2008 Top Leadership Night
American Enterprise Speech Contest

Board of Director (BOD) members, Glenda Dukes-Sonkur, Sharon Lindquist, and Joneane Loria represented the Valley Chapter 702 membership at the annual 2007 NMA National Conference held in Portland , Oregon , November 01-05, 2007. On behalf of the membership, the BOD members accepted two separate awards for Chapter Outstanding Award and Community Services Award presented to the Chapter.

The value of the conference is to come together as a national organization to share new ideas, thoughts and challenges that are facing leaders today. In addition, it was a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the many chapters by recognizing their extraordinary performance, which is the direct result of so many people's efforts. The conference also included workshops and meetings geared to refining skills and providing new insights into the role of a leader - both in the workplace and in the chapter itself.

To quote Steve Bailey, NMA National President “Leaders make a difference! They endeavor to make chapters stronger, members more satisfied, and where appropriate, their community leaders or corporate executives more appreciative of what the NMA chapters bring to the table.”

Please join your Board of Directors in 2008, a seat is waiting for you to shape today and tommorow's leaders. Look for more information on becoming an NMA Valley Chapter Board of Directors member in March. Remember, "if it is to be, it is up to me."

NMA is inclusive and diverse.

On October 23, 2007, PWR National Management Association Membership Vice President, Glenda Dukes-Sonkur hosted the last NMA Booster luncheon for the year.

Sandwiches, salads and sweets were shared by new members and heritage members as an informal round table discussion took place. Through a lively and inclusive discussion, members were asked to reveal what new members expect from NMA and why heritage members continue their membership in NMA.

New members seek to find an opportunity or avenue for professional growth and to be able to network with professionals from various industries and with all levels of the business organization. It is thought that through social interaction, sharing of ideas and perspectives, contacts and friendships may result.

Heritage members remain because they enjoy the camaraderie, high energy and opportunity to be of service to others. It is a safe environment where your capabilities can be applied and tested. There are no barriers to hinder any individual's progress. Challenges are met with diverse thinking, respect for differences and successful endings are realized.”

Think you would like to learn more or participate in NMA? More information may be obtained at the web site (click here for a membership form.)

In between scene set ups, we were entertained by multi-lingual comedian Ron Spearman. Ron had everyone in stitches as he made fun of us in the audience teasing Larry Gott, Dolores Harris and Ron Neumeyer as "Rocket Scientists" and recounting his experiences. He even had our own Ron Neumeyer demonstrate his juggling skills with three apples.

As for the show, I won't spoil it for you, but the episode, titled "Goodwill Hunting," was about Jim needing to make more space in his garage for his band practice, workout gym, and bar/lounge area. So, he thought it was about time that he got rid of all the "stuff" Cheryl had collected, saved, and boxed with labels, over the years. He felt empowered to do this, since Cheryl was in Florida, taking care of her mom. Keep your eye out for the show to air -- possibly sometime in January or sooner -- Jim was not sure.

Thank you to all who attended. The TV taping is our fundraising for the upcoming Chapter and Council level American Enterprise Speech Contest. The way it works is that the show will pay non-profit organizations to attending TV tapings. It is important that you attend if you commit, because funding is based on number of RSVP's we receive. This becomes the minimum that we guarantee the studio for the group. We can't guarantee that all of the shows will be as good as this taping, for each brings a different experience.