Any organization that employs at least one GSAE member may apply.The applications will be judged on the quality of the internship experience described in the application rather than on the qualifications of the student who will fill the internship.The amount of the grant to the organization will vary depending upon the number and quality of applications and on the ability of the organization to participate financially. Organizations applying for grants must be willing to share the cost of the intern, but the Foundation recognizes that some organizations may only be able to pay a small amount, while others could fund a significant portion of the internship. 

The deadline for 2016 internship grant applications is May 13, 2016. Visit the GSAE Foundation online to access the application.

The Georgia Nurses Association and Georgia Nurses Foundation announce that Marcus Downs has been selected as GNA/GNF’s new Chief Executive Officer. He assumed the role earlier this month, succeeding Debbie Bartlett, CAE, who retired after serving as CEO for over 16 years.

Marcus previously served as the Director of Government Relations for the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG). Under his legislative leadership, MAG was recognized as one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the state as ranked by James Magazine for several consecutive years. While at MAG, Marcus was also recognized as a Rising Star and Top Association Lobbyist by the James Magazine. 

Marcus has years of experience in association management and development and looks to continue in the excellent tradition of leadership already established by the GNA/GNF. Congratulations and welcome to GSAE, Marcus!

Greg DeSandy, formerly with Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, is now overseeing both the sales and event services departments for the Cobo Center in Detroit. Following a $279 million renovation, combining oversight of the two departments was done with the intention of enhancing the customer relationship experience. DeSandy has more than 25 years of hospitality experience in hotels and convention centers prior to moving back to his hometown in September of 2014. "I'm so excited to be a part of our very experienced and talented Sales and Event Services teams, and will assist them in elevating our standards of customer service in this magnificent facility," said DeSandy. Your GSAE friends are delighted for you!

Mallary Whitten, Sales Manager, Savannah International Trade & Convention Center (SITCC), will now be handling the Midwest market for the SITCC to include associations, corporate meetings, sports groups and films. She will be traveling to key Midwestern cities like Chicago, Kansas City and Indianapolis to promote Savannah and the SITCC as a great convention destination. She will miss her GSAE family dearly and hopes to pop-in for the occasional luncheon.

2016 GSAE Annual Meeting host city, Athens, Georgia, has been named one of Forbes' Best Places to Retire in 2016. A good economy, cost of living 1 percent below U.S. average, median home price of $145,000, low serious crime rate, extremely high Milken aging rank and walkability index, good air quality, warm climate and good state tax climate for retirees were included in the list of Athens' pros. 

Additionally, the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau has been selected as a winner for "Outstanding Website" in the travel category of the 2016 Internet Advertising Competition sponsored by the Web Marketing Association. VisitAthensGA.com is one of five destination marketing organizations' websites that made the cut and is the only winner located in the eastern U.S. region. 

Congratulations to Rita Lowery, Director of Sales, Missy Wilson, Senior Sales Manager, and the rest of the CVB team that works so tirelessly on behalf of their city!

Webinars – $49 per credit hour

• Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 2-3 p.m. EDT
• Secret Tech Weapons for Association Execs
• Tuesday, June 14, 2016, 2-3 p.m. EDT
• Maverick in Your Midst: How to Deal Effectively
• Wednesday, June 29, 2016  2-3 p.m. EDT
• Grow Your Association Like a Billion Dollar Brand
• Thursday, July 7, 2016  2-3 p.m. EDT
• So You Want to Be A CEO

View all upcoming live webinars here and on-demand webinars here.

Association Adviser’s annual Association Communications Benchmarking Survey is open through May 15! 

Now in its sixth year, the survey offers many new questions to reflect the ever-changing communications landscape, while upholding its goal of highlighting communications best practices within the association community. 

To participate, simply log in to your account, or if you’re new to the platform, please take a moment to sign up. Participation in the survey will provide you with your best practices score and numerous customizable reports when the 2016 analysis is complete (late June). But first, you have to participate.

Questions? Contact the Naylor team today!

From the thought leaders and innovators coming to share expertise to the industry partners getting to know association needs, ASAE Annual Meeting is where we all give a little to get a lot more. Give your time and experience at this year's ASAE Annual Meeting. Receive a year’s worth of ideas and support from your community. Visit annual.asaecenter.org today. Friendly reminders from GSAE: We will host our Southern SAE Reception on Monday, 5:15 p.m., before the Classic, at Christopher's Prime Steak House & Grill. Sponsorships are available. Contact Wendy for more information. If you plan to attend, go ahead and get your room reservation in Salt Lake City soon. The hotels closest to the convention site will go quickly and there’s a nice wide range of price points.

View the full schedule and register by June 1 to receive the early-bird rate of $449. Earn up to 7 hours of CAE credit.