As I look at the end of 2003 nearing, I am astounded at what this
organization has accomplished in such a transitional year, both for CREW
and for the industry. I think this year can be marked by listening…yes
listening truly listening to our members in what they wanted out of
their membership, to our sponsors on what they expected from our
programs and our events and to our past and present leaders on what they
dreamed for our CREW going forward.
This year we listened and teamed
and took our efforts to extraordinary levels. We increased formal
business networking at our luncheons, we offered networking events to
our members as part of their benefits, we went “online” with the
majority of our newsletters leveraging technology and reducing costs, We
launched CREW’s first leadership development committee, we enhanced
CREW’s public relations via a strategic relationship with the Dallas
Business Journal, we committed long term to the Dallas Women’s
Foundation and we increased the amount of money we raised for our
beneficiaries by over 40%. All of this in a rather challenging
year.
Numerous leaders within CREW made
this possible. Leadership is about passion, Leadership is about
humility. Leadership is about vision and about transforming the every
day into a day of possibilities. We have many talented leaders in CREW,
from our co-chairs, to our chairs, to our directors and the executive
committee. We also have many committee members that have served on the
board and many active past presidents. All are playing a part in
leading our organization into tomorrow and beyond. With leadership
comes responsibility, our responsibility, as CREW leaders are to help
each other prosper…. to succeed ….to grow
It only takes a moment to truly
listen…to truly help another CREW member find an opportunity. . It only
takes a moment to give a CREW member an opportunity; for a job, to bid
on an assignment, to invest in a partnership … it really only takes a
moment to include a CREW person in the opportunities that we all have to
give.
As you move into 2004 we hope you
have gained new friendships and new business opportunities, we hope you
have been stretched and motivated and most of all we hope you have had
the opportunity to take the lead in listening to other members and
helping them make a connection.
You have all exceeded my
expectations and shaped the changes that continually make CREW an
exceptional organization. I look forward to the many future
achievements and opportunities that future CREW leaders will bring. As
with all great organizations there is no one leader that makes an
organization. There are a succession of great leaders that continue to
move the organization and its core mission forward and upward to
greatness. I am ever so grateful that you allowed me the opportunity to
lead this magnificent group I am forever grateful. Please feel free to
contact me or email me at
Lorraine@TeelInc.com 214-363-9184. |