In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher speaks with Tim Ebner, Director of Communications & Marketing at the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI). Tim brings a wealth of experience from his background in journalism and association communications to champion sustainability and innovation in the metal can industry. Through initiatives like the “2 Million Cans Recycling Contest” and “Every Can Counts,” Tim and his team at CMI are creating powerful community engagement and awareness around the environmental impact of metal cans.

Key Highlights:

Sustainability with Impact: Tim shares how CMI is driving sustainability by promoting the circular economy of aluminum and steel cans, which can be recycled infinitely. This commitment to reducing waste is supported by ambitious goals to improve recycling rates and reduce the carbon footprint of metal cans by 2030, 2040 and 2050.

Engaging Communities through the 2 Million Cans Contest: CMI’s “2 Million Cans Recycling Contest” is an educational and community-focused initiative that partners with schools to teach students about recycling and sustainability. Tim discusses how this grassroots campaign not only recycles cans but also reinvests in local communities, creating a tangible impact that reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship.

AI-Driven Recycling Innovation: CMI is also exploring AI technology to boost recycling rates. Tim explains how optical-sorting robots identify and sort aluminum cans at recycling facilities, ensuring these valuable materials are correctly processed and reintegrated into the circular economy. This tech-forward approach demonstrates CMI’s dedication to integrating innovation in sustainability efforts.

Check out this Axios article: AI robot helps recover and recycle beverage cans

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Tim emphasizes the importance of blending personal passions with professional roles. He encourages association professionals to explore creative interests outside of work, as these pursuits can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to their daily roles.

Join us as Tim Ebner shares valuable insights on how associations can foster community engagement, promote sustainability and leverage creativity to drive industry impact.

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In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Dr. Melissa Pergola, CEO and Executive Director of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and CEO of the ASRT Foundation. With a rich history and nearly 157,000 members, ASRT stands as the world’s largest organization for radiologic technologists and radiation therapists. Dr. Pergola shares how ASRT honors its legacy while innovating for the future, discussing key strategies in member engagement, workforce development and advocacy for radiologic technologists.

Key Highlights:

• Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Dr. Pergola explains how ASRT maintains a mission-driven, member-focused approach while adapting to industry changes to support its members in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

• Fostering a Culture of Accountability and Creativity: Dr. Pergola emphasizes the importance of empowering staff and creating a safe environment for innovation and learning, encouraging her team to take risks and view setbacks as growth opportunities.

• Advocacy for Professional Recognition: ASRT’s ongoing campaign for reclassification of radiologic technologists highlights its commitment to elevating the profession and ensuring practitioners are recognized for their critical role in healthcare.

• Combating Workforce Shortages: Through strategic collaborations and public awareness campaigns like the “Be Seen” initiative, ASRT is actively addressing workforce shortages and raising the visibility of radiologic professions.

Join us as Dr. Melissa Pergola offers valuable insights into leading a legacy association, advocating for the profession and navigating challenges in the healthcare sector.

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In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher is joined by Tara Puckey, MBA, CAE, CMP, Executive Director of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and Foundation (RTDNF). Tara brings her wealth of experience in journalism and association leadership to the conversation, sharing insights on fostering meaningful connections in a remote environment, effective onboarding practices and the future of leadership in journalism.

Key Highlights:

• Building a Remote Team Culture: Tara discusses RTDNA’s transition to an all-remote team and emphasizes the importance of intentionality in building a supportive work culture. By gathering staff at offsite locations throughout the year, the organization creates dedicated time for team bonding and strategic discussions.

• Onboarding for Engagement: For Tara, welcoming new team members goes beyond logistics. RTDNA’s onboarding process includes personal interactions, virtual meet-and-greets and cultural touchpoints to help new hires feel connected from day one.

• Navigating Rapid Industry Changes: As the journalism landscape continues to evolve, Tara explains how RTDNA supports its members—journalism professionals and news leaders—with leadership training and resources to adapt to new technologies, ethical challenges and shifting public expectations.

• Embedding DEIA in Newsrooms: Tara shares RTDNA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), both within the organization and across the industry. She discusses the association’s work to ensure newsrooms reflect the communities they serve and highlights initiatives that promote representation and inclusion at all levels.

Join us as Tara Puckey offers practical strategies for building a resilient association culture, advancing DEIA in journalism and supporting member organizations through times of change.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with actionable takeaways to help your association thrive in a dynamic world!