Chapter
Chairman's Message
November 2009
November…in
our house (well, at least in my mind), it’s about football, hunting, and
Thanksgiving.
Football’s been
interesting this year, with the driving need to keep an eye on the
Vikings’ #4. I’m looking forward to hunting – it’s a
good time to get out and breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the camaraderie over
a game of cards after the sun sets. And while the focus on the 4th
Thursday of the month is often on the turkey and fixings (and the pie, of
course), it’s important to remember the true meaning of
Thanksgiving…especially now.
With the manufacturing field
struggling, and many of us having been displaced, it’s easy to question
what we have to be thankful for. But, speaking for myself, I can say I am
thankful for many things. I lost my job at the end of May, and am happier now
than I have been in a long time.
I’m grateful for my
family – my amazing sons who continue to make me proud with their
accomplishments and make me laugh with their creative humor, and my wife who
works hard to keep our house running smoothly while holding down a
more-than-full-time job, and types this column for me every month. I’m
thankful that both my parents are still alive and well – in fact,
they’ll celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary during November!
I’m thankful I have
cultivated a variety of abilities during my years in manufacturing that allow
me to stretch myself as I develop new skills. And I’m very appreciative of the
colleagues and friends I’ve met in SME, and the encouragement
you’ve provided. The value of
a well-run professional organization goes well beyond the surface –
it’s much more than educational sessions and meetings. The true value of
SME lies in the relationships that develop, the mentoring that takes place, and
the support we all need when things aren’t going in the direction we
expected. That is something to be
thankful for, indeed.
I
hope you are able to find gratitude in your life this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Chairman – Chapter 264