July President’s Message

July 2018 is finally here! Vacation time, Ottawa Bluesfest, fresh local produce…so many things to which I always look forward. Oh, and one other new activity that I have been expecting:  my term as MPI Ottawa President!

I have been told that when you feel butterflies in your stomach in anticipation of a new commitment, it just means that you truly care, and the duty is important to you. This is absolutely the case for me. Even though I have already served as Vice-President, Membership, and I have been an active member of the Chapter for more than 12 years, this is WAYYYYY different! Many people congratulate me when they hear that I am taking over as President. I would have said exactly the same thing to someone in the past. Now that I have been through a year as your President-Elect, I sometimes feel the appropriate comment should be “Have you really thought this through?”, “Wow, where are you going to find the time?” or “How did the board convince you?”. But honestly, the best response to this news should be simply “Thank you”.

On this note, I sincerely want to thank Jennifer McAndrew for leading MPI Ottawa through a great year in 2017/18. If there was an award for best multitasker, I would nominate her for balancing her family, business, volunteer work (like MPI) and other passions. I have learned a lot from Jen, and I hope I can be an equally strong supporter of our new President-Elect, Allison Collins, during my term as President.

We are also thrilled to welcome a few fresh faces to the Board of Directors. Jay Elie is our new Vice-President, Communications, Lori Wagner is Vice-President, Membership and Jess Poontook over as Director of Member Events. Welcome to each of you and thank you for your commitment to MPI Ottawa.

One of the changes we will implement this year is to move the annual golf tournament, which has traditionally taken place in August, to September; it will be combined with our Kick Off & Annual General Meeting that evening. Personally, I am thrilled with this change. Mark September 10, 2018 on your calendar and watch for registration details soon.

Summer is a time to relax, renew and to reflect. I have one very strong belief about our Association and that is:

MPI is a place to learn the skills that you want to, or may not be able to in your current job, and in a safe environment.

Please consider taking on a volunteer opportunity this year with MPI Ottawa.

We have some big goals for this upcoming year and it will take a real team effort to achieve them. With our dedicated and talented Board of Directors, plus all our loyal committee volunteers, I look forward to the MPI Ottawa Chapter being the shining star once again among North American chapters!

Please reach out to me at any time with questions, suggestions or comments. The entire board, including me, are here for you, our members.