As my final message as the president of ARM, please forgive a different (and more personal) approach. Instead of talking about the processes and programs that make up our association. I’d like to focus on the people that populate it.
It has been my complete honor to serve all of you as ARM President. You have each made it a great experience for me! I am particularly grateful for those whom I get to rub shoulders with on the Board of Directors. You can all rest assured that each one of these board members is an honorable industry ambassador. And a sincere thank you to those who serve on and lead the committees. It’s encouraging to watch so much time freely and selflessly given to better the association. I would highly recommend you each consider how you can be a part of these fine groups of individuals and volunteers.
I can’t help but express my gratitude for the ARM leaders of yesteryear. What an amazing community they helped build. I feel fortunate to have been able to carry that leadership baton for the past 2 years, and I am excited to now pass it on to those better qualified than I to carry us onward and upward.
And a big thank you to the amazing team that manages our association, on a day-to-day basis. They do far more than any of us realize.
I love the variety of meetings the association holds throughout the year. Some of those are remote, while others are in person. Regardless of the format, I love them mostly because of the people I get to associate with … you. I look forward to shaking hands with new faces, and exchanging stories with old friends.
As I reflect on my ARM membership, I’m reminded of an old quaker proverb … “Thee lift me, and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together”. This has certainly been my experience. Every time I extend help to someone else in the industry, I seem to benefit more so. What a great personal investment it has been for me, and I owe that to so many of you.
Now, in conclusion, please allow a short and heart-felt two-word benediction.
Thank you!
Dru Laws is the President of ARM and the Senior Vice President of Seljan Company in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.
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