Section III - Chapter Programming
A. Educational Purpose
The Alumni Chapter program is set by the Board of Governors of Beta Gamma Sigma as an added benefit of membership for its members. Beta Gamma Sigma is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and each chapter must abide by the requirements necessary to maintain that status. Beta Gamma Sigma is established as an educational group. Thus, the individual Alumni Chapters, as subsidiaries of BGS, Inc., must abide by that purpose also.
Thus, when a chapter is planning its annual program of events/activities/programs, the primary focus must be educational to its members. The social aspect must be secondary and promoted in that manner.
If any Alumni Chapter is perceived as jeopardizing the non-profit and/or educational status of Beta Gamma Sigma, that chapter may be required to disband operations.
B. Formal Programs
The Formal Events of the chapters usually include a program with a speaker or panel discussing pertinent business topics. Some examples of past programs of chapters follow:
· Building a Values Based Company
· Career Strategies for the New Millenium
· Entrepreneurship: Is it for You?
· Got Ethics?
· The Trials & Tribulations of Managing a Rapidly Growing Business
· Managing your Career Throughout your Career
· The Impact of Education and Training via the Internet
· Deans’ Night / Scholarship Program
· Getting Stuck in Middle Management
· Effectively Building and Using Your Network
· How to Work a Room
· What’s Going on In Your Career Field?
· E-Commerce: What’s Next?
· Effective Business Networking
Hints for Obtaining Speakers:
· Personal Contact or Introduction
· Provide information on BGS, the membership and expected audience
· Present an award (Chapter Honoree)
· Promote speaker on website
· Identify potential speaker from BGS membership database
· Solicit ideas from collegiate chapters, deans (possibly faculty members or member of advisory council at area business school)
· Through employer of Steering Committee members
· Query chapter members for contacts
Additional activities/programs may include "behind the scenes" tours, athletic/sporting events, cultural events, etc.. Some examples include:
- Youngstown State U Football Game and tour of the Williamson College of Business Administration led by Dean Betty Jo Licata
- Charlotte Knights Baseball Game and Stadium Tour
- Tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
- The Cleveland Orchestra Event, meet & greet one of the Orchestra’s members after the show
- Pre-season tour of the Cleveland Browns Stadium, Networking to follow
- Arion Maniatis, Introduction to German Language Class
- Outdoor Exercise & Networking in Santa Monica
- Tour of Petco Park, Home of the San Diego Padres
- Clinique Cosmetics Workshop
- Pre-show Reception with a Cavs Legend and game to follow Cavaliers vs. Miami
C. Informal Events
After Hours – Several chapters have implemented informal “business after hours” events, often publicizing them by email or phone only. These events offer members a relaxed way to network with other chapter members on a monthly or bi-monthly basis without the cost and planning necessary to set a formal chapter meeting.
D. Networking
By far, the greatest reason noted by BGS members for involvement in an Alumni Chapter is the opportunity for professional networking. Every chapter offers an opportunity for networking at each event, whether formal or informal. Some chapters have attempted structured networking events. Contact the Central Office staff for some ideas.
E. Directory
Another area of interest in Alumni Chapters as expressed by BGS members is access to a directory of members in the local area. While Beta Gamma Sigma offers access to an on-line directory of members, this directory is only as complete as the updates members make. The chapters that develop a printed directory and make it available to their chapter members routinely include job-related information such as employer and job title, in addition to the typical address information.
F. Awards
Beta Gamma Sigma has developed an extensive Awards Program. Two specific Beta Gamma Sigma awards are currently available to the Alumni Chapters:
Chapter Honoree – The Alumni Chapter may nominate candidates for the Chapter Honoree Award. Any person who has achieved distinction primarily in business and administration that possesses those qualities that Beta Gamma Sigma fosters may be nominated as Chapter Honoree by the Collegiate or Alumni Chapter. Chapters may elect up to two Chapter Honorees in any one year. If a chapter has reason to select more than two Chapter Honorees in a given year, that request should be made to the Central Office.
The Chapter must submit to the Central Office a completed Chapter Honoree Information form with a $85 fee for each Chapter Honoree to help defray the cost of the specially chosen Chapter Honoree plaque. Chapters should verify the spelling of the name since the plaque will be ordered from the information provided on this form. The information form should be received 4-6 weeks prior to the event date to insure delivery prior to the event.
Scholarship Match – Beta Gamma Sigma has established a Scholarship Program, which provides $750 in matching funds to any Alumni Chapter that meets the following criteria:
· Held a minimum of two official chapter events during previous fiscal year
· Provides timely submission of annual chapter reports
· Selects a qualifying BGS student member using application materials & procedure
· Provides completed application materials to BGS by deadline
· Provides $250 in matching funds
It is the responsibility of the Alumni Chapter to notify the Central Office each year of their intent to participate in this program.
G. Mentoring
One program that individual Alumni Chapters may wish to implement is a Mentoring Program, where newer BGS members just entering their careers could team up with an established professional (mentor) to obtain advice about their career. The Central Office is currently developing some guidelines for a Mentoring Program that may be of value to the Alumni Chapters.
H. Internships
Alumni Chapters may consider an internship program whereby new BGS members could obtain internships in their chosen field with established BGS members in the local community.
I. Professional Development
Chapter officers should keep in mind that programs should meet the need of some members to provide professional development to assist their careers.
J. Social Activities
Several chapters have chosen to offer a social activity at least once per year as an added feature of the chapter. Chapter members will most likely have ideas on the type of activity they would like to see offered.
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