A Message from the Region Manager of the Great Northwest Region of ARMA

A new year has arrived. While it is a nice time to reflect back on last year, this year I am looking forward in anticipation of things to come. One thing is certain, 2012 will bring changes. I used to hate change, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to embrace it. For many years I was a pilot and a flight instructor. I owned an airplane, flew aerobatics and even did an airshow or two. I was also a professional printer for over twenty years. And once upon a time I was a big collector of baseball cards. But life changed and one by one all of those phases of my life came to an end. Sometimes leaving things behind is difficult. Over time, I have come to realize that had they not, I may never have discovered my passion for genealogy and history. I also would not have become a records manager, discovered ARMA, and made so many wonderful friends. Change is good.

January signals future changes in ARMA. It is time to elect the officers and directors of the Board for 2012-2113. On or about January 9th, notification of e-voting will be sent to all members in good standing. Please take the time to read the candidate’s bios and positions on the questions put forth by the Elections Management Task Force. You might also want to watch the video of the Candidate’s Forum that was held at the Conference in Washington D.C. back in October. The link to that is http://www.arma.org/myarma/governance/election.cfm .

I learned this year that the process just to become a candidate on the ballot is not an easy one. It requires a great deal of thought and not a small effort. Only serious candidates would run that gauntlet. One of my friends and I agreed that sitting on that stage in the Candidate’s Forum felt a bit like sitting before a firing squad. I can assure you the candidates this year are all seriously dedicated to our association and would greatly appreciate you taking the time to vote. So let your voice be heard! Vote!

The deadline for returned ballots is January 27th.

We can’t remind you all of this enough. If you haven’t already, write this on your calendar! The 2012 Conference of the Great Northwest Region will be March 12-13 in The City of Trees, Boise, Idaho. I have attended many region conferences in my years in ARMA, and I have to say this one will be our best ever. For more details, visit our website at www.armagreatnorthwest.org .

I’m getting excited for the 2012 Leadership Conference! This year the Columbia Basin Chapter will be our hosts. The venue has been chosen and it is spectacular. Can you say river view? Start making plans to join us in Richland June 8-9th now!

Calling all Ye Pirates! Avast Ye Mateys! We are once again applying for entry into the Portland Rose Festival’s Starlight Parade scheduled for June 2, 2012 in Portland. Sponsored in 2011 by the Oregon Chapter, our participation was not only a great promotion for ARMA, but it also earned Project of the Year honors for the Oregon Chapter in Washington D.C. This year our merry band of scallywags (which last year included pirates from ARMA’s Board and HQ, the GNW Region, the Oregon, Bellevue/Eastside and Columbia Basin Chapters, and Iron Mountain) is looking to grow! So keep yer ears open for the scuttlebutt.

Another change that is coming to the Great Northwest Region is a change in the Region Leadership. This is my last year as Region Manager. This is not an elected position, but one that is appointed. For more information on the required qualifications, duties, and application process go to http://www.arma.org/myarma/forms/committees/applicationRegion.cfm?ID=Reg .

2012 will certainly bring change and, personally, I am excited to see all of the good things to come. I hope that the new year will bring each of you all the best.



Marc J. Simpson, Manager

Great Northwest Region

ARMA International