From the President's Corner....

As I write these words, I realize that my year as your President is quickly coming to an end. That brings mixed emotions, a genuine sadness to my heart as well as a sigh of relief, and a smile in remembering what all has taken place over the last 11 months.

It has been a very good year in my life and a lot of that has to do with the interactions that I have had with each of you through various means, emails, phone conversations, and visits at District Meetings, Conference etc. I truly can not tell you how outstanding I think our Association is, we have the greatest bunch of folks that are genuinely there for one another in times of need, for support, in crisis situations, whether personal or professional. That to me says so very much.

In reviewing the year, we had three very successful District Meetings, and let me take this opportunity one more time to say a personal "Thank You" to Mitri Greenhill, Jane Wilms, Peggy David and Joshua Clausen for all of your time and energy that went into these great meetings. You all provided excellent educational information and a wonderful time.

Our New Clerk’s Orientation was very well attended and a great job was done by all those who had a hand in bringing that meeting together. I hope that we gave our “Newbies” a face to connect to a name in the way of mentors, a little insight into what to expect as their life begins in Municipal Government, and the knowledge that they are never alone…and we are here to help anyway we can.

Several of us just returned from Chicago, and let me tell you, that city knows how to put on a Conference. It was my first visit and I loved it! It was a full seven days of events, education, banquets and business meetings and man is my tail dragging. I am proud to say I did not fall on my face carrying our State flag in the opening ceremony. I will ask our Region Director Barbara Blackard to give you all an update on IIMC in our June Municipal League Conference meeting.

It has been such an honor and privilege to serve our Association this year; I thank you for your confidence in me and the kindness you have all shown over the last year. I hope that you all know, even though I will step aside at our June Conference and welcome our incoming President Ms. Marva Verkler in to begin her term, please know that I will always be willing to assist any of you in any way I can, please continue to call if you need me.

I look forward to seeing you all in Hot Springs, be sure to arrive early enough to attend our Clerk’s Meeting at the beginning of the Conference, we will be sharing a ton of information with everyone!