How many chapters service the fifth largest state in the U.S.? Only one - the New Mexico Chapter! Serving such a large geographic area and varied constituency is just one of the things that sets apart this month's Chapter of the Month award winner. The chapter recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, serving a state that one board member describes as "not a highly formalized environment." Those who witnessed the New Mexico Chapter board's "dance performance" during a lunch break at the 2008 ASTD Chapter Leaders Conference know very well that this is a group who likes to have some "festive" fun.

The New Mexico Chapter also likes to bring real value to its community and found an interesting way to do that and grow membership too. The chapter is being recognized for a membership building program that traded on the value of a popular annual conference to attract new members. The chapter offered a free annual membership to any conference registrants who were not already members of the local chapter, including many area professionals. According to one board member "many of the individuals who registered for the conference as non-members were pleasantly surprised by the additional value."

The chapter takes care of its local members with value-laden programs and high-caliber presenters. An improved job posting effort is another way the New Mexico Chapter is serving its members in the challenging economy.

Congratulations to the hard working and dedicated members of our August Chapter of the Month: New Mexico!