Welcome to 2008!
Where did the time go? It seems as though 2007 just flew right by. Nevertheless, last year was a good year for our chapter. We accomplished a great deal and I would like to thank everyone for your hand in making the year a success.
We have a lot planned for this year, so get ready! We are going to begin by having some fun. The Arkansas Chapter was chartered in 1973 with 30 members. Two thousand eight marks our 35th year as a chapter and we are planning to have a birthday party this spring to celebrate. Not only have we grown in numbers, but we have grown as a professional association. I hope that you will all join us for the celebration and share in our enthusiasm as we commemorate the growth and successes of our chapter over the years. More details regarding our celebration will be available soon, so keep your eyes and ears open!
Our focus this year is on meeting our mission by supporting you, our members, in becoming stronger learning and performance professionals. This year’s chapter programs will be geared towards the nine areas of expertise outlined in the ASTD competency model. Whether you are a classroom trainer, an instructional designer, preparing for the CPLP exam, or just looking to sharpen your skills, we have something for you.
If you are not already, I would like to encourage each of you to personally become actively involved in our chapter this year -- even if it is only in a small way. As members, there are numerous resources and tools that are available to us. Yet, there is the potential to grow and make available even more. When we work together as a team, each doing even a small part, we can accomplish great things.
I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our chapter as President this year. We have a great group of people serving on the Board of Directors and, with your help, I am confident that this is going to be another great year for us.
The best is yet to come!
Malay McNair
2008 President