Message from the Great NW Region Coordinator

Wrap-up and Celebration of Our Great Northwest ARMA Year

by Fran Blaylock, Great Northwest Region Coordinator

This 2005-2006 ARMA year has passed by much too fast! It has been a very busy and productive year. There has been much to reflect on and celebrate at all levels of ARMA. As the current year winds down, there is hardly time for a breather as the next year gears up. Many of the GNW Region chapters are already in the planning stages for transition meetings this summer.

I hope you will acknowledge the time and efforts of your current chapter’s Board of Directors. They have worked hard all year in their volunteer positions to serve you, your chapter, and your profession. Take time to celebrate your chapters’ many accomplishments, and especially your individual commitment to ARMA. I try to remind the leadership at the international level, that ARMA is only as good as the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of its members to the profession and to their chapters. Your region leadership wants to thank you for making this an outstanding year!

This has been a learning year for me, in my new role as Region Coordinator. I could not have done it without such a terrific region team and the sharing of knowledge and new ideas from our chapters. Each chapter in the GNW Region is unique and has it’s own blend of success. Celebrate these successes as the year winds down and use the membership of your chapter and other local chapters to make next year even better!

Sue Lord, your Region Manger had the opportunity to sit in on one of the GNW Leadership Conference Committee meetings hosted by the Oregon Chapter of ARMA International www.oregonarma.org. The planning is going very well, under the guidance of the Oregon Chapter president, Jennifer Fouhy. If you have not received the brochure, you can locate it on the Oregon Chapter website. I am very excited about this event, which will be held June 23-24 in Portland, OR. The Leadership Conference is especially designed for chapter leaders, but general chapter members can find significance by attending, as well. The skills one will learn at the Conference will be valuable in our workplace as well as our daily life. It is also a great place to meet new ARMA friends and stay connected to the GNW Region.

If you are interested in making a reservation for this event, please do not hesitate to contact me at fblaylock@ICOS.com or Sue Lord at slord@vjglaw.com.

Chapter Presidents, remember that the region has committed to help either you or your representative to attend the conference. Please go to the GNW Region Website to learn more about applying for a comp registration. ARMA International is gearing up for its 51st annual ARMA Conference held in San Antonio, TX, October 22-25 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The Marriott Riverwalk and Rivercenter Hotels will be the headquarters hotel this year. Other hotels will be the Hilton, Hyatt Regency, and Menger Hotel. More information about the conference will be posted on the ARMA International website with registration and full session information available around June 1, 2006. As in years past, our Region will be announcing a no-host luncheon get-together during the Conference. So, if you plan to attend the Conference, please keep your eyes open for information about that gathering.

Again, I want to thank you for the efforts and contributions you have made to your local chapter, ARMA, and the profession. Think ahead to how your chapter and your region leadership can help you as a RIM professional both at work and individually. Your chapter is only as strong as your willingness as a member to contribute your ideas and share your knowledge with others. I wish you a safe and relaxing summer!

Fran Blaylock
GNW Region Coordinator