to the world of nonprofit development. My careers in manufacturing management, technology development, and integrated process control did not, yet did, prepare me for a time such as this. If there is a key lesson to learn from transitioning from for profit to not-for-profit, it is the concept and reality of time. One must learn to gear down from overdrive to 1st gear. Yet the best lesson learned proves the old saying that when one loves what they are doing, they will never toil another day in their life. Today, I get to invest 50 or 60 hours a week loving what I get to do.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? Chief Executive Officer of a 123 year old emergency shelter was not on my bucket list. It should have been! We get to help people overcome their seemingly impossible barriers to re-entering a normal everyday world. We get to work with people where there is no pretense—this is life at its most basic level, raw, unbridled reality. How refreshing compared to the

impossible complexity of the world we have created for ourselves.

Have you seen any emerging trends in the field of fundraising? Learning the skill set of communication via multi-channel media to multigenerational audiences is a huge challenge given limited resources with which to invest. It is a science, it can be taught and learned, and a key to maximizing the outcome is channeling limited resources strategically based on what is being learned.

What suggestions would you give to someone entering the fundraising field? Make time to listen! Make time to investigate organizational needs and a donor’s heart! Craft a clear, crisp, concise story to convey the needs, tailored to the heart of the donor. I have not heard it expressed better than in Stephen R. Covey’s 5th Habit: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood!” I would counsel anyone to learn and practice “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” In my opinion, the advice is timeless.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT—JIM ECHEMENT Continued from Front Page

P.O. Box 672 Youngstown, OH 44501 571-212-6553 www.afpmash.org afpmash@gmail.com

Coffee Talk Meet up with fellow fundraising professionals to discuss current trends and topics over coffee! Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 Stone Fruit Coffee Co.│8 a.m. 8414 Market St.│Boardman, OH

National Philanthropy Day Join us to honor the philanthropists who support our community. Friday, November 18, 2016 Mr. Anthony’s│Boardman, OH

Board and Annual Meeting Board Meeting 8:30 a.m. Membership Meeting 9:00 a.m. Details TBA

FIND US ON FACEBOOK! AFP Mahoning/Shenango Chapter