Message from the Chair – August 2021

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything” - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Ah Summer Time, Sweet Summer Time!!

It seems like eons since the last section meeting in May. Although there aren’t monthly meetings during the Summer, the Section Leader Committee continues its work during this time to create events, build the 2021-2022 Program Year and begin work on the 2022 Business Plan. I am especially proud of the work done on the business plan because it was the first time it was done virtually and more importantly; it was the first-time members at large were included in the process. The May meeting attendees were given a tutorial on strategic planning, an overview of the SWOT analysis tool and immediately provided input into the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to our section. The attendees were invited to additional interactive Zoom sessions to provide their perspective, rank the ideas and complete the SWOT analysis. RUs were given to the participants of this unique experience, and I want to personally thank the following individuals for their work to improve our section.

Jim Anderson Don Brecken Mark Dulemba

Nury Duque-Feghali Bob Gerritsen Karen Grant

Brian Horstman Jonathan Maneval Leslie Miller

Deanne Morin Shirley Poeder Brian Vander Weele

Sarah Waddell Chad Wittkopp

This exercise was a great example of members contributing to the section without the commitment of being a full-time committee member. There are many section activities that need to be done, especially the action items identified by the SWOT analysis. Please consider volunteering in the future and feel free to reach out to any member of the Section Leadership Committee for more details.

Thank you for considering this opportunity!

Ken Phillips,

Chair Grand Rapids Section 1001