4:30pm - 6:00pm
Networking
Reception and Keynote Address by the Honorable Perrin Beatty

 

 

Through a connection of a connection of a congressman, I was fortunate to receive an official invitation to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama.
 
This embossed piece of paper placed me ahead of approximately 1.8 million other participants on the mall, at the end of the now famous reflecting pool.  Truly a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
 
On analysis, several factors contributed to me and my companions being able to witness first hand, this momentous time in history.  The first cog in the gear set was my sister ( an American attorney ) who volunteered her time on Obama's campaign.  The second cog was a local Obama campaign manager who provided access to a congressman who in turn secured the coveted prize - the silver edged invitation.
 
To many of you, this networking is a familiar scenario, in fact, a business maxim. Your networking success is totally dependant on your willingness to volunteer your time in order to position yourself and your company ahead of the competition, and then to capture that coveted prize. For some silver, for others gold. 
 
There is a valuable lesson with every successful conclusion and it is our successes that move us forward.  There is power in participation.
 
So...will we see you at the Dr. Sherry Cooper Luncheon or the Annual General Meeting and Networking Reception?
 
Sincerely,

Gerald K Searles
Chairman of the Board of Directors