I hope that everyone was able to attend our May Banking Round Table at Brio Italian Grille and our end-of-year networking event at Boulon Brasserie. These two events were a strong finish to a year full of great events and networking opportunities. As I mentioned in my last letter, my wife and I left the Tampa Bay Area in April, so I haven’t been able to attend the last three events.
For my final letter as your Chapter President, I want to focus on gratitude. Unfortunately, it is something that seems to be in short supply these days. As we look towards the long, hot summer (particularly for those of you who stay in Florida) and wrap up our chapter year, I think it’s a proper time to look back and be grateful.
We should all be grateful to Brian Hanrahan for his tireless work as the chair of our Programs Committee. It was Brian’s first year on the Board and he distinguished himself by putting together an awesome assortment of events that we all benefitted from. Brian has also volunteered to serve in the same capacity for next year. I know that the 2023/2024 Chapter Year will be just as good or better than this year!
I am also grateful to Joanne Dempster, who took over for me when we moved and handled the last three meetings in my absence. As you have no doubt heard, Joanne will be your Chapter President for the next two years and I know you will be in great and capable hands.
I am also grateful to the all the Board Members whose work goes unseen by most of our members, but without whom the chapter couldn’t function. Jay Nudi has been our Treasurer for the last several years and he ensures that our chapter remains financially viable. Brian Adamski and Joanne Dempster run our Philanthropy Committee, with Brian spending countless hours each year organizing our Annual Sporting Clays event. Despite a very busy schedule at work, Mark Winkler has found the time to manage our Membership and Communications Committees.
Last, but certainly not least, Tim Kilkelly and Steve Johnson manage our Sponsorship Committee ensuring the Chapter has access to the essential sponsorship dues that are the financial bread and butter of the Chapter. We also have several Directors who support these committee chairs, including Shirley Risen, Jim Parker, Joe Price, Bill Long, Gary Colbert, Art Singleton, and Chip Storm. I’m pleased to share that Julee Hawkins will also join the board next year.
I am also grateful to our Chapter Administrator, Denise Parker, without whom our events would not be catered as well as they are and to Kelly Storm who has stepped up to take on Denise’s role as the onsite greeter and logistical director for each of our meetings. They have both saved the day on numerous occasions when the bone-headed President forgets to bring the speaker bio or the new member list. There is a ton of work that goes into making each event run seamlessly, and we couldn’t do it without the commitment of Denise and Kelly.
Most of all, I am grateful for you, our Chapter Members. We wouldn’t exist without you and our sole goal is to put on programs that you find useful in your career. I have droned on and on about how important you are to the chapter and what you can do to help us continue to grow. So please, bring a friend or coworker to an event next year and volunteer to serve on the Board if you can find the time.
Thanks to one and all and I hope that everyone has a great and safe summer!
Chapter President
Rob Taylor