Greetings Chapter Members,
As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to reflect on the year, celebrate our accomplishments, learn from our mistakes, renew, re-calibrate and set new goals for the future.
Time is short and it is critical that we take time to do what we enjoy most, brings us a sense of satisfaction and provides a better place for future generations.
In November we celebrated the Chapter’s Annual Appreciation Gala “A Night in Red Black and White” tying into the IFMA International brand colours.  The great event attended by about 140 people at the Cotton Room in Durham.  The Chapter celebrated the volunteers that contribute a great deal of personal time to make this chapter so much more, created an opportunity to network and more importantly have fun.  It is the Chapter’s small way of giving back to all Members. We appreciate All OF YOU!
A special shout out to all the nominees and winners of the awards and all those who have volunteered with the Chapter.
o   Rookie of the Year Winner:  Marcia Corprew-Community Outreach Committee.  Nominees: Justin Barber-Networking and Events Committee and Sydney O’Hare-Programs Committee
o   Committee Member of the Year Winner:  Leslie Herndon-Communications Committee.  Nominees: Amanda Beck-Membership Committee and Robert Sunukjian-Professional Development Committee
o   Associate Member Winner: Dianne Brindisi-Community Outreach.  Nominees: Mindy Reed-Communications Committee and Scott Russell-Membership Committee
o   Professional Member Winner:  Ethan Tecklenberg-Programs Committee.  Nominees:  Randal Goller-Professional Development, Chris Karasek-Professional Development and Carol Carter-Programs Committee
o   Sponsor of the Year Winner:  M G Capital.  Nominee:  Greenscape
To learn more about our Chapter, check out the new InfoGraphic: Click Here.  Be sure to share these great data points when you talk to colleagues at work, associates and friends.  Each one of us is an ambassador of the chapter and should never miss a moment to share what the Chapter does with someone who might benefit from being a member.
If you have not already, check out the ‘Angel Tree Project’ the Chapter is participating in.  We have so much to be thankful and grateful for.  Enjoy the time with your families and loved ones and take time to share your good fortunes with those less fortunate as well.
Lastly, a reminder to budget for IFMA sponsorship for the Chapter’s next fiscal year (July 2014 – June 2015).  The Chapter’s fiscal calendar runs from July to June, so budget now if you or your company would like to be a sponsor next year.
Happy Holiday’s Everyone!
Neville M. Devlaliwalla
President 2013-2014
Better, Faster, Stronger