WATERLOO - On Wednesday June 10, 2009, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Grand Valley Chapter marked its 25th Anniversary with an event at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery that both celebrated the importance of where we have come from - and looked to the equally crucial future of communications’ best practice.

Guest speakers Ken Aber and Ian Chamandy of Blueprint Business Architecture shared their intriguing view that many companies deceive themselves about knowing what their competitive advantage is – and worse, that what they believe their advantage is rarely differentiates them from their peers. Aber and Chamandy suggest that conventional vision and mission statements are a waste time, energy and money and that companies should instead put their efforts into finding their “Inspiring Proposition”, honing in on what makes your business remarkable and building outwards from that base. A further challenge for the communicators in the room was that once the “Inspiring Proposition” is found, it should be articulated in less than seven words. Chamandy states: “Why seven words? Why not seven words? It is too few to make into two sentences, so it forces you to create one clear, concise statement.”

The evening included a special toast by John Dinner, President during IABC Grand Valley’s inaugural year (1984). Attended by past and present IABC members and other local professionals, the event highlighted the vibrant network of professional communicators who promote, guide and sustain the reputations of many organizations throughout the region. Current IABC Grand Valley President Christina Laughren says: “The men and women who work in communications and public relations are often the unseen force behind the face of a company, the spark that shares the core values of an organization with the outside world and it is fitting to stand back now and then and give communicators the pat on the back they deserve for their professional efforts”.

Moving into the 2009-2010 year with many new Board members and a renewed sense of purpose, IABC Grand Valley is committed to encouraging best practice in our membership through networking and education; to mentor those looking to enter the profession; and to share our skills with the larger community.