|
 Richard Salinsky should run a clinic on how to chair a successful SIGMA convention. Attendees in Boston this fall were treated to the fruits of Richard’s considerable labors in structuring a meeting that included both the best of what Boston and what SIGMA had to offer. Thank-you to Richard and Esther and the entire committee for a super Annual Meeting!
SIGMA members getting things done has been the hallmark of 2007. Our membership ranks have grown over ten percent under the leadership of Tom Dwelle’s membership committee. SIGMAPAC has exceeded its goal of raising a record $150,000.00 in a non-election year under the leadership of Greg Love’s committee. The educational offerings at our meetings continue to improve in terms of variety, quality and scope under the leadership of Frank Greinke’s Education Commission, and our Board of Directors has accomplished a significant amount of its strategic plan ahead of schedule.
Our overall membership is well served by the volunteer efforts of so many of our members both marketers and suppliers — we are truly a robust association. And, we are approaching 50! Our mid-century mark is certainly a testament to our accomplishment. We will celebrate this momentous occasion in San Francisco in November of 2008. If you are looking for ways to become more involved in our industry, consider serving in one of SIGMA’s many volunteer roles. It is a great way to network, learn, and serve simultaneously.
Meanwhile, in stark contrast to the record of accomplishments of SIGMA members, our Congress is completing a year of nonaccomplishment through its continuing focus on solving problems that do not exist or are beyond its scope. Indulge me for a moment and bear with my sarcasm. Pick your issue: 1) Protecting consumers from gasoline price-gougers? I cannot think of many better ways to ensure lower prices. 2) Protecting underage smokers from running dog capitalist tobacco retailers by enlisting the oversight of the FDA? Thank-you for saving the children. 3) Pursuing defeatist strategies in Iraq after our country has spent the past four plus years expending blood and resources to secure our battlefield victory? Certainly a patriotic gesture. My favorite is 4) Congressional action to limit Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and reverse the mortal danger we face from Global Climate Change. As Al Gore becomes an icon with his Nobel Peace Prize (Climate change and peace? Not sure how that fits), the momentum among Democrats to save our planet is unstoppable. Is Chicken Little available to help? May God help us.
And I think that is a perfect place to leave off. As we approach the end of the year and a time of religious holidays for different faiths, may we thank God for all the blessings we enjoy in this life. May we use the blessings of our families, our freedoms and our free will to reflect God’s love for us to each other this holiday season. Whatever your faith— May God Bless you this season and a Happy 2008 to all!
Paul D. Reid
President, The Reid Group
|
|
