May 28, 2009

From your incoming President………. Hello from central Arkansas. Things here in Cabot are going well as I hope each of you and your cities are. I have to tell you that I am so excited about the upcoming year. I don’t have grand plans to change anything rather I would like to challenge each of you to further your educations. Yes, I know that was Patti Grey’s theme as president but I think that education is so important that we need to continually strive to improve ourselves, not just for our cities, but for our own personal growth.

I can’t tell you what being part of ACCRTA has done for me. When I joined, I had already been clerk-treasurer for several years and I had always thought I didn’t have time to get training. I had my training by the seat of my pants and what more could I possibly learn from a bunch of other clerks! Boy…..was I wrong! I came to my first institute in 2000 and have only missed one since (because I had a terrible Mayor but that’s another story). I have learned more about being a clerk than I ever thought I could learn. Every year I come away with something new. Not only do I learn something, I make new friends. Those friendships have energized me and improved my life. Just being around upbeat people who are purpose driven, who genuinely care about their jobs, their friends, their lives… well, it just makes you want to be a better person. Knowledge is key to that, if we stop learning, we stop living our lives to the fullest.

Please take the challenge to improve your education as a City Clerk, Recorder, Treasurer. Come to institute, come to the district meetings, take a part in ACCRTA and IIMC, volunteer for a committee or to be a district director. Be a part of this great organization and network of friends.

It is truly an honor to be allowed to serve you this year as President. If you need me for anything or have suggestions on things we can do that are new or to improve on what we are already doing, please get in touch with me. You can email me at mverkler@cabotar.gov or call me at 501-605-0424. That is my direct line right to my desk.

I look forward to seeing you in June at Municipal League. Remember to sign up for committees and district directors!

Love to you all….

Marva