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.
 

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