Executive Director's View

Participate with CCBO and do it NOW

Dr. Bob Hassmiller, CAE
Executive Director

In this issue of CCBO’s Bottom Line, you are told about our very special annual international conference in Orlando, Florida, with a strong magical component of both Disney AND community colleges. They are a part of what is best in associations in general and CCBO in particular, the ability to share your expertise, experience and wisdom. It is one more reason for you to take the time to participate with YOUR association, and to do it NOW.

I’d like to provoke your thoughts on one particularly important question to you and to CCBO: "Why CCBO?" Why can't I get everything I want from NACUBO, a local state community college organization, or AICPA, or some other organization?

My answer is "because we’re community colleges!" We’re not the "almost" universities association. We are broader in educational areas than even the most important things that happen in your state. We’re not a "kinda-like" private business association, nor the "sorta-like" city/ government/business groups. When Douglas MacArthur needed to bring something immediate to Japan to help institute democracy in a country that never had it, he took our then technical-community college system. When millions of GI’s came home from WW II and Korea with a unique ability to upgrade their skills and knowledge, we needed community colleges to make that happen. We have transferred our model around the world, and now, when the U.S. has hit a budget and economic crisis, but more people than ever need to upgrade their skills and knowledge, who leads the answer to the call—community colleges. Yet we still suffer from a decades-long sense that we aren’t unique, probably from our heritage of being "junior" colleges.

You are not in this community college arena alone. You and CCBO relate to and use the knowledge and resources of excellent organizations like AACC, NACUBO, your state associations and others. But our jobs, our careers, our profession, our day-to-day focus and our passion should be, is, and will be community colleges. Let’s concentrate together on making our community college profession stronger, and getting more professionals involved in the one association which focuses on community college business officers.

Let me also strongly urge you to sign up for the annual international conference in Orlando. Besides the special keynote speakers like AACC’s new President Walter Bumphus there is also Anthony J. Connelly, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, U.S. to talk about the task of putting dollars and sense to the magical world of Disney. Add 30 or so additional programs and you have a celebration of community college learning.

One reason NOT to wait is the special "behind the scenes" tour of Disney conducted by the internationally known Disney Institute. This "extra" educational offering will be open to only the first 50 people who register, and over half of the seats are filled right now. Another reason not to wait is the hotel. The Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resort is in the middle of the Walt Disney World Resort and a property sure to make your educational experience memorable. It’s even nicer if you can spend some time with your family. Space is limited at the $179 rate.

Community colleges are important to your country and higher education now, and it is important for you to sign up for our special programs now as well. We have something very magical planned for you in Orlando, and we’d hate for you to miss even a part of it.

Agree or disagree to bob@ccbo.org. CCBO is where you can participate to make this part of the community college profession much stronger, more relevant, and of greater value to you and your colleagues. Share your wisdom.

Dr. Bob Hassmiller, CAE
Executive Director
Community College Business Officers
3 Boar's Head Lane, STE B
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4610
(434) 293-2825
(fax) 245-8453
bob@ccbo.org
www.ccbo.org