Maurizia Hinse part of AWNA’s family for 30 years
On February 13, 2019 we celebrated Maurizia Hinse’s 30 years of service to AWNA.
After seven years of being a stay-at-home mom, Maurizia decided it was time to go back to work. She enrolled in computer courses and brought herself up to date with the latest software programs. Upon completing her course, she took a temporary job with the AWNA in December 1988.
In February of 1989, the AWNA was more than happy to offer her a full time position, which she accepted.
She started as Receptionist/Front Office Administrator. In those days, publishers would phone the AWNA office and were always greeted by Maurizia. She got to know their voices, their names and the newspapers they represented. She had started upon her path to becoming part of the AWNA family.
She was always offering her help to others in the office. Then office manager Joan King and Executive Director Dennis Merrell would ask for her help in convention planning/organizing; every Thursday she would proof read the 100 or so blanket classifieds with Andrea Carreau; she also got a taste of ad make-up using the now defunct Ventura Publisher program.
In 1992, Maurizia organized her very first convention. She had an innate ability to organize these meetings having had very little training. She learned something new and valuable from every event and used this information to help make the next one a success. Following her first crack at the Convention, she took on the organization of the Spring Meeting.
The following year, Maurizia organized her first newspaper symposium, again, with little formal training or experience. She tackled the project with gusto and made it a success.
Throughout the years, she took on other duties; the Write On Contest; Bing Crosby Golf Tournament; C. A. MacLean bursary program; display ad material; ad invoices, the coordination of numerous committees and recorded minutes at board meetings and annual general meetings.
She currently handles the Blanket Classified and Value Ad Programs; organizes the Annual Convention, handles invoicing for the display department, various front office duties and is always willing to help or fill in where she is needed.
Her priority has always been to serve the members of the AWNA. She has had a role in shaping AWNA’s history and has helped define what service to the AWNA members really means. Maurizia is happy to be part of the AWNA family and will always hold this close to her heart.