In The Company Of Greatness


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In The Company Of Greatness
By: Sherri Lennarson, MAS
Issue: 2009nov

It’s November, a natural and appropriate time to give thanks. The only problem embarking on an article like this one is the possibility for errors of omission. With that said, I’ll ask forgiveness before I even begin for those I fail to recognize. And for those I publicly thank, my only hope is I can do so as eloquently as William Shakespeare, who penned “I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and over thanks.”

My heart is filled with gratitude as I reflect on my year as chair. I am indebted to my husband, my family and my employer for their unwavering support. I have had the distinct honor of working with the Bywater family at Bankers Advertising Company for nearly three decades. Industry and life lessons learned from them during the years have prepared me for the privilege and responsibility of serving my industry. There is no way I can adequately thank Bill, David, Don and my peers for supporting me in my efforts to lead the Association.

In 2008, 61.8 million Americans, or 26.4 percent of the adult population, contributed eight billion hours of volunteer services, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service, an organization that collects data in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. PPAI is the direct beneficiary of thousands of those hours. We are fortunate to have a volunteer board of suppliers and distributors to represent our membership. The men and women serving you are dedicated, forward-thinking professionals. They serve with passion. They serve with heart.

Our committee chairs and committee members represent our “feet on the street.” Incoming Chair Scott Siegel, MAS, and his incoming executive committee have been working with committee chairs and carefully studying committee service to ensure outcomes that align with our strategic plan and produce high levels of volunteer satisfaction.

PPAI is also fortunate to have hundreds of individuals who volunteer their time in 28 different regional associations. The regional network offers unparalleled opportunities for leadership and professional development. These groups are also playing a critical role in government relations and legislative action. Hundreds and hundreds of individuals are engaged and actively communicating with their state and federal legislators. Thank you for answering the call to action. Continue to do so. It is one of the most important things you can do for your industry.

The benefits of volunteering are many. There are intangible benefits for the individual such as pride, satisfaction and accomplishment. There are also tangible advantages volunteers bring to an organization, such as the ability to solve problems, discover opportunities, execute solutions, strengthen the community, improve lives and connect others. Most of all, volunteering transforms the very life of the volunteer and provides an avenue for personal growth. A growing body of research indicates not only social but health benefits to volunteering.

I encourage you to think about volunteering in a whole new light. Today’s technology enables you to be a virtual volunteer. Think about lending your expertise to your Association’s publication. Do you love to write? Love to do research? Do you have an area of expertise you can share with your peers? How about pitching a story to our editor? Association membership is more relevant when it is guided by feet on the street. Have an idea on how we can provide more value? Call PPAI Headquarters and ask to talk with someone on the membership team. Is there a benefit you wish we’d offer? Speak up. Do you see a missing link in our professional development offerings? Let us know.

I’m thankful for your ideas and your willingness to voice them. I’m equally thankful for the ears and eyes of our Association staff. This dedicated group of professionals wants to listen and learn from you. They work hard every day and understand their success can only be measured by your success.

Volunteers inspire me. You inspire me. Martin Luther King Jr. is quoted as saying, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” I’m awed, as I am in the company of greatness. Thank you.

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