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| by David Steward | by Bill Klutz |
| The Fat Lady is Warming Up In the Wings
It seems like only yesterday, that I was writing my first installment of this Presidents Column, and now I am writing my last. By the time that you read this, I will have ended my term as President of the Alamo PC Organization, and assumed the position of Immediate Past President. I would be lying if I said that I had completed all of the things that I originally wanted to accomplish during my tenure as President. In fact, very few have been completed to the end, and many are ongoing. But, one accomplishment that did occur was the inception, planning and Grand Opening of our new Learning Center in Crossroads Mall. I am very proud of all of the hard work that went into this project by the many volunteers. I think that we have something to be very proud of. Some of the on-going projects include revamping of the membership database, a push to properly market our user group to new members and supporters, a plan to more properly recognize the needs of our existing members and offer more benefits of membership. Be assured that these projects will continue into the new Board administration. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the existing Board members and volunteers for the support that you have given to this organization. Without people like you, the Alamo PC Organization could not function and would cease to exist. In addition, I want to express my sincerest thanks to you, the membership, for the support that you have given me for the past 12 years that I have been a member of the Board of Directors. I am proud to have served you as the President of one of the finest organizations in the world, and look forward to serving for many more years.
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When David Steward penned his message last month (ibid for mine), "The
Fat Lady" was warming up in the wings. At the stroke of midnight, on Sep
30 she sang. But, that wasn't the complete event. The Alamo PC Organization's
elected leadership (comprised of 13 individuals) played a form of "musical
chairs." The same thing happens every year Past President moves
on, President becomes Past President, President Elect becomes President,
President Elect Spot becomes vacant (until the next Board of Directors
meeting), 4 Board members vacate their positions, 4 Board members (elected
in Sep by Alamo PC voting members) join the Board, etc. Through all of
this, the "Ship" is expected to continue functioning and moving through
calm, or rough, waters. After all, the only things that have happened is
a replacement of about 33% of the elected "Crew," and an assignment or
reassignment of some duties.
At the Oct 5th Board of Directors Meeting (open to all members) the elected "Crew" will review the course and initiatives charted by the previous years elected "Crew," make any necessary adjustments based on the latest information available, and begin to "steer the 'Ship'" for the next 12 months. (Additional adjustments will be made as more current information becomes available.) This effort will be in concert with about 200 additional, non-elected, "Crew" members who also volunteer their time and energies to serve the "Ship." We recognize that we are not professionals (that cost would have prohibited this "Ship" moving forward for all these many years). But, we believe we each have something to offer. We also recognize that we are not on the "Love Boat," but neither do we believe are we on the "Titanic." Individuals filling the role of "Passenger" should understand that difficulties can be expected and will be encountered. As the entire "Crew" melts into a cohesive working unit, interacts with the "Passengers," and strives to keep the "Ship" in calm waters through attention to weather reports (member feedback and other inputs), tranquility should prevail. The objective is to minimize difficulties for the "Ship" and its "Passengers," while maximizing operating efficiency and "Passenger" satisfaction. Some "Passengers" might be saying, "If the combined 'Crew' is taking care of the 'Ship' and the 'Passengers,' why can't the 'Passengers' just enjoy the ride? After all, I am a paying 'Passenger!'" My answer to that would be, "The 'Crew' is paying more. Time and energies contributed raises the price the 'Crew' pays. But, this 'Ship' isn't just carrying 'Passengers,' it is carrying something more important 'Shareholders.' Yes, each 'Crew' member is also a 'Shareholder.' Therefore, everyone has a vested interest in OUR 'Ship.' Since 'Crew' member positions have a certain ebb and flow, replacing 'Crew' Members who can no longer serve, is an ongoing requirement. If you can serve, consider being a part of the 'Crew' that helps makes this 'Ship' go!" Next month I will cover, "What Does It Take To Keep Alamo PC Going?" Until then, ask questions, let us hear from you, and help a "Crew" member, if you can. Also, consider becoming a "Crew" member. The initial step is easy, just contact one of our Learning Center "Crew" members by phone or E-Mail; or contact me directly (Page 4 for both listings). With a dedicated "Crew," that is willing to serve, this "Ship" will continue to move through calm or rough waters, even if some choose to be "Just A 'Passenger.'" If I have not convinced you to be more involved in the day-to-day "Ships Business" ponder the statement John F. Kennedy once made (modified to fit here), "Ask not what your 'Ship' can do for you, but what you can do for your 'Ship.'" It has not been my intent to offend anyone, but if I have, let me apologize now. I believe that collectively we can have the best "Ship" around. But, divided we may find our "Ship" compared to the "Titanic." |