RPCN’s Successful Post-Holiday Gathering

RPCN’s Post-Holiday Gathering at TRATA (the restaurant at the Armory) on Culver Road in Rochester, New York was a big success, in spite of illnesses and other issues that sometimes happen after a busy holiday season. In fact, there were 22 individuals who had signed up for the event.

This author, Joyce Curran, Dawn Nowak, and Nancy Wilfeard were unable to attend due to illnesses, but we hear tha all those who did attend enjoyed the face-to-face contact that they have been craving the past several years. In fact, the event has sparked discussions about reinstating the Surprise Thursday social gatherings that were regularly held on Thursday evenings in our pre-pandemic history.

This picture, which was supplied by our Past President and current Board Secretary, David Finger, was taken after Bob Whipple, Ruth and Al Balkin, Frank Crombe, Danny Brodowski, Larry Berger and guest, and Gary Wood had already left for the evening. The individuals pictured here (left to right) are: David Finger, Rita Sherman, Michael Van der Gaag, Robert Lewis, Mark Fling (our current President), Bob Lurz, Maureen Gilmore, David Powe, Tom Fecteau (who came in from Syracuse, NY), and Michael Roach (our current Vice-President, who came in from Albany, NY). A good time was had by all!

—Sandy Glanton, RPCN Newsletter Editor

RPCN: Just a Network? Maybe it’s a Community

As Rochester Professional Consultants Network (RPCN) starts its 35th year, the word community comes to mind. Community isn’t a term we’ve embraced before. Resource, organization, and network accurately describe RPCN. But, are we also a community?

One definition of community, composed from a number of sources, is:

”A group that perceives itself as distinct from the larger society in which it exists, and shares common characteristics, common interests, and common culture.” If we’re a community, how might this concept provide a deeper understanding of RPCN’s benefits? Let’s take a look.

Common Characteristics

Consultants: Obviously, people calling themselves “consultant” share commonality with other members. But many other members also come under the RPCN umbrella. Regardless of their professional position, anyone paying the membership fee and abiding by our Code of Ethics is welcomed as a member. Some of these are:

• Small Business: Solo Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Partners, and Students.
• Business Expertise: Variety is a common characteristic. Members range from management consultants to engineers to a personal chef.
• Business Experience: Practicing Consultants, Startups, and those Exploring Consulting

Common Interests

Taking advantage of major RPCN benefits:

• Learning how to convert our skills into successful consulting businesses.
• Networking with other consultants and the business community.
• Mutual Support by helping each other succeed.

Other RPCN opportunities:

• Collaborating on business projects
• Developing camaraderie with members
• Volunteering and building reputation and trust through RPCN committees and projects
• Combating the isolation of a solo business

Common Culture and sharing RPCN’s Values:

• Integrity: Ethical, honest, and transparent
• Mutual Respect: An environment of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Mutual Support: Helping others without expectation of a return
• Community Support: Helping the community outside RPCN

So, are we a Community?

Yes, RPCN is truly a community. Let’s take pride in 35 years of building, evolving, and adapting our RPCN community to the needs of our members and the business community.

A Future Note: Community often means people who share common geography. Until COVID, RPCN members were in the greater-Rochester, NY area with an occasional non-Rochester member. Now, through the magic of Zoom meetings, members are in New York (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse), Massachusetts (Worcester), Pennsylvania (Harrisburg), and Virginia (Falls Church). Our vice president (president-elect) is in Albany. Wow, what type of community will the next 35 years bring to RPCN?

—Bob Lurz

Upcoming RPCN Events

Visit the RPCN website for a list of all upcoming events.

"I Hate Passwords!" (You Are Not Alone)
Presented by Dave Finger
In-Person or Virtually
Friday, February 9, 2024
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Enhancing Human Capital Lunch N' Learn
Topic TBD
Thursday, February 15, 2024
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Business Forum
In-Person or Virtually
Friday, February 16, 2024
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. 

RPCN Board Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend.
In-Person or Virtually
Friday, February 16, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Your Standout Recipe: How to Mix AI & Your Story to Brand and Sell More Consulting
Presented by Annie Franceschi
In-Person or Virtually
Friday, February 23, 2024
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Help Wanted!
Assistant Treasurer

We are looking for an Assistant Treasurer. If you have knowledge, experience, or a background in accounting, you would be an asset to the Rochester Professional Consultants Network (RPCN).   

The Assistant Treasurer would assist the Treasurer in preparing required periodic financial reports, a budget, an audit, and otherwise back up the Treasurer. Some knowledge of QuickBooks is helpful. Many consultants may have these requirements. Full training will be provided by the current Treasurer. This would be a way to use your skills and talents to aid RPCN.  

If interested, please contact Frank Crombe, RPCN Treasurer, 585-255-0837.

We want your news!

Request from the Editors

When submitting material to be included in the RPCN newsletter, please:
1. Send the submission TO newsletter@rochesterconsultants.org and not to individuals.
2. Include the words “For RPCN Newsletter” in the subject line. (Some people send articles to ALL RPCN members themselves, and it is often difficult to distinguish those that are being circulated independently from those intended for inclusion in the newsletter.)
3. Please attach a .doc instead of typing your submission within the email.