A letter to the MPI-Carolinas Chapter from your outgoing President

Wow! What a year this has been. When I prepared for the 3-year term the President holds with MPI-Carolinas Chapter I certainly expected roadblocks and challenges, but I didn’t prepare for the cards we have been dealt, especially over the last few months.  I was excited for in person meetings, sharing smiles and laughs with all of you, meals together, fun experiences, and so much more.  I’m thankful for the time we had together in the first 6 months of this term and I am hopeful for the future when I know we will meet again. If this experience has taught me anything, it’s PROVED that when we meet, we CHANGE THE WORLD. 

You’ve shown me that we are a group of resilient, dedicated, passionate hospitality professionals who love our industry and love each other even more. Everyone (including me) hates the word PIVOT – but we sure as heck have done just that.  As a board we knew we had to shift quickly to continue to bring our members all the benefits of being part of the MPI-Carolinas Chapter.  I AM SO PROUD of your 2019-2020 Board of Directors. These people have showed up for you and for me time and time again. They think outside of the box. They push the envelope. They constantly strive for more. We have grown so much together, and I am lucky to call them colleagues but even more, friends!  Thank YOU Alison, Amelia, Ricardo, Mica, Maureen, Michelle, Nicole, Jamie, Najauna, Deanna, Ashelyn, Brandon, Sarah, Christine, and Vince.

The work is not done; in fact, it is just beginning. I know firsthand that your 2020-2021 board is ready to hit the ground running – even if we are still doing it virtually. You may not always see it but trust me: we are making moves behind the scenes. I know you’ve heard us say “get involved to get the most out of your membership” but it’s not just a saying. It’s a FACT. The people I have met, the connections I have made, and the knowledge I have gained are all due to my time on committees and serving on the board of directors. Hands down.

Thank you for trusting MPI-Carolinas Chapter and being a part of our family. You aren’t getting rid of me just yet. I am happy to serve as Immediate Past President with our incoming board to continue to work hard for you, our members. Please reach out if I can ever do anything for you! I love hearing from my MPI friends.

All the best to you and your family. Stay well and be kind to one another!

Nicole Keshler, President 2019-2020