ACG Made the Difference

When Senator John Edwards recently ran in the presidential elections along with John Kerry his campaign pitch was that there are two Americas. A catchy phrase, but I believe that even if these two candidates had won the election, there always will be two Americas. The above example is analogous to ACG because I believe that in a positive way there are two ACGs under one umbrella. There are the ACG chapters, and ACG on the global level, which ties all the members, chapters, programs (InterGrowth) and ideas together for maximum benefit. What made a difference for me was becoming involved with both parts of ACG through the managerial side of the organization, first at the chapter level and later at the international level. The more participatory, the more involved, the closer the business friendships, the more respect from others, the more business development. The following is what I learned: * Humility from Walt Howiler, former ACG president, when I was too independent as president of ACG Boston. * Gratitude to Charles Conner, who selected me to run the 1999 InterGrowth in Palm Springs, Calif. * Mentoring from Warner Rosenthal, who coached me throughout my ACG presidency and produced many ideas during my tenure such as emphasizing private equity groups. * Respect for Carl Wangman, who above and beyond his business relationship with ACG has put his heart and soul into this organization. * Patience from Diane Harris, then president of ACG, who encouraged us to let Patrick Hurley grow the Philadelphia chapter his way. * Support from Ken Kovalcik and Alan Gelband during a governance crisis. My former boss always insisted on discernible results in the M&A business. Not every ACG member can definitively point to a deal that was directly attributed to ACG. I can! Several years ago I represented Fashion Neckwear Inc., a $8 million necktie manufacturer that realized its industry was facing a rapid decline. Without John Gullman, former ACG president, my client would never have been able to acquire White Mountain Traders, a $6 million Florina polo shirt company that sourced its products in Asia. My client is more prosperous than ever and totally out of the necktie business seeking additional complimentary acquisitions. ACG has made the difference…not just as a source of M&A transactions but, more importantly, as a source of lifelong friendships. Copyright 2005 Thomson Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.thomsonmedia.com http://www.majournal.com