Farewell to a Dear Friend and Colleague

The last few weeks have been emotionally tough for me. Our dear friend and employee Kimmie Jacob died. Kim was our longest working employee. I started Meeting Coordinators, Inc. in July of 1988; as of this month we are celebrating our 35th Anniversary. Just a few years later I hired Kim on a part-time basis. She had experience working for caterers and at the Troy Marriott in convention services. When she married Gary she joined him at the family business: Jake's Automotive. She told me she missed getting dressed up and wanted to work part time at our client awards programs, conferences and special events. What an asset Kim was to our team. You could always count on her for her work ethic, team spirit and quick wit. Everyone loved working with Kim--it was such a cheerful aura she always brought to our events. You may remember seeing her at the registration desk. Over the years she assisted with SAE, MSE Detroit, Women in Defense, Project Management Institute programs and too many more to list. She was not only a valuable employee but my dear friend always. With Jake's Automotive Repair Shop she helped me with a series of automotive repairs on my teenage daughter’s cars. You know kids and cars…always something. Kim was ready to help and provide a good laugh along the way. She is so missed. It still has not settled in that she will no longer be on the work roster and our lunch/dinner get togethers. On June 21, her heart just gave out. I want to think it was because she had so much love in her that it just couldn’t hold it all anymore. RIP Kimmie, we all loved you dearly.

Kimberly Sue Jacob

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT:

We are pleased to announce that I will be speaking at the August 16th meeting for Michigan Society of Government Meeting Planners. The topic is “Financial & Contract Management.” The meeting is open to non-government meeting planners too. Looking forward to seeing my meeting planning colleagues in Flint at the Hilton Garden Inn for lunch.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE:

I was recently introduced to a fun website. If you are a trivia buff you will also like this site. I believe it is really designed for kids…but we are all a kid at heart in the summer. Check it out: The Kid Should See This: Smart videos for curious minds of all ages.

Enjoy your summer….and appreciate the cherished ones in your life. Life is short.

Ann

Ann K. Bruttell

President, Meeting Coordinators, Inc.

abruttell@meeting-coordinators.com