Being an ICES Rep.

CONGRATULATIONS! You've been elected or appointed as an ICES Representative!  Now what?

 According to your Representative's Contract and your Representative's Handbook you are to:

• Lead your members and support ICES to the best of your ability.

• Support, promote, and be an active member by participating in meetings and attending the
   annual conventions, if possible.

• Set up at least one "Day of Sharing" per year (preferably one per quarter) to share all
   information concerning local and national meetings, classes available in your area, and new
   methods and materials with the members in the state/area/province/country that you
   represent, in a way that promotes ICES to its fullest.

• Follow the Chapter Bylaws for your state/area/province/country, if you are a Chapter 
  Representative.

• Be entitled to a reimbursement based on the number of members in your
   state/area/province/country, to help with expenses incurred by communicating ICES
   business.

• Be entitled to a reimbursement for attending the Midyear meeting, subject to your FULL
   attendance at the meeting, in accordance with the reimbursement rates set forth by the
   Board of Directors

• Issue newsletters

• Submit a Representative's Contract each year, even if you're returning as a Representative

• Submit a Representative/Alternate Update Form IMMEDIATELY upon any changes that
   occur

• Submit Representative's Activity Reports and Financial Reporting Forms

What else does it take though to really make a good ICES Representative? 

• It means living up to the theme of "caring and sharing" that ICES lives by. 

• Representing  the ideals of ICES through your actions and interaction with your members. 

• Enjoying what you do and taking great pleasure in sharing the joy of cake decorating and 
   the sugar arts with others. 

• Looking after your members and trying to provide informative programs that everyone can
  participate in and enjoy. 

• Keeping your members informed by communicating with them on a regular basis; and then,
   listening in return to their wants and needs.
 
• Showing your members that you care by sending birthday, anniversary, congratulations,
   sympathy, get well, new baby cards, etc.

• Spreading the word about ICES by participating in local events and encouraging your
   members to do so, too.  Hand out inexpensive printed business cards with your contact 
   information, your chapter's website information, Facebook page,and  the main ICES website
   to those you meet while buying cake decorating supplies, attending classes, etc.

• Always taking the high road when issues arise and remind everyone that they are to enjoy
  what ICES is all about ~ learning about the sugar arts and sharing with others in a caring 
  manner.

• Keeping a journal of what you do to pass on to those who come after you.  It will be an
   invaluable asset to them as they get started.

• Preparing a good job description of each position in your chapter so that everyone knows
   what's expected of them.

• HAVING FUN!!  Avoid getting stressed out over every minute detail.  Don't try to do
   everything yourself.  Let your alternates and other members help with planning, setting up,
   and cleaning up for your Days of Sharing, special events, etc. This way, you'll be able to relax
   and enjoy spending time with your members and guests.