FROM THE OFFICE

 NETWORKING: THE HEART OF MFCP

Lee bororowski headshot
In a recent membership survey, networking emerged as the #1 benefit that members value most about being part of MFCP. And it’s no wonder! Networking is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our members to connect, learn, and grow.

From our Annual Conference to regular roundtables, the Members Helping Members eBlast program, Paperclips, and countless informal conversations sparked through our association, there are endless ways for you to connect with others in the industry. These opportunities for collaboration continue to ensure our members thrive.

The most prominent networking event we offer is our Annual Conference, which is fast approaching on April 3-4 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It's an excellent opportunity to meet peers, share insights, and build relationships that will last throughout the year. But the conference is just the beginning.

Throughout the year, we host Member MeetUp! Roundtables on a wide range of topics. Our next call is Thursday, January 16th at 11AM, and we’ll be discussing the 2025 Postal Discounts. While this roundtable may not apply to everyone, for those of you with mailed publications, it’s a key opportunity to stay informed about available discounts and learn how to take full advantage of them.

Recently, one of my favorite networking tools was put to great use: our Members Helping Members eBlast. A group from Nebraska reached out for help with a new website. They wondered if any members could assist. Knowing many of you build and host websites, I turned to the Members Helping Members eBlast. Within no time, several members offered advice and solutions. The Nebraska group ended up partnering with Standard International Publishing Group, one of our associate members, and the collaboration was a success. In fact, I received two very nice emails about this project! Click here to read more.

Just last month, a member reached out about a fraudulent classified ad. They wanted to know how others were handling this all-too-common challenge. Again, this was a perfect opportunity to turn to our Members Helping Members eBlast. The conversation that followed was filled with valuable insights. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we can help each other protect our businesses and provide the best services to our readers. Click here to read more.  

These are just two examples of how networking through MFCP can solve real-world problems. Every day, we encounter challenges in our work. There’s a good chance someone else in our association has faced the same issue and can offer guidance or support. And if you’re tackling a brand-new problem, wouldn’t it be great to tap into the collective wisdom of the industry's greatest minds to help you find a solution?


As we dive into the new year, I encourage you to get more involved in 2025. Whether it’s participating in a roundtable, attending the conference, or contributing to the Members Helping Members program, your involvement strengthens the entire MFCP network. Remember, MFCP was founded on the strength of sharing and cooperation, a spirit that has stood the test of time for 70 years.

Let’s continue to champion collaboration and make 2025 our most connected and successful year yet!

Lee

Lee Borkowski
Executive Director
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