This most likely will be my final communication to you in my role of IABC/Chicago Chapter President. As of July 1, Ken Groh will begin his term as Chapter President, leading an outstanding group of communication professionals. We are truly blessed to have them leading us forward.
I could not have asked for a finer group of people to serve with during this past year. Even at our final board of directors meeting last night, the ideas and energy continued to flow. We just ran out of time!
Thanks to the strategic thinking and excellent follow-through of our board members and committee volunteers, we accomplished most of the goals that we set last July at the board””s strategic summit & orientation meeting at the Catalyst Ranch.
The big emphasis that remains as a focus of the new board, is on membership recruitment, retention and involvement. The free networking and professional development event listed above is just one example of the opportunities you have been given this year to connect with other IABC/Chicago members. Networking is one of the membership benefits valued by many of the people who responded this year to our membership survey.
In the coming year, you will have a rare opportunity to serve on the team of volunteers who will welcome 1,500 of the top communicators from around the world, as they come to Chicago for the 2012 IABC World Conference.
Although I””ll soon be the chapters past president, I””m not headed toward retirement just yet. I””m honored to have been chosen as the Chair of the 2012 World Conference Hospitality Task Force.
In the coming months, you””ll be hearing much more about our plans, and how you can participate. For now, enjoy this video that was created by IABC/Chicago members in tandem with Image Base. It was shown just last week at the Closing Session of the 2011 IABC World Conference in San Diego.
Exciting days are ahead, and I can””t wait to share them with you!
Warm regards,
Tom Keefe