CMA Study Buddies
There are 6 people on their way to getting that CMA designation.  Why get a CMA?  Well, it is self-serving -- you hone up on knowledge that you may not use regularly, but is useful to know when needed and the world of job switching readily ignores those without certifications.  Why is that?  Well, everyone is attempting to reduce their risk exposure -- if they can show that you had a reputable certification, then there is less repercussion to them that due diligence wasn't performed.  You may not like this reality, but the game is in motion and all you have to do is to decide whether you want to participate (eg. continue to be between transition rather than in-transition).  Check out their information under the Members menu item concerning Knowledge and Forums. 

FENG
For those of you that are in senior financial roles and have an interest in extending your professional network, I recommend FENG (Financial Executives Netowrk Group - www.thefeng.org).  No dues, but admission to the group is by referral and must be approved by Matt Budd, the group's organizer.  There are over 50,000 members worldwide that have each gone through this same process.  The local Greensboro Piedmont Triad chapter of FENG holds meetings generally on the third monday of the month.  Details can be found on the FENG page of this site under the Careers menu item above.