Dave Ferrara
Is this a great industry or what? Where else, besides back in our school days, can we look forward to a two week holiday break? Not that I’m complaining mind you. I know. We work our arses off the rest of the time… so I guess a little holiday chill time is warranted.
This is also the time that we can look back at our many accomplishments over the past year and acknowledge some of the many individuals that help make HRTS the amazing organization that it is.
First off, I want to thank HRTS President Kevin Beggs and our great HRTS Board of Directors for all of the time and energy they bring crafting the overall direction of our organization. Every one of our successful events this year has had a board committee that works behind the scenes to insure that we have panels that are relevant, informative and hopefully entertaining. Volunteers all, their service is greatly appreciated.
I also want to thank the many industry leaders who have participated as panelists on our programs. In our business, time is the ultimate valuable commodity and their willingness to take a few hours out of their busy schedules to chat with us is what makes our organization and events so special.
For me, a very special thank you is due my incredible staff. Elvia, Jennie, Ruzzo and Meshack work tirelessly to keep the operation humming on all cylinders. From member services, to the live events, to our ever growing online presence, this small, dedicated team is fully committed to making sure your HRTS member experience is the best it can possibly be.
Lastly, I want to thank our incredible membership. At the end of the day, HRTS is a membership organization, and as such, the value and relevancy of our organization is directly proportional to the quality and quantity of our members. I say it often. HRTS membership represents the best and brightest our industry has to offer. Our ever expanding group includes over 1400 individual and 48 corporate members. Our events and membership are now bi-coastal, and through the wonders of digital technology we are now streaming HRTS events around the globe.
All in all, 2010 has been a pretty good year for HRTS and the future only looks brighter. Who knew, way back in 1947 when the organization was founded that we’d still be here and still be the “only place where the entire leadership of our industry gathers throughout the year…?” It is my sincere honor to be executive director of this historic organization and I look forward to a 2011 filled with even more growth and evolution.
Now, since we only have a few more days before the industry goes into hibernation, I better get back to work on planning the spring portion of your Newsmaker Luncheon schedule! Happy Holidays to everyone and may your 2011 be filled with creative success, stellar ratings and most importantly… short valet lines!
See you next year.
Dave Ferrara