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Association of Legal Administrators
Valley of the Sun Chapter
PO Box 2629
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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President's Message

Are you involved?

I cannot believe that my term as President is half over.  What seemed like such a long time four years ago, when I started my journey, is now almost over.  It has been an exciting time & great fun working with the amazing people on the Board of Directors & Committees. 

I think back to the time when I first joined the Valley of the Sun Chapter in 2000 & attended my first luncheon, not knowing anyone.  I met a few people whose names I cannot remember but I was interested enough to keep attending. 

I wanted to learn more about the legal industry & develop my own professional network in Phoenix, so I became “involved”.  I kept attending the monthly luncheons, socials, webinars & local conferences.  I believed that I was getting full benefit from my membership but knew that I was “flying under the radar”.  In 2002, Jerri Schloss contacted me to ask if I would be interested in chairing the Staffing & Development Committee.  We spoke about the duties & the time commitment necessary.  I thought it was doable & said “yes”.  It was then that I became truly “involved”. 

I started to attend Board meetings, developing many professional and personal relationships along the way.  I chaired other committees and then was asked to fill the position of Treasurer.  I said “yes” again.  After 2 years as Treasurer, I was invited to become Vice President.  That “yes” was the start of my current four year journey. 

As I look back on this journey, I realize that before I became “involved”, I really was not getting the full benefit out of my membership.  Participation is important.  It has allowed me to meet and work with many talented people, expand my knowledge by attending educational conferences, give back to the chapter and the community, learn more about myself professionally and personally and develop friendships that will last long after my ALA journey is complete.  There is certainly no question, that my “involvement” has made me a better administrator. 

Please think about really getting involved.  I know you will get back everything you give and more!

Chris 

“If there is no worker involvement, there is no quality system”

Lloyd Dobens


Archives:  2010  

2/17/2010
A Final Thought

A Final Thought..

 

It is hard to believe that my year as President of the Valley of the Sun Chapter comes to end on March 31st.  It has been an honor to serve with this Board of Directors.  The time has passed so quickly.  At times it was overwhelming but was always rewarding and a lot of fun.

Like most people, I was hesitant to get involved.  I felt that I was too busy and there was not enough time in the day to squeeze in such a commitment.  But like most administrators, who seem thrive on the energy of  of a good challenge, I decided to "jump in".

As I moved from helping on committees, to chairing them and then onto the board, I realized that I was getting more back than I was giving.  I was expanding both my professional network and knowledge and meeting amazing people along the way, both here in Phoenix and throughout the country.

I would like to express my gratitude to the incredible administrators who served as board members and committee chairpersons this year.  Together, we accomplished some amazing things including increasing membership in a challenging economy, hosting the chapter's most widely attended Educational Conference and Business Partner Expo, refurbishing a neighborhood in downtown Chandler during Community Challenge Weekend (CCW), manning the telephones during KAET-TV's pledge drive for Professional Legal Management Week (PLMW ),  presenting quality educational  sessions including the 2009 Leadership Event and kicking off the Chapter's very successful First Annual Holiday Party.  This year's Board of Directors and Committee Chairs are a group of busy and successful administrators who worked diligently and selflessly to keep the Chapter running smoothly and I am proud to have served with them and also call them my friends.

Last but not least, I would like to thank you, the chapter members, for your support and participation.  The Valley of the Sun Chapter was formed for the benefit of its members and without you, it would not exist.  My final thought to you as my term comes to a close - "get involved" with your chapter.  You will be amazed how rewarding it will be.

Chris



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"The Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators is a separate legal entity from the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). ALA licenses the use of its name, mark, logos and other protected properties to chapters which are in good standing. ALA disclaims all liability or responsibility whatsoever for the actions, representations and liabilities of the Valley of the Sun Chapter, specifically including those of any nature whatsoever arising from or out of the content or other features related to the Valley of the Sun Chapter Web site. In no event shall ALA be deemed the guarantor of the Valley of the Sun Chapter."

 

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