Last month the chapter hosted its Annual Meeting in conjunction with the March Succession Planning Program. At that time new board members and officers were elected into office. I am honored to begin my second year as your board president and look forward to a successful year for our chapter.

 

My first course of business is to thank our outgoing board members for their leadership and commitment during their three-year term on the board. Michael Harris, Catrina Payne and Ryan Hiss all played integral roles in our programming and membership growth and will continue to serve on various committees. A special thank you and best wishes to James Bianchi who while on the board served as our Chapter Treasurer and Golf Outing Chair. James has taken a job opportunity within his firm that is outside of the construction industry and we wish him much success.   I'd also like to welcome our new board members, Alex Warner, CliftonLarsonAllen; Tracey Fenolio, FCL Builders; Amy Holmes, Crowe Horwath; and Jason Vanden Bosch, CBIZ/MHM, who will also serve as our Treasurer.  

 

In addition to our board members, our chapter is represented by many leaders; some at the local CFMA level, some at the national level, and many are viewed as leaders throughout their respective industry.  Next month marks the 9th Annual "Build Chicago" Awards Luncheon. The purpose of the "Build Chicago" Awards is to annually recognize a Construction Contractor, a General Member, and an Associate Member in the construction finance industry, who exemplify the highest level of leadership and support for CFMA, their community, and the industry. I would like to take this opportunity to personally congratulate our 2017 Build Chicago Award winners Michael Pohl, John Metz and FCL Builders for their service and leadership. Please join us on Wednesday, May 10 at the University Club to celebrate these honorees and the Chapter's success over the past year.

 

Finally, I wish to thank you for renewing your membership commitment to CFMA. Membership in CFMA demonstrates leadership in the industry.   If you have not yet renewed, we encourage you to do so to prevent a lapse in your member benefits. To those of you who have renewed, I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming program or committee meeting or at the Annual conference in Phoenix June 4-6th. Remember, to make the most of your membership. Get involved - commit to attend one program, education or social event, invite one new member, or join one committee.  I promise you, your "one more" will be returned to you many times over.