President's Message — October 2020
“Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like somethin' is brewin' and 'bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store, but I feel what's to happen all happened before.” – Bert, Mary Poppins
It is with extreme pride and joy that I write this letter to all of you and welcome everyone to the new term… what a beginning it has been. I can’t help but relate experiences in life to song titles, lyrics or movie quotes and currently, the quote above from ‘Mary Poppins’ seems fitting.
It seems the winds have been constantly changing for all of us recently and no matter
how hard we try, many are still trying to settle into a ‘new normal’. We cannot place a finger on what the future holds for us whether it’s professional or personal. However, one thing that will remain certain and familiar is the support and family at MPIOC.
Although the start of this term and our events have been different, your MPIOC Board have been working hard to create fun, engaging and supportive content. I was thrilled to be Kelly Feeney’s co-host for our Annual Awards Presentation. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, a HUGE congratulations! As many of us are forced to examine a time to ‘pivot’ into new roles or jobs, I'm excited and proud of our MPIOC Webinar, Career Development Workshop, presented by our education team. In addition, we are stepping out of our comfort zones and having fun with our “Nudge” campaign, and coming in October, we will have a fun and creative virtual fundraiser that will take us… well, let’s just say, MPIOC is going International!
Recognition is something I truly value and I'm happy to announce changes to our Award & Recognition program spearheaded by our VP of Membership, AnaLaura Becerra, CMP CTA. This includes 2 new awards:
- Just like high school – the Perfect Attendance Award, presented to members who attended every monthly program, virtually or in person.
- The Mentor of the Year - Presented to a Chapter member who displays the unique ability to lead, guide and teach others with enthusiasm and who has made a significant contribution in guiding a chapter member(s) professionally.
Despite what is happening all around us, we continue to march onto something familiar and at the same time explore new and exciting formats, events, ideas, and conversations with fellow MPI members. I said it before and I'll say it again, there is no better time to get involved, volunteer and be part of something familiar…something we all need right now.
I look forward to the next message I get to share with you and especially for the day we can meet in person. For now, I happily make myself available for you, our members. I would love to hear from you just like we would, having a drink during the networking reception before one of our events. Drop me a line or send me an email and share a movie quote or song lyric that best describes how you feel, share an event idea or topic you would love to see. Or, just say hello!
For now, I will see you soon!
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
MPI Orange County, President-Elect
president@mpioc.com
