“Where does the time go?” I know it’s cliché, but that statement is so true as I write this final President’s Message. The last 11 months have been a whirlwind amidst the usual challenges of volunteer leadership, combined with a change in the economic environment that most of us did not fully predict. Our industry, more than most, has faced scrutiny and has been questioned about our core business values and yet, I can say with full confidence that the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter has survived and thrived in the adversity. Our total number of members is almost exactly the same as it was at the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1), which is a remarkable accomplishment considering that many US chapters of MPI have seen drops in membership as big as 30%. Your chapter leaders have continued to focus on providing top-notch educational and networking opportunities in order to further your personal and professional success. And, most importantly, the membership at large has come together to support each other in numerous ways, from members making it a priority to “Buy MPI” to financially supporting members that have been affected by illness, family crises, or job losses. The 430+ individuals that make up this Rocky Mountain Chapter are an incredible group!
There have been several highlights of this year and I’d like to share a few of them with you, as I hope these were highlights for most of you as well. Although it was technically in the last fiscal year, the 2008 MPI/PCMA golf tournament in Keystone was amazing. Our golf committee took a chance in taking this classic event out of the Denver metro area and into the mountains, but the risk was more than worth the results! Both organizations enjoyed participation from a variety of members and having the opportunity to support our mountain members was a thrill. In October we launched a re-vamped model of our traditional silent and live auction and it was an incredible success! The Chinese auction format was wonderfully interactive, resulting in great networking opportunities and incredible financial support for our chapter’s educational programs. March brought us the 9th annual MIC Conference and Tradeshow – a great event that continues to allow our 12 industry associations the opportunity to come together, learn, and network in a format that is not available in many other parts of the country. MPIRMC’s participation in this annual event is an opportunity to showcase the core values of our organization and to earn additional funds for our chapter.
Amidst these amazing events lies what has been the highlight of highlights for me – the opportunity to serve with an incredible group of volunteer leaders. The Board of Directors of MPIRMC, along with numerous committees, are the lifeblood of this chapter and without the countless volunteer hours put in by this group of people, our chapter would cease to function, let alone succeed. The dedication to excellence that runs through the hearts of each of these leaders is unparalleled; the passion they have to meet and exceed the members’ expectations inspires me every day. I would like to personally thank each volunteer leader in the Rocky Mountain Chapter for giving your all to making this organization so phenomenal.
Finally, it is my pleasure to introduce your in-coming president, Mr. Steve Kinsley. Steve is a natural leader who has great vision for MPIRMC and the industry at large. He is passionate about taking this chapter to the next level and serving the membership in the best way he can. You’ll be hearing from Steve at the gala next month as well as in his first President’s Message this summer, but I wanted to assure you you’ll be in very capable hands. 2009-2010 will be an exciting year!
It has been an honor and a humbling experience to serve as your President. Thank you for the opportunity to lead and for your trust in me – I will never forget this year and look forward to continuing to serve the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter!
