Thanks for the memories!

I must admit there was trepidation on my part when Peter Oppenheimer asked me to join the board as a director six years ago. I'm sure if you ask, he'll tell you the same. At the very least, he was probably wondering who this nut was and what's with the verb for a last name. Is he coming or going. I could probably write quite a bit about the ways the name can be used. Ima Going, William Bob for Will B Going or Edward Zachary for EZGoing ... the list goes on for a while but I digress.
 

Why the concern on my part? Naturally there's the question of whether you have enough time in the calendar to take on additional responsibilities, however I was more concerned about the perception of the organization as a whole. In my mind it had gotten old, archaic, irrelevant ... geez, it was still using the name NAPM-New York. Did I really want to be involved with an organization that hadn't kept up with the changes in our profession or I wasn't sure had a true purpose?

My wife, Christine, had always said not to complain about an organization and/or a situation unless you're willing to become part of the solution. So I decided to jump in, thinking maybe we can make changes and how bad can 3 years as a director be? It should go pretty fast.
 

Well the time has gone fast, as I can't believe it's been 6 years, two world class bankruptcies and a term as President.
 

My goal in the beginning seemed pretty simple, how do we make the organization relevant. I likened it to the theme in the movie Field of Dreams, "If you build it, he will come". Well, whether you're an individual, small company or large enterprise, I felt "If we make the organization relevant, they will come". Our membership numbers as well as participation will ultimately grow.
 

I feel confident that, due to the hard work of many individuals, the organization is indeed much more relevant then it was six years ago. Documenting our accomplishments during the past six years will make this letter much longer than necessary so here are just a few of the highlights:

• Name change to ISM-New York, this was no small feat and could not have happened without the time and persistence of the committee handling the change.
• Sourcing Groups have been a success for many years, however we've continued to enhance their structure and purpose. For example, the groups will be managed by Committee Chairs rather than Directors as of the 2012-2013 programing year. This will allow the groups to provide more focus and address more topics as well as make it easier for the board to expand or contract the number of groups as the marketplace dictates.
• The roles and responsibilities of the Directors will change in the new program year to ensure the board is focused on strategic initiatives. Subsequently, the board will now have the following positions:
  • Director of Membership Events
  • Director of Affiliated Development
  • Director of Membership
  • Director of Professional Development
  • Director of Sustainability & Social Responsibility
  • Director of Supplier Diversity
• Membership meetings, need I say more. Attendance at our membership meetings has increased as we've changed both the venues and times. Morning, afternoon and evening meetings are available to accommodate the various schedules of our membership and I believe most everyone will agree the quality of services has increased immensely.
• The board has documented the goals and objectives of the organization to ensure there's true accountability in the coming years.
• Although there was a dip in the total number of members as a result of the economy and a change in large corporate memberships driven by ISM National, I'm pleased to report that our numbers are again increasing.
• The ISM-New York Report on Business is getting more coverage by the leading news outlets as we continue to tweak its focus and overall process.
• And let us not forget, ISM-New York being recognized as a "2011 Chapter of Excellence" at this year's ISM Annual International Conference in Baltimore. This is a first for our chapter and it's an honor that the work of our leadership, members and Executive Director team will be acknowledged nationally.

Although I'm proud to have played a small part in many of these changes, it could not have happened without the work of many individuals. That being said, as my term as President comes to an end, I have many to thank.
 

First, I want to thank my colleagues on the board both past and present. It's been a pleasure serving with all of you and I'm confident that the current slate of officers and directors will continue to take the organization in the right direction. Your officers for the next 3 years, Laura Grana, Keith Hines and Gary Smith will be excellent leaders.
 

Secondly, I'd like to thank the membership. We cannot succeed without your willingness to embrace change and participate in the affiliate's services and events. The board has built the ball field and you've chosen to join us. Thanks.
 

Third, you cannot overlook the work that Jim and Diane have done as Executive Directors. They've become true change agents and Diane's efforts have made my term as president a pleasure.
 

And last but not least, I'd like to thank my wife Christine for her support, understanding and motivation.
 

One last note, I strongly suggest that each of you give service on the board or as a committee chairperson a try. Although it does take time and dedication, you'll see that it's not what you may think and you may find, as I have, the experience to be extremely fulfilling both professionally and personally.
 

This is not good bye, as I look forward to my term as Director of National Affairs, nevertheless ...
 

Thanks for the memories.