COCSA's new board of directors poses with a "special guest." From left: Tom Klapp, DC; Stephen Simonetti, DC; Jeff Fedorko, DC; Jerry DeGrado, DC; John Rogers, DC; Kevin Donovan, DC; Janet Jordan; Walt Engle, DC; Sharon Muggli; and Doris Christman. Not pictured: Algie Neill.
Charlotte, N.C., played host to the 2002 Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) convention. Held in the prestigious Hyatt Regency Southpark hotel, Nov. 7-10, the meeting featured the theme, "Jungle Safari: The Hunt for Association Excellence." Dozens of delegates from 40 state chiropractic associations participated in round-table discussions, workshops and other events geared toward improving operations and effectiveness.
"This is really what sets us apart from other chiropractic conferences," opined COCSA Executive Director Janet Jordan. "Sure, we deal with chiropractic issues because it's important for our state association leaders to know what's going on out there. But we are really the only resource for chiropractors on how to run a state association."
Most of the 2002 meeting sessions were directed at providing association management training for state-elected leaders and staff. Other topics of discussion included governance structure; strategic planning; generational issues; non-dues revenues; distance learning; insurance; and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Leaders also received status reports on national legislation; the HCFA and Trigon lawsuits; the Life University crisis; and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards' (FCLB) proposed continuing education program.
A highlight of this year's event was a special banquet held in honor of Kent Greenawalt, president and CEO of Foot Levelers, to celebrate his 50th birthday. Representatives from several leading chiropractic organizations, including NCMIC, the American Chiropractic Association and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, joined in the festivities. The meeting's "jungle" theme was put to good use throughout the evening: A live Bengal tiger was brought in to mingle with guests, and a majestic porcelain sculpture of an eagle was presented to Mr. Greenawalt in recognition of his service to the profession.
"Kent and Foot Levelers have been longtime supporters of COCSA and our members, providing free speakers and other fundraising opportunities for our state associations and supporting every COCSA meeting for as long as I have been involved," reflected Dr. Kevin Donovan, COCSA's newly elected president. "It was great for us to finally be able to give a little back to one who has given so generously to us for all these years."
Getting Down to Business
Business mixed with pleasure at this year's meeting, as COCSA leaders announced plans for a variety of projects for 2003, including:
- publication of the third edition of the COCSA Resource Guide to Speakers (better known as the COCSA Speakers Directory);
- sponsorship of the Second Annual Backpack Safety Month (April 2003); and
- the launch of a new and improved Web site at www.cocsa.org.
In addition, a new Board of Directors was elected at the COCSA meeting. The Congress' new leaders for 2003 are:
- President - Dr. Kevin Donovan, Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island
