Emeritus CMPs

Howard F. Mills, Sr. CMP
Rockville Center, NY

All my early adult life, I never was interested in titles for myself. I always respected those who had acquired titles. I also enjoyed reading plaques on their walls and felt that was for them but not for me.

In 1983, I was involved in forming an organization. I was a member of MPI and ASAE. I also learned that in order for NCBMP to become a member of the Council it was necessary for the Chairperson or President to be a CMP member. Since I was the chairperson at that time I was it.

In spite of my reluctance, I must admit it was a rewarding experience. I acquired the recommended books and spent many hours in the library reading other material. I had not studied so hard since I left college about 30 years earlier. I learned so much more information that helped me out as I continued working as Director of Conferences for the National Urban League and some of my free lance work.

I was fortunate to get the NCBMP into the Council and gained even more knowledge by attending these meetings with my colleagues in the industry. It increased my networking capabilities tremendously. For many years, I served on the CMP board which again enhanced my skill and knowledge of the industry.

Now to become certified and recognized as having acquired the designation as a member of CMP really made some major differences with my colleagues at work, to include my immediate supervisors. Those who did not recognize the letters CMP behind my name in my correspondence, asked what it represented? I had the privilege to give them the whole load which gave me great gratification.

It gave me greater credibility, especially when I would prepare the guideline for travel. It did not make many people happy especially when I would determine when to ride the train, or fly. When it was permissible to rent cars and when it was not necessary. Whenever it was saving money, I always got the support from my supervisor. Of course this made my job much easier.

In dealing with hoteliers, airlines, convention bureaus and other vendors in the industry, you actually gained much more respect because they recognized what CMP meant and continues to mean. One CMP to another CMP also brought more respect and better relationships. This relationship assists in better values for the seller and buyer.

The bottom line is the creation of CMP for our industry has made it much more respectful and rewarding for those who have chosen this industry as a career and for those who are recipients our great work.

I became more marketable for having received the CMP designation and I am pleased that circumstances afforded me the opportunity to enjoy it for many years.