The Chapter is Ending, Not the Book

Three years ago, when I was running for the GBTA Board of Directors, my speech was about playing by the rules.  That’s how I live my life, that’s how I work and that’s how I play.  By this time next week, others will have asked for your votes and a new BOD will be forming.  I can look back over the last three years and tell you, I played the rules.  I asked the questions that needed to be asked and I pushed people to think about things differently than they ever had.  I also pissed a few people off along the way….oh well, that’s life. 

Under the leadership of Donna Kelliher and Christle Johnson, I can tell you GBTA, is stronger and set on the right course for 2020.  We accomplished things that were asked of us including compensation review, strategic alignment, review the global footprint and improved our education offering to our members.  This year we have contested races on both the allied and direct side and to me, that means people see this as an organization they want to help with its further development.  I’m excited to see how the candidates do. 

Speaking of members, we have lost some.  We have also gained some.  GBTA isn’t the right place for everyone but then again, neither is Fargo ND, so that’s proof that everyone is different and that’s okay.  I fielded many calls, emails and conversations over the last three years from direct and allied members who had something to say.  I loved every interaction and I took your comments, questions and inquiries to heart and the meetings. 

When I leave, I am pleased to say that when a chapter closes, another one begins.  I will be taking some of my time and resources to sit on the Board of Regents for a college here in North Dakota.  I am honored to have been asked and can’t wait to be a part of this team.  Trust me, that doesn’t mean my support and actions around this industry will stop, I will always be active in making this industry strong and the people in it stronger! 

Lastly, the team…my other Board members.  Did we always agree?  NO!  Did we always get along?  No.  Is every single member of the board passionate about making GBTA better?  YES!  I formed relationships with many as a result of my time on the board and I will miss most of you the team. 

My blog was originally created around my campaign but I enjoy having a place where I can share my thoughts, get some great feedback from the readers and use my writing to make people think about crazy stuff…like my old bag.  So, I am going to keep it going because after all, that’s what we do….keep going.