When we MEET, We CHANGE the world.   MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter is Entering its 27th year and I am proud to serve as your newest President.  Our history is filled with Diversity, Vision, Leadership and a commitment to “Experience the Journey”, by “Expanding Opportunities” with our “Visions & Values”.   This momentum comes from the SPARK of our past Past Presidents:  Yvette Remschel, Jeff  Bell & Cecily Mc Kinley. We are fortunate to be a strong Organization that Involves, Inspires and Influences its membership -- thank you, Lauren!  But my favorite part of MPI is the ability to continue on a path as a “Life Long Learner”.  What is the NUMBER ONE Answer on the CMP exam?  Al Lomas may say Choose “C” – although for those who have not yet taken the exam, according to psychologists & statisticians “C” is the most common multiple choice correct response. But the true number 1 answer is: GOALS & OBJECTIVES.  I am fortunate to have learned the value of this lesson from my DAD. He grabbed my crayons & paper, sat me at the kitchen table and said “you need to establish GOALS”. I was one of the first FIVE year olds with a 10 year plan.  My first set of goals was soccer, ballet & start Kindergarten. Every few months we would re-evaluate them.  It was okay if I did not complete something, but I had to have a reason why and a replacement.  So when I stopped ballet to switch to tap lessons that was acceptable.   My goal for THCC is to use our recent Needs Assessment and focus our future events & programs on the requests of membership. Our goals & objectives for the coming year will revolve around (3) primary objectives: 1. Ensure educational Programs are targeted to meet the needs of advanced level planners. 2. Increase participation of new members or to quote Debbie Farnum, “Life’s too short not to be involved”. And lastly— 3. Enhance attendance at TEC (Texas Education Conference) WEC (World Education Conference) and Southwest Showcase – expanding our regional, national & International connections.   Following these three objectives should lead us back to Mary Reynolds “Planting of the OAKS”— Opportunities for Involvement, Achievement of Excellence, Knowledge for success and Skills for the future. To accomplish these goals we have a phenomenal team with our 2010- 2011 Board stepping up. All ready to give back to the Industry that has allowed us all to have one of the most interesting and FUN careers ever.  The only thing constant in our life is change.  In an effort to always stay on the edge and be the trendsetters the diversity of our Board and Membership is our greatest advantage.  That which makes us different makes us stronger. As Missy Floyd would say, “Together we Make a Difference”. Being a leader is filled with responsibilities, in retrospect my first lesson in leadership was when I was TWELVE.  I went on a camping trip with about 6 classmates.  It had been raining for most of the first day, so when the sun came out on Sunday morning we decided to go for a hike.  I was walking in front (out of curiosity to see what was coming next, not the intent to lead…yet everyone was following me. There were other campers playing music on their pots & pans like a steel drum band.  I started clapping and skipping to the music – the others joined in…then I saw it…a big beautiful MUD PUDDLE—remember I was 12, I charged right into the center – I loved mud – everyone followed me, not intentionally they were looking at me having fun, not their  feet.  BY the time they realized what I was doing they were all in the mud puddle too!  Next I got thrown in the lake, but that was FUN also!  Point of the story, whether you are the leader or others just perceive you as one be cautious of your actions.  Each of us serves as role models.  Lets make sure the future we lead them to is one we can be proud to represent.  With strong action plans, committed Volunteers, International resources and DuWayne’s legacy of DARING US -- We will continue to meet & we will change the world!