For most of our Division's Members, regardless of individual traditions or beliefs, the end of each calendar year is a time to reflect on not only the past year but our personal situations in general. For me, 2013 has included some business challenges and close family loss. However, through opportunities to see first-hand and work with those in need domestically and internationally, I have been able to gain some perspective telling me that, in spite of immediate difficulties I might experience from time to time, overall I've got it pretty good. One thing that has been a gift to me is the opportunity to serve as your Chair and to work with our Division's Board of Trustees, the Worldwide Board of Directors, and most importantly individual Members of FCSI.

In that spirit I want to thank Regional representatives Tim Agosti and Larry Huber, and Allied representative Rod Collins, who will be leaving the Board as of January. Also, a very special thank you to Past Chair Ed Norman, who served as Division Chair and then Worldwide President during the planning and execution of the reorganization of FCSI. With the conclusion of his term, Ed begins a well-deserved break from his day-to-day leadership responsibilities and returns to simply being a very involved Member. 

In my upcoming role as Past Chair I look forward to continuing to work with Bill Taunton, who will assume the position of Division Chair, James Camacho, who becomes Chair-elect, and continuing Board Members Bill Caruso, Ian Jameson, Barb Pyper, Tracy Taraski, and Treasurer Harry Schildkraut.

Finally, I'd ask that you help me welcome new Board Trustees Dick Eisenbarth, Christine Guyott, Eric Norman, and Allied representative Eric von Kaenel. Thank you to all the members who exercised their right to vote earlier this month for the open seats on the Board of Trustees. Over 50% of the membership returned a ballot! 

Here are the results of the FCSI - The Americas Board of Trustees Elections: 

Western Region - Barb Pyper FCSI, An Apple a Day, LLC (re-elected) 

Central Region - Tracy Taraski FCSI, The Bigelow Companies, Inc. (re-elected)

Eastern Region - Dick Eisenbarth FCSI, Cini-Little International, Inc. 

At-Large - Christine Guyott FCSI, RD, Robert Rippe & Associates

At-Large - Eric Norman FCSI, MVP Services

Allied Member - Eric Von Kaenel, Unified Brands

It has been my privilege to know all of these ladies and gentlemen either as career-long acquaintances or through their activism as FCSI Members during my tenure, and I am pleased to let you know that your new Board is solid, involved, and dedicated to FCSI, The Americas Division, and the individual Members. I encourage you all to keep informed and get involved, and consider opportunities to take leadership roles, whether on the Board, with committees, or in your Regions - I found the experience to be very rewarding, and I think you will, too.

Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for your support, best wishes for a Merry Christmas or other traditions you may observe, and a happy and prosperous New Year.

With thanks,

Jim