In a business organization such as ours, individual membership is naturally emphasized with the corporate component taking a back seat by default.  There is nothing inherently wrong with this of course since that is the natural makeup of most industry specific organizations. However, there is a new level of appreciation that is emerging on how we can advance our profession, and continue to grow as a chapter, while developing a closer relationship with our corporate neighbors.   
 
          There may be companies in our own vicinity whose employees are members of PMI, yet the company that person is associated with may not understand fully the results that can be achieved by adapting the latest practices of project management.
          
          Besides the companies that specialize in delivering training and consulting services in project management, there are many others in the Boston area that embrace and practice the best our profession has to offer.   But at the same time, it is not unreasonable to think there are a number of companies in the local area are interested in being informed of the latest project management tools and techniques available but are not exactly sure where to turn to for such information.   
 
          The Project Management Institute is an ever evolving organization. As one of its largest chapters, we are in the unique and privileged position of being in the forefront of promoting the profession to a diverse group of companies in this area – from innovative start-ups to well established world-wide companies.  With the creation of the Corporate Relations Committee, efforts are now underway to find out who these companies are and how we can help them understand the various aspects of project management.  Our aim is to increase their awareness of how PMI in general and our chapter in particular can help them identify the resources available to them by way of  meetings, seminars, workshops, training and publications – all with the aim of helping  them manage their projects efficiently, effectively and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
 
          The first step in helping our local companies is to understand who they are and where they stand along the practice spectrum of project management.  This requires understanding the corporate demographics around us.  One approach is to learn more about the companies that are represented by our membership. Once we know this, the easier it is for us to approach them with an offer of assistance that is most appropriate to their current project management needs.
 
          Expect to see future articles coming from this committee that expands upon our efforts of identifying companies we can mentor, and the steps we are taking to help support companies that look to project management to enhance their business performance.
 
          Meanwhile, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding the workings of the Corporate Relations Committee, they can be directed to corporaterelations@pmimassbay.org.