Dear MPISSN Members,

Like all of you, my work has been heavily impacted by the pandemic.  We have pivoted, learned, altered, and maneuvered our way through a really difficult time.  If you have lost work, lost a loved one, or have struggled, my heart goes out to you.  We have had hard times, and I hope you have felt supported by MPI Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter.  I am so honored to be your president as we begin to turn a corner toward a re-opened California.  It is going to take all of us working together to help bring our light to a post-COVID world and to the hospitality industry hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.  My focus for us at MPISSN is Succeeding Together; so to Meeting Planners, our Hotel Partners and Suppliers, lets partner together, collaborate, and support our community as we move forward.

One of the best ways we can help each other is through MPISSN education, member involvement, volunteerism, and engagement.  We as a chapter are strong in our vast experience we bring to each other.  As an example, I have been in the industry for 20 years and have a passion for events, people, and education. I have worked in both the private and non-profit sectors. Under Sulema Peterson & Associates, among other clients, I serve as the Executive Director of the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS), a non-profit retirement system association in California.  For this association I am responsible for the implementation of the association's strategic plan and visions, management of all events, editor of all publications including SACRS Magazine, and oversee the day-to-day business operations for the association.  I know many of you have similar abilities, and career lengths in this wonderful industry. We can help each other when we work, listen, and collaborate together.  I encourage you to really take advantage of your MPISSN membership.  Networking and sharing will be more important than ever and we will have many opportunities through live chapter events, as well as online education.

I am ready and excited for what is to come.  More in-person events, more faces, and more opportunities to meet safely and successfully in the coming year!  My door is always open to you and I look forward to being a part of the 2021-2022 leadership team.

Sulema

Sulema H. Peterson
MPISSN President 2021-2022|
sulema@spetersonassoc.com

Return to the Summer 2021 Connects Issue