PRESIDENT’S LETTER

As August approaches, my term as president is coming to an end. This will be my last message as president of the National Costumers Association. It is a bittersweet moment for me. These past two years have been exciting, challenging, and educational to say the least. All the past presidents have left their signature on this wonderful organization. Their examples have guided me through the ins and outs of being president. I think it’s fair to say that with any job or position you hold, you grow in stature. The position of president of the NCA has forced me to reach outside my comfort zone, to explore my inner strength and mental capability and come to terms with what I could and could not do. I have never once regretted the time and effort I have invested in this association. If I gave 100 percent of myself, which I tried to do, it is still not be enough to repay the wealth of knowledge and friendships I have taken away.

My main goal as president was to move this organization forward in a positive way. The NCA needed to restructure its focus and change with the times. As I have been reading and organizing the history of the NCA for our 100th celebration in August, I am continually amazed at the creativity and dedication of our past members. The nine charter members of this organization in 1923 wanted the same things we want now. They wanted success, they wanted their businesses to be recognized as legitimate places of employment, and they wanted to create and sell the best, most interesting products they could make or buy. They wanted an organization to belong to where like shop owners could support each other and share ideas and struggles. They had their problems, but they did what it took to keep the association going, to keep the group moving forward as a whole.

Each of us joined the National Costumers Association because we loved costuming, and we loved designing. We, too, needed a place to share our ideas, solve our costuming problems, and make friends/mentors who held the same goals as we did. It is my hope that we will all strive to support this great organization and help it continue to grow.

It has been a pleasure and honor to serve as your president these past two years. I appreciate the support and confidence you have shown me, as I endeavored to build up and strengthen this wonderful association. I am deeply thankful for an amazing Board of Directors, who supported me and worked tirelessly to make this organization more relevant and worthwhile for its members.

Our 100th birthday celebration is August 4 through August 6 in Indianapolis, Indiana. How exciting for an organization to reach this milestone. I hope you are all considering coming to the party, and reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.

Respectfully,

Pam Markel, President National Costumers Association

Illusive Skull Costume Castle, Fairmont, West Virginia

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