History - 1999

Remember Y2K? 1999 was the year America spent hundreds of thousands of dollars assuring our computer systems could and would change to the year 2000 without a hiccup. While, challenging, MMGMA and all of its members carefully led their clinics through the onerous process.

1999 was a transition year for MMGMA. We began to fully realize the value of paid administrative support and voted to continue and expand the services of Nonprofit Solutions. The MMGMA board recognized the opportunity for committee "co-chair assignments" on the Membership and the MMGMA Liaison committees. This not only shared the committee work but also assured the board that activities would continue if a chair person experienced a position change and was no longer able to serve.

In an effort to assess MMGMA membership needs and desires, Rick Davenport, Chair MMGMA Government affairs, with assistance of the Mayo Clinic marketing staff led an effort to identify those needs through a series of membership focus groups. These focus groups were held throughout the state of Minnesota. The results of this effort were used to develop the strategic plan of MMGMA and to guide the charge of the MMGMA Legislative committee.

Multiple labor issues faced Minnesota in 1999. Salary surveys were outdated before they were printed. Entry level staff were particularly difficult to recruit and retain. Staff at all levels readily changed positions chasing salary dollars and sign on bonuses. Brad Montgomery, MMGMA Secretary/Treasurer coordinated a cooperative effort with Fairview Hospital System and Allina Health Systems to produce a meaningful salary survey. The 1999 Winter meeting, "Strategies for the New Millennium" was focused entirely on workforce issues. The planning committee included Michelle Leak, Dennis Wipperling, Terry Mitchell, Mary Ann Morris, Nancy Swenson, Harold Hines, Pat Kersey, Jan Lieder, Robert Blombwerg, Terry Brandt, Linda Dircks, Kris Finger, Kathy Shepel, Adam Rees, Laurie Spahn, Jan Graner and Sue Haugen.

Third party payor confusion and requirements, clinic/hospital merger mania and the legislated "sick tax" were just a few of the issues facing MMGMA members in 1999. The Summer Meeting "Leadership for the New Millennium" was designed to assist members prepare for what was hitting them and what was coming. It stressed the need to stay flexible, embrace change and manage their own careers. The planning committee for the Summer meeting included Patricia Kersey, Dennis Wipperling, Robert Blomberg, Terry Brandt, Kris Finger, Jan Graner, Sue Haugen, Harold Hines, Maria Huntley, Ron Klemz, Michelle Leak, Jan Lieder, Mary Ann Morris and, Nancy Swenson. It was held at Arrowwood Resort, Alexandrea, MN on August 4 – 6, 1999.

MMGMA was changing too. The make-up of the membership ranged from senior CEO's to business office supervisors. The volunteer board quickly realized they needed broader input to planning and operations under the leadership of Brad Montgomery. The board implemented the 1997 Governance Task Force recommendation to develop a council of past presidents. This group is intended to provide direction to current officers and to be ambassadors to the greater MMGMA membership.

In summary, 1999 was another busy MMGMA year. Two successful meetings, growth in membership, clarification of board roles, committee charges and membership needs, the beginning of a web page and the confirmation that administrative support should continue were a few of the highlights. Additionally, Vice President, Bonnie Sauerer reached an agreement with the Midwest MMGMA to bring the Midwest meeting to Minnesota in 2000.