Our Coach Has His Team

By Amy Hatfield, ATA Communications Manager

From the day I became an ATA employee, I noted that our CEO/president, Jay McAninch, referred to “the team” a lot. In those first months, I’d talk to him about an idea and my strategy for rolling it out, and I’d explain in my own thoughtful way how the idea would bring value to our members. He often liked the idea well enough, but more often, he’d give me pause by asking, “Have you talked to our team?”

He’s a team guy with a coach’s mentality. And our team is our staff.

On the heels of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, references to hard work, teamwork and the value of good chemistry are all over the place. After all, these characteristics were on display as Duke University won its fourth NCAA Tournament Championship despite the recent trend of college basketball teams featuring insanely talented one-and-doners.

Frankly, I thought Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s way was the old way. A way that didn’t work. But chemistry and teamwork continue to prevail, a straight line to getting stuff done. On bleacherreport.com, columnist Peter Lomuscio writes, “What stands out the most about this championship and tournament, as a whole, is the importance of the team over individual mentality.”

After a recent communication meeting among ATA staffers, a staffer’s spouse said, “Your offices are spread out across the country and you’re all so different. I don’t get it, but I get that it works. Really well, in fact.”

This year, the ATA team will share more duties than ever for the 2011 Trade Show. There is no one person carrying the load, but many staffers sharing the load, each with his or her own strengths that address the Show’s demands. We expect with ample effort, teamwork and good chemistry, we’ll provide exhibitors, retailers and all other Trade Show attendees quick service and overarching success through our renewed team approach.

Take a look at the list of staffers and their Show responsibilities below. Find contact information for each here.

• Maria Lewis, director of exhibitor and member services: Starting March 1, Lewis took over all exhibitor-related duties for the Show. In addition to helping exhibitors book booth space on the Show floor, she helps them coordinate Show events and programs. She also manages the association’s membership rolls, ensuring all data remain current and accurate.
• Kelly Kelly, manager of support services and operations: Kelly will work extensively with the Show’s hotels. She will also work with Show catering and food services to ensure costs are kept low, fair and consistent.
• Kurt Weber, director of marketing: Weber directs the Trade Show’s marketing and promotions programs, manages its brand, and explores ways to expand sponsorships so exhibitors can reach dealers more efficiently and increase their brand visibility.
• Melinda Gable, director of business development and strategy integration: Gable coordinates most of the ATA’s Internet-based platforms and services. She helped design and launch the Trade Show’s online registration system in 2009, which saved ATA members time and trouble before and during the Show.
• Lisa Roeder, business manager: Roeder oversees Trade Show registration by handling all business transactions associated with the event. She also handles day-to-day accounting for the ATA, including bill-paying, accounts-receivable and general ledger work.
• Amy Hatfield, communications manager: Hatfield plans and coordinates all communications, public relations and media relations for the Trade Show. One of her priorities is finding new media opportunities that benefit ATA members.

Emily Beach coordinates Trade Show security.

• Emily Beach, education and research manager/Trade Show security: Beach coordinates Trade-Show security, which has been her primary Show duty for several years. In that role, she oversees parking, loading and unloading for exhibitors at the rear docks, as well as other logistical responsibilities. She also coordinates the “Archery Trade Academy,” the Show’s popular morning seminar series.
• Mitch King, director of government relations: King coordinates VIP visits to the Show by state and federal wildlife agencies. King works with agency pros to help them understand how the archery industry and Trade Show benefit bowhunting and the federal-excise tax programs.
• Michelle Doerr, director of archery and bowhunting programs: Doerr works with nonprofit organizations attending or exhibiting at the Show. She also coordinates the Show reception for internationals. In addition, she works with agency professionals during the Show, enhancing their efforts to develop staff and programs to recruit and retain archers and bowhunters.