Two Generations, One Mission

1985 was a big year for MHEDA. Cindy Thoren was hired and Natalie Cobb was born.

Ex-police dispatcher Cindy Thoren wants to retire as the longest-serving staff member in MHEDA history.

Cindy Thoren, Project Manager
A lot can change in 22 years on the job, but Cindy Thoren notes that the passage of time has not altered MHEDA’s commitment to its members. As time has passed, she has only seen that commitment grow, especially as technology has made more offerings possible. When she started at MHEDA, the association relied on mail and live events to assist the members. With the advent of e-mail, the World Wide Web and videoconferencing, MHEDA has been able to provide more specialized offerings tailored to members’ needs. “Technology makes everything move much faster today,” Cindy says. “We’re able to eliminate members’ time away from the office while providing informative programs.”

Cindy’s duties have grown from transcribing letters to overseeing the association’s information technology needs—including the MHEDA Web site, which she calls her “pride and joy”—and coordinating a number of the association’s efforts to assist members. Among her duties, she helps members gear up for Convention, coordinates MHEDA surveys, and double-checks member listings in the Annual Directory. As the years went by, Cindy taught herself about technology by simply diving in—even playing solitaire in order to learn to use a mouse.

Faced with the prospect of becoming the breadwinner after her husband lost his job as their hometown’s police chief due to a change at city hall, Cindy answered an ad, and is grateful that she did. “MHEDA just lets you explore your potential and excel,” she says.

When away from work, Cindy enjoys spending time with her three children, her grandson and her plants. “I love gardening throughout the summer, though I don’t claim to have a green thumb,” she says while admitting that she talks to her plants. “My daughter thinks I’m nuts, but the plants on my deck are doing just fine!”

Natalie Cobb strives to keep learning about material handling and be a greater resource to members.

Natalie Cobb, Networking and Communications Coordinator
2007 was busy for Natalie Cobb. She graduated from college, started her job three days later, celebrated a birthday, bought a new house and coped with a hurricane—all while learning the ropes. Through it all, she credits MHEDA’s staff and members with helping her get her bearings in material handling. “Everybody’s so knowledgeable and helpful,” she says.

While majoring in public relations and communications at Illinois State University, Natalie spoke to MHEDA Executive Vice President Liz Richards, a longtime family friend, and discovered her education would fit in perfectly at the association. In May 2007, Natalie joined the staff—the Monday after donning her cap and gown.

Natalie spearheads MHEDA’s networking and communications efforts, including MHEDA-NET. She works to reach out to members, whether speaking to them on the phone, via e-mail or at events. “I like being on-site and being in the action,” she notes.

When not helping MHEDA members, Natalie enjoys travel—her passion since childhood in Germany, where her father served in the U.S. Army. In August 2007, she went to the Cayman Islands—a trip shortened by the arrival of Hurricane Dean. Despite her brush with tropical weather, Natalie enjoys being outside, regardless of the season. She is also particularly proud of her home, which she purchased the week she turned 22, and hopes she’s found a second home at MHEDA, where she already understands the benefits it provides to members. “Everyone at MHEDA truly puts the members first,” she says.

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The MHEDA Journal • First Quarter 2008 • Volume 37, No. 1 • Contents are Copyright © Data Key Communications, Inc.
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