The initial ACAP Advisory Council conference call was held via Zoom on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 10.00 – 11:10 AM Eastern U.S. time. Twelve out of fifteen Advisory Council members were in attendance. After introductions and a review of the Advisory Council Charter, ACAP President Ms. Maria Sentic provided an overview of the organization and current projects and plans, followed by a brief Q&A session. This first part of the meeting was followed by a closed session which was attended by only the Advisory Council Members. Discussion focused on the perception of ACAP as an organization, and possibilities and recommendations on how to further strengthen its performance, growth, and impact. Meeting minutes and edited synopsis are provided in the attachments. The next Advisory Council meeting is planned for May of 2025. These discussions will also continue at the 8th Annual ACAP Conference in Las Vegas,
Nevada, October 3-6, 2024.
Key comments and recommendations for the ACAP Board of Directors to consider:
- The accomplishments and growth ACAP has achieved in its 10 years of existence are impressive and exemplary. These are particularly significant given that ACAP is an all-volunteer organization. The organization is serving members in the US and Croatia to stimulate networking, growth, and collaboration. The focus is on improving professionals’ work lives rather than government efforts. It would be desirable if Advisory Council members could provide testimonials or video quotes to help promote ACAP.
- ACAP leadership to focus on two key areas: building awareness to grow membership, and being an advocate for important issues like healthcare improvements in Croatia.
- ACAP to explore ways to better leverage and engage its 2,300 members through improved database management and digital technologies.
- ACAP to consider establishing a healthcare committee or initiative, potentially advised by Dr. Hricak and Dr. Mihaljevic, focusing on cancer, an area of major need and opportunity.
- ACAP leadership to review and potentially narrow its focus areas to increase impact through prioritizing main projects. As an example, the success of the Croatian National Theatre’s 57% membership growth through digitalization and 2 million euro surplus.
- Ambassador Foley is available to advocate for the importance of NATO to Croatia if needed in the future.
- Real estate industry is an area of opportunity to transact business, and a significant issue in Croatia, suggesting it as a potential major topic for future discussion.
Summarized by Steven Pavletic, Advisory Council, August 5, 2024