Message from Region Coordinator

The Journey of a Lifetime…Following the Path of Evolution in RIM

Along with the rest of the world, the RIM profession is constantly changing and evolving, just as the business environment changes around us. We as ARMA members are moving right along with the changes, sometimes one journey after another. I reflect on one of my favorite songs from ENYA named Pilgrim. It is about taking a journey and not knowing where that road will lead you. Does it bring success or will you just find another leg of your journey? When I think of picking up my walking stick to continue on my own trek, I realize the things we learn and people we meet along the way are as valuable as the end result. Just as in the Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy made new friends and learned valuable lessons in her journey, we all need to take heart in those experiences along the way.

Speaking of evolution, it is finally Spring! This brings a promise of regenerating and of planting new seeds. During this time our GNW ARMA members are busy accomplishing their own “regeneration” and planting new seeds within their perspective chapters. New board members will soon be announced. It is always exciting to me to see a blend of the seasoned as well as new members take the reigns as your leadership for a new ARMA year. Take this opportunity to think of ways you can help your chapter either in a leadership role or in support of all the year’s activities. Remember, you have a voice in the parts of your chapter’s journey.

This leg of my ARMA journey is coming to a close. It is my final year as GNW Region Coordinator. I have greatly enjoyed the years I have spent in this role because of all of you! I feel a great sense of pride in our region, not only because of our ability to cope with the evolution of our profession, but because of the friendships and true dedication of our membership. I feel as I have grown in my role both professionally and personally. I greatly appreciate your support and sometimes patience as I have journeyed down this road. It is with a great sense of sadness I will be stepping down from this position. However, there are yet new paths to be forged. I am very excited that your new Region Coordinator will be Jennifer Winkler, the current President of Bellevue Eastside Chapter. I am confident that Jenny will bring a sense of new “growth” and “fresh ideas” to our region. I know I leave my position in capable hands!

Finally, in speaking of journey’s to be forged, don’t forget the upcoming GNW Leadership Conference taking place in Boise in June 26-27. The Boise Valley Chapter has done an excellent job of helping to put this together, considering our current economic environment. I encourage you, if you will be in a leadership role within your chapter to consider attending this conference. Even if you are not on your chapter board, consider attending if you have visions of leadership in the near future. The conference brochure will be sent out soon!

Very truly yours,

Fran Blaylock
GNW Region Coordinator