News
A Letter from Our Executive Director
Reflections on a Great Year, An Excellent Organization
Greetings IMAA Family,
As I raise my head to come up for air, I recognize that I am now into my seventh year as the leader of this great organization. And in order to keep moving forward to enhance our members’ experience in IMAA, it is appropriate to perhaps look into the rear view mirror at the year that has just unfolded.
Although I am somewhat reluctant to measure the success of 2024 by attendance numbers at our events, it is difficult to ignore the fact that we have achieved record numbers at our events this year. I am even less reluctant as IMAA Staff to take credit for these successes. However, I have been scolded and encouraged by members and IMAA Board Members alike to take a moment to recognize and reflect on the fact that these successes very much align with the efforts that we put forth every day to provide memorable and quality experiences for the membership. So therefore, we should take a moment to tip our collective caps at a job well done.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank and congratulate the IMAA committees, Committee Chairs and certainly our Board of Directors for their tireless efforts to support the association in all of its endeavors and grasping their roles to be the front wheel of this proverbial bicycle providing direction and vision while staff propel the organization forward. I should mention that the bicycle reference comes from a recent Board and Committee Chair Orientation Training that was offered to our group. It clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of all concerned to maintain a cohesive and productive environment. It references the Board and Committee Chairs as part of the front wheel of the bicycle and the staff as the rear. The training also placed emphasis on all of our fiduciary responsibilities as they not only relate to the financial success of the organization but taking ownership of the overall viability of the IMAA in terms of supporting everything that we do by helping to ensure that members of their own organizations remain informed and supportive of the association’s many activities and events.
As this newsletter is only designed to provide you with a snapshot of the activities and events of 2024, I would like to encourage all of us to place emphasis on the forward progress of the association as well as our industry and perhaps ask ourselves what more can I do to provide more support to IMAA. If you are currently assigned to one of IMAA’s many committees, maybe you could commit to an increased level of attendance and participation. Or maybe you’re not currently assigned to a committee and have qualities to offer – you could make this your year to get involved. If you are not familiar with our committees, I would like to direct your attention to the IMAA website (indmaa.org) for a list of committees and their charters.
The Winter Workshops will be here before we know it on February 3-5. I look forward to seeing all of our members there.
Thank you all for your membership.
Sincerely,
Calvin Lee, IMAA Executive Director