Dear ABWA Friends,

Wow!  Did you hear that?  It was a bang!  That’s how 2008 began for ABWA members and groups all across the country.  Your 2007-2008 National Board of Directors is watching this unfold and folks this is really thrilling stuff!  Right out of the gate, members are buzzing about their local meetings and events, cultivating best practices and making plans for district conferences.  If I had a crystal ball, there is no doubt that we’d see an exciting year of growth, fun, excitement and change ahead.  Success and energy are in the air and IT IS CONTAGIOUS!  I see it everywhere I go and I certainly do feel it.  You feel it, too, don’t you …..

For the last few years, ABWA National has provided some extremely powerful, “ABWA Extreme Makeover” Workshops at District Conferences.   Designed with you and me in mind, these workshops have been continued (and restructured annually) to provide our members with the necessary equipment to shape our association for the next 60 years.  Our Kansas City HQ Staff is listening.  They are watching and learning, and taking those lessons and transforming them into enlightening tools for group and individual development and accomplishment.  This path is really not new.  It is and always will be the very essence of the ABWA Mission Statement.  Interpretation may change somewhat with the times, but the true meaning is what keeps you and me coming back for more. 

Again this year, you’ll see more exciting changes at District Conferences.  One in particular that has your national officers all abuzz is that WE, (your national board) will be presenting the “Best Practices” Extreme Makeover Workshops!  How’s that for connecting “Best Practices”?  The keys to growth and retention are found in ABWA’s “Best Practices”.  Just like Dorothy … we’ve had the power all along.

Vic’s ole travel calendar is filling up and as I look forward to seeing you all I am filled with anticipation.  From my viewpoint, I can see the true measure of our success as we work side-by-side and ladies and gentlemen, it’s a beautiful sight!
   
As you embark on your ABWA journeys, know that you are never alone.  Your National Board is here for you always.  We’ll be everywhere this spring and we know you will be, too.  Safe travels and until then ……
   
In ABWA Love and Friendship,

2007-2008 National Vice President
2006-2007 District II Vice President