I open Constant Contact to write my little note to the Indiana members and I see the above quote. Our Newsletter Editor was throwing something in my spot to hold space, and it is most fitting for my first letter of the new year, and may be the last note as President.  It is true, my first term as chapter president is almost over (where did the last 2 years go?) and.... Everyone is awesome!  We have 1,350 members (last count) and every single one of you makes our organization, AMTA, the most respected in the industry. Thank you for being awesome!  

I've grown so much as I learned to lead a chapter, accept change, and to find my strength to do some jobs I very much did not want to do.  Guess what, I did them and I survived!  I spent a lot of time trying to guilt members into taking a volunteer position and for that I apologize.  Your board members and I will not be doing that anymore!  You can come to our meetings and know that we won't hang you from your toenails until you say yes.  Yes, we will probably ask you but we will respect your answer.  

I saw the words in the poster to the right on social media and it is now the background on my computer screen.  This poster is true in many facets of my life.  My new year resolution is to quit chasing. I am choosing to be the best I can be; so you, the member, can know that I am here for you and by seeing that you will want to come to me and let me know your strengths and how you want to help.  

I began my presidency with a few volunteers.  None of us knew what we were doing.  I found out that National has it all spelled out in neat and easy to follow toolkits for the chapters to use.  We have a policy manual that gives us all the information on how to be a chapter...we get free-will in which programs we choose to do or not do in our state...all of that depends on the members.  "What do you want?"  I want an emergency response team in our state.  I can't have one if no one else wants it.  Guess what!  Members do want it and the Tennessee Chapter is allowing us to come to a training meeting so we can get one started!  Once our volunteer learns her position and what is required she will work at getting the CSMT training in Indiana.  Lorrena Story will update us after she attends the training weekend in February.

This newsletter has our upcoming education included, you will see that we are going to try offering lunch on both Saturday and Sunday because YOU asked for it!   Our state conference is also when we have our chapter elections. This year includes the position of president.  Are you ready to lead an amazing chapter?   What was the the hardest part of my job over the last two years?  Working on the bill that would become law.  I didn't know anything about government.  I didn't want to waste our chapter money on licensing efforts when it hadn't worked any other year.  I said I would do my duty if I had help from our National leaders...and now we have licensure!  Our 20+ year battle is over.  National staff makes every part of our chapter running easy.  We now have volunteer positions almost full which will allow you to accomplish your goals that you set.  If you have been a member for at least 2 years you can run for this amazing position!  Other election spots include secretary, board member and delegate. You will find more information about the spots in this newsletter or you can email me! Oh, and I just want to remind you that I too have a busy life, with management skills you can do it all! 

As we tighten our financial belts this board took a look at what we spend our money on and we shifted some things around at the last two chapter board meetings as we worked on the budget.  We  got rid of our stipends, computer purchases, and registration to National Convention.  We will be reimbursed for money we spend doing our jobs and we will go to convention for leadership training.   

Our next business meeting is also a time that our chapter presents awards to members who improve our industry in an altruistic way.  Do you know someone who should be recognized?  Or maybe you would like to share your own accomplishments.  Don't let the application scare you away, submit what you do know and our awards chair can help you find the rest of the information.    Please note the deadlines for applications, they are shorter this year; March 15 for state awards and April 1 for National.  

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as your president on the AMTA chapter board, life is good!  Bucket list item check off! 

Kimberly M Pucka, CMT, BCTMB