Thanksgiving is upon us! Here are a few things AZMPI and I are thankful for in 2009!
- We thank a very committed Board of Directors who make AZMPI run like a finely tuned DeLorean, (sorry I couldn’t resist).
- We thank a very talented slate of speakers who have given very freely of themselves to train and educate our attendees and add true value to our MPI memberships.
- We cherish our Chapter Business Manager Holly Duckworth and Facilitator Rick Weaver, both who assisted our leadership team in developing our business plan last June, and who will come back to “check under our hood” in January. Thank you for guiding and supporting us.
- We appreciate our wonderful property sponsors who open their venues to AZMPI with such fantastic meeting space, expert audio visual support, tasty food and beverage, and of course great service. You serve MPI well and make us look good, no great! Our valued suppliers and their “in kind” sponsorships give more than most any other chapter in the world. We share this fact with MPI International on a regular basis.
- We respect the sacrifice and time commitment that members from outside the Valley exhibit to come to our events from all over the state on a regular basis. We try to come out to you at times, but you clearly do the heavy lifting and driving to cash in on your MPI experience, and we appreciate the efforts you make to join us.
- We applaud MPI President and CEO Bruce Macmillan for his vision and support of our industry in a time when it’s needed more than ever. As our economy turns the corner and is on the way back up, we thank you Bruce for putting “The Business of Meetings” in perspective as you let the world know how important our industry is to the US and world economies.
- We thank all my fellow chapter presidents that I interact with and learn from on a regular basis for their shoulders to lean on and best practices they share. Robbi Hogan from Utah and Chrissy Ward from Chicago come to mind as key “buddies.”
- We truly value our own Past Chapter Presidents who have been there for me with valuable advice and support when certain situations demand a chat on the “Presidential Hotline”. Thanks to Deborah Gardner, LoriAnn Harnish, Kathi Overkamp, Bart Lasner, Jamie Cook, Tara Thain, Cathy Clifton, Cara Tracy, Linda Ruby, Kathy McCarthy, Karolyn Kiburz , Mary Menard, & Kate Christensen to name the past 13, and further back to still-active Bobette Gordon, Anne King, Ed Scannell, Bill Johnson (and of course our beloved Jim Fausel who left us last year). You ALL are to be thanked for your support and continued service to AZMPI. No one can give a chapter President better advice than a Past President.
- We look forward to and enjoy the National MPI events to further educate and connect us to our industry and fellow members from around the world. Thanks to Salt Lake City last July, Cancun Mexico next February, and Malaga Spain also in February for rolling out the red carpet for our members.
- We owe so much to the Executive Team for their talent and dedication that truly keep AZMPI afloat. Past President - Deborah Gardner, President Elect - Laura Scheller, VP of Education - Jennifer Castro, VP of Communications - Michelle Fulcher, VP of Finance - Mark McMinn, and VP of Membership - Beth Longnaker. The rubber meets the road with you six talented Individuals as you lead your directors and chairs in making our MPI dreams a reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- We thank the entire membership for their continued support and willingness to belong to our Arizona Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. In tough times, you cherish your fellow members just a bit more. Those who write that $300+ membership check, sponsorship check or in-kind donation are truly putting their money where their mouths are. Kudos for the time commitment put forth on our chapter’s behalf. Thank you all for what you do for AZMPI, and it’s hoped you find value in what you receive.
- We all love, and in unison, let’s give a big group hug to Joanne Winter, our Executive Director who lives, breathes and bleeds AZMPI 24/7. I always say she is the glue that holds it together. Thank you from the whole team in making us look good and doing the behind-the-scenes magic to make the day-to-day logistics of our chapter look easy, seamless and on track. Turkey and stuffing are very good, but with Joanne at your side, it is truly a Happy Thanksgiving.
Team, on to December we go, with a great “Heavenly Holiday Paw-ty,” on Tuesday, Dec. 15th, at the Hotel Valley Ho (see azmpi.org for details); and a fresh slate of programs coming your way starting in January. I look forward to a fantastic 2010.
Thanks again for your loyalty to MPI. Never be shy to call or write!