What is the Business Executives Association?
The Business Executives Association(BEA) is a group of business leaders dedicated to improving their businesses through networking and sharing management philosophies and ideas. Founded over sixty-five years ago by a group of Chicago business owners, the BEA began networking long before the term "networking" was prominent in the business community. BEA meetings comprise of networking, guest speakers, roundtable discussions and exercises based on management philosophy.
Mission
The BEA's Mission is to provide a structure through which members, in mutually exclusive industries, can establish, maintain and share contacts with business people in other industries, and to foster the exchange of business transactions and "leads" on a regular basis for the benefit of all concerned. In recent years, the BEA's Mission has expanded to include educational programs, directed at helping the members better manage their companies.
What kind of programs are offered?
On a scheduled basis, members present information about their own businesses. additionally, outside speakers are invited to address the group on topics including management style, macro and micro economic conditions and other pertinent business topics. Guest speakers have included Burton Natarus-Chicago Alderman, Bob Swab-Portfolio Manager for Legg Mason Asset Management, Job Weber - Chief of Correspondents for Business Week Magazine, Pamela Forbes Lieberman - former President & CEO of True Value, John Cruickshank - -Publisher, Chicago Sun Times, Marcia J. Lipetz - President & CEO, Executive Service Corp of Chicago, and Hary M. Jansen Kramer, Jr. - former Chairman and CEO of Baxtar International, Inc.
What is expected of the members?
Attendence at the Regular Meetings and Special Events during the year is required. The submission of an Activity Report before each meeting is also a requirement. The report shows business transacted with other members, as well as business leads given and received.
How often and where does the BEA meet?
Meeting are held on Tuesday mornings, twice a month, usually at the conveniently located East Bank Club, 500 N. Kingsbury Street in Chicago. Starting with coffee and networking at 7:00 a.m., the meetings include breakfast at 7:30 and the program at 8:00. The meetings adjourn at 9:00 a.m.
What are the membership requirements?
The BEA can accept only one member from any one business category. A membership application fee is required, as are the first six months' dues.
How much are dues?
Monthly dues are subject to change from time to time. Please contact our Executive Secretary regarding current dues. Dues cover all expenses, with the exception of some additional charges for attendance at special events during the year, primarily the Holiday Party and a special summer social outing.
Are guests permitted at the meetings?
Absolutely! members are encouraged to bring guests to the meetings, especially to the Special Events and those meetings at which guest speakers will be present. Guest fuel the growth of the organization.
How do I join?
After attending a meeting or two, eligible candidates are given a Prospective Member Package, which includes a Membership Application and the BEA Bylaws. The Application is completed and returned and the process begins. prospective members are encouraged to attaned the regularly scheduled meetings during the application process.
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