MSAE Through the Years

1956 - A small group of executives form the Association of Trade Executives.  Its 25 members, who are predominantly male, each pay $5 in annual dues.

1960 - Renamed the Minnesota Society of Association Executives, the organization is run completely by volunteers.

1963 - Roger Toussaint, executive director of the St. Paul Convention & Visitors Bureau, volunteers to serve as MSAE's executive secretary.  He remains on the job for 25 years.

1976 - Ruth Lunde of the Minnesota Nurses Association becomes the first woman to serve as chairman of the board.

1988 - MSAE expands its membership to businesses that supply associations with products, services, and meeting facilities.  Kathy Johnson is hired as the first full-time staff member.

1990 - Member benefits proliferate with the launch of several award programs, a monthly newsletter, and an annual trade show.

1992 - MSAE moves into their first headquarters, Iris Park Place Building, 1885 University Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Added charitable event to Holiday Party. 

1993 - American Society of Association Executives held in Minneapolis.  Conducted industry salary survey.  Started MSAE pension plan.

2000 - To better reflect its geographic reach, MSAE becomes the Midwest Society of Association Executives.

2004 - ASAE annual meeting held in Minneapolis.  Held two golf tournaments and created an electronic newsletter.

2005 - Job shadowing and intership programs are introduced, to raise awareness of association management as a career.

2006 - MSAE marks its 50th year with more than 900 members and a full schedule of monthly educational events, including symposiums, peer-to-peer networking luncheons and webcasts.

2007 - Moved MSAE headquarters to Roseville Office Plaza, 1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Roseville, Minnesota. 

2009 - Expanded member benefits to include social media sites.  Created official MSAE blog for members to follow MSAE.  The economy is down, but MSAE remains strong.