Letter from the President

How do we carry on, conducting business as usual, when the events surrounding the Boston Marathon on Monday, continue to haunt us all?  We can't help but be affected in permanent ways by senseless hatred that invaded the celebration of an iconic sports and community historical event on that horrific day. 

For my firm,  sharing the sorrow and sadness of our Boston colleagues, we also breathe a sigh of relief that our marathon running partner and his family are safe.  Many of you are sure to have similar stories and feelings.   As the facts continue to emerge, we will relive the tragedy and the reality that our world is imperfect, that we are, in many ways, always vulnerable.  But we will also experience the truth that the tenacity of the human spirit is demonstrated again and again by countless acts of kindness and selflessness that can breed hope. 

I guess the answer is that we shouldn't conduct business "as usual."  We should measure our own blessings and then be Unusual, being diligent in finding ways to BE blessings for others in need, including maybe even those most affected by Monday's tragedy in Boston.

I am grateful for our SMPS community in our national leadership and membership, in Alabama and the SERC SMPS community whom we hosted succesfully last month. Thanks, Cathy and Blair, and your entire committee, for a tremendous conference!  I count you all among my blessings.

I am grateful also for our local Alabama Chapter board and for all you do to step up when it's needed.  Please join us for our chapter meeting this coming Tuesday to view together "Making the Cut," a pre-recorded webinar designed to educate us on the intricacies of requests for proposals (RFPs).  Bring your staff and have lunch with us at Vulcan's Conference Center.  Hope to see you there.

Cleo Kathryn

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