SLA 2005 Leadership Summit Candidate Speech
Agnes K. Mattis, Candidate for Division Cabinet Chair-Elect
You should be happy to see me up here, it means we are half way through. Some might want to consider it the half time show with no garment malfunction of course. Also I'm from NY and if I talk really really fast I could be through in 2 ½ minutes. But I think what I have to say is important enough that I will take my time to convey my message. Sorry.
A number of years ago I sat in Division Cabinet one night and we knew it was going to be a long contentious evening. And leading us through our discussion was Barbara Spiegleman. This meeting was like herding cats and I remember thinking "I could never do this" Well I look back and say I couldn't do it then but I could do it now. Maybe not with Barbara's grace but I could do it . I can say that because of all of the opportunities I have had to grow and challenge myself with SLA over the years. I've been President of the New York Chapter more than anyone in the Chapter's history. I've Chaired the Business and Finance Division, served on the Association Finance Committee and Chaired the Conference Committee for the 2003 NY Meeting. Each of these positions has given me a chance to learn something new, hone a skill and most important network with some of the best and brightest people around. I don't know why they let me in their company. Now, with your support I would like to represent you as the Division Cabinet Chair Elect.
It has been an exciting and challenging time for the Divisions. We have seen some mergers, re-naming, sections forming and most exciting the creation of new Divisions such as the Government Information and the Competitive Intelligence Divisions. I believe this process comes directly from our associations mission of learning, advocacy and networking initiatives. We must continually evolve and grow as we make ourselves more compelling to those outside the organization. I would like to be a part of guiding this process.
The Divisions are also responsible for a large part of the programming for our annual conference. This brings the learning and networking initiatives of our mission into play again. The Division Cabinet Chair now has a role in the program planning process. I feel I now have an intimate knowledge of Conference Planning and I could dedicate my energies to insure a high quality learning experience as the conference changes to meet the needs of our members and prospective members
Your Division Cabinet Chair is also a member of the Board of Directors. Your Board works very hard researching, discussing and making decisions on all the issues that face our association. From financial, to procedural to mapping plans for the future. They do it all. I believe I am ready to join them and face the challenges ahead.
Whether you choose to vote for me, or for my very worthy colleague, Deborah Garson, I strongly encourage you to vote. Each of the candidates has spent the better part of a year learning as much as possible about the current issues facing our association so whatever the results of the vote we could all be up to speed and able to contribute to Board Discussion. Each member of the Associations Board of Directors spends considerable time on conference calls, preparing for Board Meetings, responding to members issues and concerns. It is the least that you can do to spend a little time learning about each of us, mark your ballot and mail it back by the established deadline. Ours is a process where your vote really does count whether you are from a small Chapter or a large Chapter, a small Division or a large Division a red state or a blue state,. Please be sure to vote.
A special Thanks to all the members of the Florida and Caribbean Chapter for your hard work and hospitality. I know how much goes into hosting an SLA meeting. I can't wait to go to the Aquarium tonight. I hope they have some Manatees - they're my favorite.
Thank you.
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