|
History
of the PSMA
|
|
by Mike Fisher, PSMA's first president In the beginning, a group of managers of professional service firms met and concluded that there was a need for a new association devoted exclusively to the management issues of their firms. It was decided that the purpose of the association would be "to improve the effectiveness of professional service organizations through the growth and development of business management techniques." The specific objectives of PSMA were quoted in ENR as being to "provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, establish guidelines for approaches to common management concerns, increase the recognition of the value of good business practices, and improve service to clients." The beginning was in 1975. The group of people who were involved in the establishment of PSMA included managers from accounting, architectural, construction management, development, engineering, environmental, laboratory, legal, planning, public relations, management consulting, research and surveying firms. Their common concern was the lack of a forum that focused on their issues; their common vision was an organization that would deal solely with management of professional service firms. This was the "glue" that held together this uncommon blend of managers; indeed, it is just as strong today! The fall of 1975 brought the first solicitation of members. Dues were $50 per year. In the first few years, there were many "firsts" for the association. Among these were establishment of the organization both legally and practically, semi-annual national conferences, management reports, joint seminars and functions with other associations such as AIA, ACEC and SMPS, management awards, publication of a "Management Health Checklist," regional meetings and conferences, newsletter and "conference reporter" publications, etc. At the end of 1977, PSMA boasted a membership of more than 400! It was now clear that the beliefs of the founders had been proven valid: PSMA filled a void as the organization devoted to the management of professional service firms. During the next 15 years, PSMA truly matured as it steadfastly pursued its purpose. Relations with other associations were expanded and formalized, professional association management was placed under contract, strategic planning for PSMA became an annual event, over 100 seminars and conferences were held, "metro" meetings started and then chapters were formed, management achievement awards were established, management reports and surveys were produced in addition to other publications, international membership expanded to the U.K. and Europe, the various functional areas of management were formalized within the association, and membership (plus dues) continued to grow ... The list goes on. Today, PSMA is comprised of some 500 senior managers, principals and owners from design and consulting firms. Its annual conference has a reputation for being the best for management issues, and its many other activities and publications serve its membership well. The common vision shared by an uncommon blend of progressive managers over 20 years ago has borne fruit, and the lofty goals continue to guide PSMA much as they were originally written. Recently, the vision of the association was stated as follows: "To be the preeminent authority in providing leadership and management services to professional service firms." It is still the only industry association focused solely on management issues. PSMA has remained successfully true to its originally stated purpose. Most importantly, it has done so while its members have developed invaluable and lasting networks with other managers who are challenged by the same essential management issues.
|