IRF Unveils Vision2020

The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) on February 6 launched its Vision2020 initiative and announced its 2015 Board of Trustees.

The IRF’s Vision2020 is a blueprint for the future, ensuring that the IRF will continue to lead the global incentive and recognition industry with actionable research and education by focusing on unification, universal tools, and university alliances.

“In 2010, the IRF charted a new course by broadening its research footprint and expanding educational efforts led by the appointment of Melissa Van Dyke as president,” said Sandra Daniel, chair of the IRF 2015 board of trustees. “Now with Vision2020, we are well-positioned to take our unique role in the recognition and rewards industry to the next level.”

According to Janet Traphagen, vice chair of the board, “After conducting visionary sessions at our last Invitational, the board of trustees was able to design Vision2020. We believe focusing on the three pillars of this Vision will allow us to continue to evolve to meet the needs of our increasingly sophisticated industry.”

The three pillars of IRF’s Vision2020 are:

•  Unification: To cultivate community and collaboration in the global incentive and recognition industry.
• Universal Resources: To amplify the use of IRF research and education in all business disciplines.
• University Alliances: To increase the incentive and recognition research both produced and used by academia and business.

The IRF will expand its current infrastructure, partnerships and research network while employing a number of significant strategies to implement Vision2020, which include launching a new website for easier access to research and education; restructuring and expanding the foundation’s management support by transitioning to Coulter Nonprofit Management in July 2015; and accrediting all IRF education and launching additional events in 2016.

According to IRF Chair Sandra Daniel, “After conducting extensive due diligence, the board of trustees selected Coulter as our management company. Their established track record with prestigious clients and ability to deliver a comprehensive range of services made them the perfect choice to facilitate the IRF’s immediate needs and expansive growth goals.”

Daniel reported, “Over the past five years, we have grown IRF assets by more than 50 percent, research output has doubled, and we have set participation records at our annual event. This was accomplished through strong leadership by the board of trustees and diligent work by the president, Melissa Van Dyke, and Research Officer Rodger Stotz. Some of the best thinking in our industry has brought us to this point and will keep us on this trajectory well into 2020.”

Traphagen said, “Vision2020 is a natural progression to keep building momentum following a five-year period of notable growth and accomplishments for the IRF. Our unwavering focus is to continue to grow the IRF brand and recognition as the ‘go-to’ research authority for the incentive industry globally, with 22 studies in development this year alone.”

The 2015 Executive Committee includes:

• Chair Sandra Daniel, president and CEO of Fire Light Group
• Vice Chair Janet Traphagen, president of Creative Group Inc.
• Secretary Dahlton Bennington, senior meeting planner, A Plus Meetings and Incentives
• Treasurer Mike May, president, Spear One

New Trustees include:

• Mark Alt, S.V.P. of Sales for Maritz
• Michael Freedman, director of group sales, Amstar
• Eugene De Villiers, managing director, Extra Mile Company
• Betty Weinkle, V.P., Blackhawk Engagement Solutions
• Rodney Morrow, director of sales, Green Valley Ranch
• Patrick Smith, senior director of group sales, Leading Hotels of the World

Current Trustees include Brett Hatch, global sales manager, Maui Jim Sunglasses; Bich-Lien Kaldhal, group sales manager at United Airlines; Jim Kelley, V.P. of Industry Relations, PRG; Damon Riddle, account supervisor, BI Worldwide; Mike Ryan, S.V.P,. Madison Performance Group; Scott Siewert, D.V.P., sales USMotivation; Kari Vrba, S.V.P., business development at MotivAction; and Todd Zint, V.P., meetings and event strategy at NFP.

www.theirf.org