President’s Podium

DECEMBER 2016

Kimberly Hartley

NLGI Executive Director

Well, another year has passed by in the blink of an eye it seems. I think I say that every year! 2016 brought a great deal of change in our industry, and as a result NLGI is also changing to provide more services to you, our Members. Dealing with change is challenging but also a chance to improve and grow, and perhaps head in a different direction than you ever thought of.

There were some sad times this past year, particularly the passing of Ralph Beard. I miss him both personally and professionally, and sure missed seeing him at the Annual Meeting this past June. Additionally, Marilyn Brohm chose to resign her position with NLGI at our September Board meeting. We wish her the best.

On a very positive note, there were many wonderful accomplishments by the Board of Directors and home office in 2016. A large portion of the Board met in January with a Strategic Planning Consultant. We were able to define future goals for NLGI and plan of action to obtain them.

The first effort was to update our Constitution & By-Laws. This proved to be quite a process! But we are now in the final stages of completing the new Constitution & Policy Manual (rather than By-Laws, a Policy Manual is a more fluid document as policies and procedures change over time). This will be going out via email for our full membership to vote on in the coming weeks. Please cast your vote! I know it’s been a rough election year, but I assure you this vote will be far less volatile!

We are also in the final stages of formalizing all NLGI Committees, re-defining and updating descriptions, appointing chairs and updating our Organizational Chart. This, as well as the above mentioned Constitution, will be available in the Members Only area of our website. NLGI exists because of YOU, our Members, so get involved! You do not have to be on the Board to serve on a Committee.

Speaking of the NLGI website, we are currently in the middle of a complete redesign. You’ll find navigation much easier, a cleaner look and a more streamlined registration process. We hope to roll this out in early 2017!

I am very excited about our 2017 Annual Meeting location, the Resort at Squaw Creek, June 10-13, “Home of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games”. I had the opportunity to spend a week there this past summer,

part vacation and part planning our meeting. The venue and scenery is spectacular, and it was wonderfully cool, even at the end of July! Here are some helpful tips when budgeting your attendance:

• Registration Fees: Will remain the same in 2017 ($625.00 Members/$900.00 Non-

Members) • Room rate: $179.00 Single/Double ($197.00 incl. 10.065% tax) • (Upgrade to a Fireplace Suite for $199.00) • Location: 42 miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), contact concierge for options (530-583-6300) • Parking: Self complimentary/Valet $35.00 • Education Courses: Two offered; Basic and Advanced • Registration will open mid-March.

I hope the holidays are relaxing, peaceful and the feelings they bring stay with you through the coming year.

Sincerely, Kimberly Hartley

Executive Director

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