Emeritus CMPs

Catherine Anderson-Brown, CMP
Sutton, ON, Canada

I decided to take my CMP in 1991. I had been an Independent Planner at that time for 4 years. I was doing very well in my business even though there was a downturn in the hospitality business around 1991. A lot of junior staff were being let go and starting up their own independent businesses and the competition was undercutting my business and giving prices that really couldn’t be met at the level of service the client needed. It was unfortunate that the inexperienced person was fired on the job and I was called in to pick up the pieces and make it work which cost the client a lot more money. The client said in our debrief that he would never contract again someone without the CMP designation.

I took my CMP to show my clients that I had received a certification that was recognized globally and of high standard. At that time there were only 900/1000 CMPs.

I feel that recertifying every 5 years is needed and worthwhile. It shows that you are continuing in the business and giving back by writing articles, teaching and speaking.

I have sat on international committees with MPI and now PCMA. I have just been named Chair of Volunteers for the Host Committee for PCMA’s first international Annual Meeting being held in Toronto in January 2007. I know holding a CMP was extremely helpful in their decision.

I am continuing with my international groups and also going to international trade shows such as IEBTM, IMEX, FITUR, MITM. On all international trade show applications they ask for your designations. This wasn’t so a few years ago.

I have also sponsored recently a new gradate CMP from Germany, I was delighted that he asked me to be his sponsor.

I am not retiring but continuing with my international groups as well as teaching and designing courses for Seneca College. I feel it is important to retain my designation.