anniversary
A few weeks ago, I was delighted and surprised to discover that my staff and close to 100 friends had planned a celebration for HMA's 20th anniversary.
I remember walking into the room with my wife, thinking we were going out for our 19th anniversary dinner. And as I faced a throng of clapping people, I had no idea why I was there, until they told me it was the company's 20th anniversary.
I was delighted to see a lot of old friends, former staff, clients and colleagues. And afterwards, to recognize that our company is probably in the 3% of companies that survived this long. Moreover, we are thriving and growing.
But what delights me even more is the fact that we've helped raise hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars for great causes: cancer research, environmental protection, women shelters, social services, international development, hospitals- virtually every area of fundraising.
As a marketing guy-it is hard to resist saying this: In the last two years we've dramatically increased the number of services we offer clients. From legacy marketing to social marketing campaigns, viral videos and online work. (Ok. HMA promotion is over.)
In addition, one of the things I'm most proud of is that we share ideas with others. Since the early days of the company myself and other staff have spoken at conferences, led webinars, teleconferences, etc., so we could share what we've learned with other fundraisers. This year at least five or six of our staff have spoken at fundraising events to share ideas and tips with other fundraisers to help them do a better job.
As of this year, HMA has been in business for 20 years! When HMA began, it was just Harvey running the show himself. He eventually realized that as much as he loved having conversations with himself, he needed a few people around to help him grow the business.
An office was found, coffee machine purchased, and more and more clients came on board. Soon Harvey was employing a team of the best fundraising professionals in the business and working with many of Canada’s leading non-profits!
To mark the 20th Anniversary, the Toronto and Vancouver staff met in Vancouver for a week of strategic planning with HMA’s business consultant, Elizabeth Crook from Orchard Advisors. These strategic planning sessions reminded everyone how lucky we are to work together in helping great causes across Canada and internationally. Because we wanted to do some more good and hang out together- the HMA gang headed to the UBC Farm for an afternoon of hard work! The light rain and arduous labour ☺ did not deter our staff and everyone loved being out in nature and lending a hand to a beautiful part of the UBC community and our city!
Strategic planning and some dirty work were wonderful... but the highlight of the week was definitely the look on the Harvey’s face as he entered the HMA Surprise 20th Anniversary Party!
