Grateful. We are hearing this sentiment a lot these days, even with what we have all endured and, unfortunately, continue to endure. I want to add my voice to this chorus. I am grateful for so much not only on a personal level but a professional level as well. This may seem strange with all the industry has suffered and all the unseen challenges still out there but I am overwhelmed by the resilience, fortitude, and just damn determination of DLI’s membership. Members came together, shared with one another, adapted to the current business climate, and as we are slowly pulling away from the pandemic, have found themselves in a better position to meet future business opportunities.
This applies tenfold to DLI’s Board of Directors. Consider this for a moment: Take all you have had to deal with this past year in your business and now add leading and giving guidance to the industry’s leading trade association and technical institute. Yes, DLI has outstanding staff but what the association stands for and provides comes at the direction of the Board. In this issue you will learn a little about each of the Directors who are elected by you DLI’s members, and what gives them the passion to give back to our industry. I can honestly say each Board member is genuinely concerned with ensuring DLI provides the best and necessary benefits to the industry. Now that is not to say that there is complete agreement all the time. After some healthy and respectful debate, the guidance is sound and provides more solid footing for your association.
As you read this issue please note many of the offerings DLI instituted over the past year grew from discussions at the Board level. Those discussions continue as to how the association can continue to evolve to meet your needs as we all enter a reshaped business environment. The easy thing would be to keep doing what we’ve always done and slowly fade from existence. That hasn’t worked for you and that will certainly not work for your association, at least not for long. So, as we move into 2022 we are excited about some new programs that will have a direct benefit for our members.
I wish each and every one of you a safe, happy, and enjoyable holiday season with family and friends. I am so grateful for your support and continued membership. May 2022 be our industry’s best year yet!
