Hello Gainesville Chapter,

First, I want to start off by saying that I recognize there are a lot of things changing this year, and I hope you see that these changes are moving us forward as an organization.  Many of our goals this year include providing our members with more benefits and making our chapter fiscally solid for years to come.

To help meet these two goals the board recently made the decision to raise the luncheon prices.  The two main reasons for our decision were to help the chapter raise enough money in order to provide more outstanding chapter programming and to increase the benefits of membership for our senior practitioners, while also helping the chapter move toward a more stable fiscal picture.  So starting November 2007, our luncheon prices will be $18 for FPRA members and $23 for non-members and guests.  Don’t forget to make note of that when you RSVP for the November 15 luncheon.

To also help meet our financial goals for the year the board made the decision to solicit luncheon sponsorships.  This additional funding is being earmarked for chapter programming and other activities that promote FPRA in the Gainesville community.   We hope that future sponsorship activities such as this will eventually help reduce the cost to our members when it comes to annual events such as PDS, Image Awards and the holiday party, to name a few.  In the end, we are looking for ways to make your membership work for you!

I would like to end on a couple of notes.  I want to remind everyone that the renewal deadline is October 31 so make sure you get your renewals into the state office as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Member Services Director Emily Speichert at espeichert@rtix.com.  Also, don’t forget to RSVP for the upcoming luncheon featuring the Vice President of Regions Bank, Kim Mitrook, giving us a look at how her team handled the branding campaign for Regions Bank previously AMSouth.  

I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to an exciting holiday season!
 
Warm Wishes,