Annual Report

HFMA - Nebraska Chapter Annual Report 2000 - 2001 

Executive Summary 

The 2000-2001 year was an exciting year for the Nebraska Chapter. The year was highlighted by numerous contributions from our members and sponsors. Goals and objectives identified in the Chapter planning session were addressed throughout the year with success. Membership levels decreased only slightly ending at approximately 240 members. This speaks highly of our chapter since several large facilities in the area decided to no longer pay for employee professional memberships. Providing quality educational and networking events to our members continued to be the main focus of our chapter. We made significant improvements in services offered to our members highlighted by the membership directory (which continues to improve) and continued quality of our local newsletters. Our chapter was recognized by National HFMA by earning several awards to be presented at the Annual National Institute in San Antonio, Texas including: 

• Award for Excellence for Education – Charles F. Mehler Gold Award
• Award for Excellence for Certification - Silver Award

Services to Members 

Goals and Objectives for 2000-2001 

The process began in May of 2000 at the Chapter planning session held at Quarry Oaks and attended by the officers, board members and committee chairs. Many ideas were discussed and goals for each committee were adopted. The three major areas focused on by our Chapter leaders included programming and education; membership services and directory; and newsletter. Other areas emphasized included sponsorship and certification. Specific goals and objectives included: 

• Improve the membership directory and distribute to members in a timely manner
• Continue to improve and expand the Chapter Newsletter
• Continue to emphasize the need for high quality educational programs utilizing local and national speakers
• Enlist committee chairs to assist in identifying quality speakers and educational topics, especially for the annual meeting
• Continue the videotape program for our rural membership and expand to make it available to all members
• Hold dinner meetings in Lincoln and Omaha during the year
• Enhance the sponsorship program and identify potential sponsors to be added to our strong core
• Encourage HFMA certification to our membership

Education, programs and events: 

The Nebraska Chapter sponsored or cosponsored 13 events during this chapter year. One event per month (except December and March) was offered to our membership. The programs, whether it was a dinner meeting or a one to two day conference, provided insight to timely topics presented by quality speakers. Each event also provided super networking opportunities with peers in the healthcare industry. The calendar of events for the year was as follows: 

June 15, 2000 – NAHHS cosponsored sessions
June 25 – 28, 2000 – Annual National Institute
July 19, 26, & 27, 2000 – NAHHS cosponsored sessions
August 9, 2000 – NAHHS cosponsored sessions
September 14, 2000 - Dinner Meeting
October 18 - 20, 2000 - NAHHS Convention
November 16, 2000 - Dinner Meeting
January 11 -12, 2001 - Greater Nebraska Conference
February 6, 2000 - Dinner Meeting
February 8 & 9, 2001 - NAHHS cosponsored sessions
April 5, 2001 - Dinner Meeting
April 5, 2001 – NAHHS cosponsored sessions
May 2 - 4, 2001 - Annual Meeting

Details on all of the meetings were provided in the Chapter newsletters. Goals and objectives for programming and education were met. Quality local and national speakers were a mainstay at all of the events. Committee chairs were instrumental in assisting in determining hot topics and locating speakers. Videotapes were made available to those members who could not attend the dinner meetings. 2000-2001 included many successful programs, but the process continues to place too much responsibility with a single member. The Chapter goal is to continue to strive to create more of a true committee approach to this all important function.

Publications 

The Nebraska Chapter publishes quarterly newsletters and a membership directory each year. The newsletters were highlighted by the inclusion of more pictures. The newsletters also continued to improve in quality and local focus on Nebraska issues. In addition the chapter continued with a team approach to the newsletter chair – thus sharing responsibilities and creative energies. 

The membership continues to be a big asset to our chapter members. The quality has continued to improve which in part is due to continuity in this committee. As one the Chapter’s main focuses, the 2000-2001 directory included additional committee information which had been eliminated from the prior years copy. Unfortunately, a printer error did not allow for the directories to be distributed at the NAHHS conference. However, the directory was mailed in a timely fashion. 

Our publications are the only contact we have with certain members so it is imperative we continue to provide quality and timely documents that provide some benefit to all the members.

Sponsorship 

The Nebraska Chapter continues to seek new organizations willing to participate in the Corporate Sponsorship Program. During 2000-2001, the chapter maintained our strong core of corporate sponsors. We did lose two sponsors that were new during the 1999-2000 year. Our chapter added a new silver level and one new bronze level sponsor. At the end of the year, our corporate sponsorship program included two gold sponsors, three silver sponsors and five bronze sponsors.  

The corporate sponsorship program is a way of encouraging companies to invest in the future of our chapter and its mission to serve the healthcare industry. With the support of sponsoring organizations, the Nebraska Chapter can enhance the quality of its educational programs, newsletters and member services.

Certification 

The Nebraska Chapter currently maintains a percentage of certified members that places it in the top five of all local chapters within HFMA. The chapter leaders continue to emphasize the importance of certification and encourage members to become certified. 

Strategic Quality Management 

The officers and board of directors of the Nebraska Chapter continue to strive to serve and represent members by being the leading professional organization for individuals seeking education, professional development, networking and access to current state-of-the-art information in the areas of and affecting the financial management of healthcare organizations of any size. Leadership development and continuity among our elected leaders is a priority of the chapter to ensure quality and adherence to charter requirements.