This time of year is always crazy busy, especially for those involved in the education world. As the weather heats up, so does the workload! So we were delighted to see more than 100 friends and colleagues at the May 27th luncheon meeting. Our thanks to our outstanding Professional Advancement VP, Lesly Bosch Annen, and her committee, especially Melanie Perkins, for the amazing list of speakers that we have enjoyed this year, with more to come. These meetings are certainly useful for those looking for new positions and/or looking for new development professionals. We welcome the opportunity to say hello to new members and help them realize and enjoy the strength of our AFP network.
 
I hope that you are all planning to attend the DFW Conference in Arlington on June 26th. The CFRE Review Course managed by Fran Lobpries and James Holcomb is attracting a great deal of attention, so we hope to welcome a number of new certification holders at the August meeting. I think you are all now aware that the CFRE designation has been elevated to the same status as CPA or CFA, thanks to the accreditation awarded to CFRE in March.
 
The NPD luncheon on November 10th is also shaping up nicely as the Awards Committee finalizes the selection of winners from an outstanding group of nominations that were submitted. Cheryl Reynolds and her new co-chair, Diana Marquis, are hard at work to give us one of the best events in years.
 
Volunteerism is gaining a new champion in the White House - your volunteer AFP Board and all of our committees can always use new volunteers and worker bees, so please let Madeleine know if you are interested in joining one of those groups. Larry Wickham and the Nominating Committee will be calling for 2010 Board nominations in the coming months, so please let him know if you are willing to serve.
 
I'll see you at the Conference on June 26th - and I wish you and your friends and family a safe, happy 4th of July and a safe, relaxing and fun summer.

 

With all best wishes,
  
Luanne Samuel, CFRE
President