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Kicking Off 2025 with Momentum: Let’s Keep the Energy Going
Welcome to 2025! I hope this year brings you growth, success, and the opportunity to make an even greater impact in conservation communications. The start of a new year is always an opportunity for reflection and renewal, but it’s also a chance to kick things into high gear—and that’s exactly what’s happening within ACI right now. From a fresh new look to exciting updates, we’ve got a wave of momentum that’s carrying us into the future. And just as momentum has been building within ACI, it’s the perfect time for each of us to tap into that energy and drive it into our own work, our own projects, and our own personal growth.
A New Look, A New Era
One of the most visible signs of this momentum is our brand-new logo, which we’re thrilled to unveil. After months of hard work, we’ve seen an idea come to life and evolve into something that reflects ACI’s vision for the future. This reimagined logo is more than just a fresh design—it’s a symbol of the progress we’ve made and the exciting road ahead. Much like the work we do, this logo embodies transformation, growth, and a shared commitment to conservation communications.
At the end of last year, we held a logo design contest, inviting our talented ACI member designers to submit their best ideas. A panel of ACI officers, board members, and committee chairs carefully reviewed all the submissions, and after much discussion, we’re excited to announce that Smokey Solis from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has won the contest with his innovative reimagining of the ACI logo. Smokey’s design will now serve as the official symbol of ACI as we move into the future.
Building for the Future
But it doesn’t stop there. ACI is also riding the wave of momentum as we develop a brand-new website. This overhaul is not just about a sleek new design with a new logo—it’s about creating a platform that better supports our community, our resources, and our mission. While we’re still finalizing the details, you can expect the new site to launch in the next several months. This project is an example of the energy we’re investing in our future, and we’re excited for the ways it will enhance your experience as a member.
Awards and Recognition: Momentum in Action
Another exciting opportunity to keep the momentum flowing is the 2025 ACI Awards Contest, which is now open for submissions! The contest is a chance for you to showcase your best work from 2024, gain valuable feedback from judges, and see how your efforts compare to your peers across the country. Your participation not only fuels your own professional growth but also helps propel ACI forward—each entry fee contributes to supporting the organization that brings us all together. So, why not seize this moment and enter your best work, and also channel your energy into an award-winning project in 2025 for next year’s contest!
Conferences and Connections: Keep the Ball Rolling
And of course, the 2025 ACI Conference is just around the corner. As we head to Atlantic City, New Jersey this July, it’s another fantastic opportunity to keep the momentum going. Linda DiPiano and her team at the New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife have been hard at work organizing a rewarding and educational experience for attendees. Be sure to mark your calendars for July 21-24—registration will be opening soon, so keep an eye out for conference announcements in the coming months.
If you are interested in going, or are in a position to send some of your staff, I highly encourage you to attend the conference. It’s a time to learn, connect, and recharge alongside colleagues who share your passion for conservation communication. With registration opening soon, be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to join us for an unforgettable experience that will inspire you to continue building momentum in your own work.
Harnessing Your Own Momentum
All of these exciting developments within ACI are a testament to the energy and passion of our members. But the real magic happens when we take that collective momentum and channel it into our individual efforts. As you dive into 2025, I encourage you to think about how you can harness the momentum and apply it to your own projects. Whether it’s a new initiative at work, a personal goal you’ve been meaning to tackle, or a challenge you’re ready to overcome, now is the time to ride the wave of excitement and push forward with confidence.
As we look ahead to all the opportunities 2025 has in store, let’s remember that momentum and positivity are contagious. The more we share, the more we grow. So, let’s keep this energy going and make 2025 our most impactful year yet.
Here’s to a year of forward motion—both within ACI and in all that we do!
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