Transition and Reflection

It is no coincidence that the October message from the board each year is written by the President. It is a wonderful opportunity for that person to think about and share the status of the Chapter, and to celebrate the change of our "chapter year", which happens November 1.

This has been a remarkable year for ASTD-Cascadia, filled with strengthened initiatives, new ways to reach and serve members, and a membership that never ceases to impress.

It is difficult to avoid a laundry list of the accomplishments our chapter has made over the year to date. For example:

• Our first ever Impact Awards, designed to recognize the great work our community is doing.

• A thriving geographic interest group in Bend.

• New student chapters in Portland and Corvallis.

• A new professional development series on eLearning.

• New ways to recognize and encourage volunteers (and more volunteers than ever!). 

• A stellar conference lineup next month.

• A comprehensive chapter financial review (resulting in kudos for our practices). 

• A consistent array of great events, including national speakers like Harold Stolovich.

• More chapter members than any time in recent history.

And this is an abbreviated list!

I am frequently asked by other chapters around the country how we make all of this possible. I submit that there are three reasons.

Foremost, our committed and talented membership. The fact that so many members volunteer is a testament to your dedication and ability. I'm both humbled and grateful for your service.

Second, perhaps the volunteers who most need to be committed: our board. We have one of the most high-functioning boards around, and almost all of them are supported by tremendous committees and teams. It's rare to find such a great group who is also so easily plied with sweets and wine!

Finally, our secret weapon. Kathleen Bergquist, our business manager, keeps the mechanics of our chapter working smoothly, and supports our volunteers, members, and board in innumerable ways. She is a linchpin of the operations.

We are in the midst of membership renewal season, and a different kind of renewal is taking place as well: an opportunity for renewal of energies on the board as I transition into Past President and Sheryl Alstrin becomes President in November. She is immensely qualified and talented, and I know she will continue leading the chapter to new heights.

Her toughest job, I think? Keeping up with the great work of our members.

Happy new year!

Aaron Munter
President
aaron@oetc.org

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