It's the 1st MCA newsletter of 2008!!

"WHO DO I THANK?"

That's the question a partygoer asked me after the recent MCA holiday party. She was so glad to have the opportunity to network with her peers in a relaxed, fun setting that she wanted to thank someone. It got me to thinking about all the people -- the unsung heroes -- who contribute to making the local MCA chapter what it is ... and who are especially helpful to us in putting together our two parties a year, which are wonderful social and networking events.

First, thank the advertisers. Don't ignore their ads as you scroll down through the newsletter. These are the people who provide much of the funding for our monthly newsletter, as well as the free food at the parties. Without them, the local MCA chapter would not be the tremendously successful industry organization it's become. Patronize them if you have the opportunity. Or just give them a hearty "thank you" for their support. Most of them advertise with us, primarily because they believe in the organization and want to help the local production community.

Second, I'd like to single out one advertiser, in particular, and that's our co-sponsor of the party, IATSE 493, the St. Louis Studio Mechanic's local that provides crew for so many of the productions being made here. Unfortunately, some of their members weren't able to come to the party, because they were working on a film, EDGAR ALLEN POE'S LIGEIA, which was being shot in St. Louis. Still, several of their members did come, and you can thank them for helping with the expenses.

Third, you can thank our members. A portion of their dues helps to fund our activities, including the two parties we have every year. I would urge you to become a member -- dues are inexpensive, relative to most professional organizations, and there are some nice benefits attached. Just go to

http://www.mca-i.org/

for more information.

Fourth, you can thank our non-members who attend our meetings. When you pay your meeting fee that money goes to funding our parties, and sometimes to funding refreshments for our meetings.

Fifth, you can thank our board members (listed on the sidebar of this issue of the newsletter), who work hard to plan the meetings and events to make them the success that they are. Their only "perk:" a few slices of pizza at our monthly board meetings.

Sixth, you can thank yourselves, for coming to our parties and meetings. As Woody Allen said, "90% of success in life is just showing up." When you come to our events, you add to the good times and camaraderie. And for those of you who have never come to an MCA-I event -- well, there's no time like the present to start. Just remember the words of Woody Allen and "show up." It could be an important step in your career as a visual communicator.

Mike Ketcher

President; MCA-I, St. Louis Chapter