Chapter profile; In focus: FEI's Fort Wayne chapter.

• Position: The Researchforum

What does it take to win an FEI National award two years running? It's a simple formula, says Fort Wayne Chapter President Marv Loutsenhizer, "Hard work, hospitality and lively professional development offerings that keep members engaged and connected with their chapter." For the Fort Wayne chapter--which recently won FEI's Small Chapter Outstanding Membership Development Award for the second year in a row--strong member participation and an active, involved chapter board have made for a very successful couple of years.

As outgoing Chapter President, Loutsenhizer, CFO for Reelcraft Industries Inc., hopes his legacy to members will be "the hospitality, excellent programs and networking" that the chapter has worked hard to make its hallmark." One highlight of his tenure occurred in January when the chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary. Then-FEI President and CEO Colleen Cunningham provided a fast-paced dialog on regulatory problems faced by financial executives, and she offered suggestions on how to deal with them. A second highlight of the evening was a special meal, balloons, cake, ice cream and a "spirited social period."

Another highlight of his tenure was in April, when the chapter hosted Ira Winkler as its keynote speaker. Attendance was nearly double the normal that evening, and enthusiasm was triple the normal meeting level. Loutsenhizer believes the two examples cited demonstrate how the chapter focuses on developing solid programs that help members by providing cutting-edge information that can be immediately employed, "and that makes it worthwhile as well as exciting for them to attend meetings."

Loutsenhizer also believes that good rapport with sponsors has been a key ingredient in the chapter's success. The chapter has made it a win-win program for the sponsors and the members by employing a productive give-and-take process. "We listen to their ideas and they take an active role in working with the board by attending meetings, and bringing in prospects". The chapter's sponsors include Baden Gage and Schroeder LLC; Creative Financial Staffing; Fifth Third Bank; Crowe Chizek and Company; National City Bank and Ernst & Young LLP.

Outreach to the academic community--among both professors and students--is another important element in the chapter's growth strategy Describing Ft. Wayne's student...