President’s Report

Well, here we are already. Approaching the end of 2017. Of course, that means it’s the Holiday Season. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, school and church concerts, office parties and of course, Christmas. Anyone tired just talking about it?

As we enter this time of year, I encourage you to pause, takeadeepbreathandrememberhowblessedandthankful we are. Family is and should be on everyone’s list and taking time out to be with your family during this time should be a priority.

Iwouldlikeyoutostopandthinkforaminute,abouthow each of us from different cities across South Dakota, are likeabigfamilyourselves. InasenseaCityfamily,where a lot of our citizens know us very well. But the noticing does not stop there. We visit our neighboring cities and those citizens at times recognize and visit with us.

TherearetimesthroughouttheyearwherethisCityfamily gathers. Here are a few; District meetings, Elected Officials workshop, Finance Officer’s school, Policy committee meetings and then of course, our big family reunion- Annual Conference. No matter how many of these you attend throughout the year, it’s a chance to talk about our spouse, kids or grandkids. Just like you would do at your own family reunion.

What else does a City family do that compares to your family? They come together, without hesitation or a “ what’s in it for me” attitude when someone is in need. Many of us have been called upon to help. Whetherthat’sfillinginfor a maintenance person or a finance officer, providing a sample ordinance, calling theLeagueofficeorsimply asking for assistance.

So, as we enter this Holiday Season, let’s not only take time to be thankful for our personal families but let’s also be thankful for the acquaintances and network we have with our City family.

Thank you and God bless. Mike