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Ways and Means

WOW – What a high – a mile high that is! Attending the NAEOP conference in Denver (the mile high city) was so breathtaking.   Being a first time flyer my anxiety button was pushed to the max and going to my first NAEOP conference just added to the apprehension.  Once I arrived, things changed, anxiety left and fun and fellowship began.
I stayed at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colorado just a little northeast of Denver. What a wonderful hotel, the staff was helpful, friendly and kind.  To wake up each morning and look out at the beautiful mountains was a reminder of how good God is to me.  The prairie dogs had burrows that could be seen from my third floor corner room window.  I could hear them chatter each time I went out to the parking lot.  It was fun to watch as they scurried from one burrow to another, chattering all the way, just like we do when we meet at a conference chattering down the halls.  We always have so much to share after not seeing one another for months.
One of the most exciting things I did at the conference was attending Linda Orr’s installation.  Linda is now the president of the National Association of Retired Office Professionals (NAREOP).  Once you retire you don’t stop learning and growing just ask Linda!  National retirees are in for a great year and I know we will be supporting Linda all the way.
I think we run our meetings well, and the NAEOP meetings show we do a good job.  Of course having a diverse board provides opportunities to expand your horizons, learn more about how others do things and ways to improve.  When you attend NAEOP conferences try to do it all!  You will learn so much not only from the presenters, guest speakers, and executive boards but from the people around you.
There were members from almost every state.  We all have similar challenges with membership being a main focus.  When you listen to how others try to encourage membership it gives you ideas and the motivation to continue to work hard for membership.
Pin exchanges are fun and can create a special bond among new friends.  Having the United States map to place pins on, got everyone out and talking to others looking for pins to add and making those wonderful connections
Briefings are like our regional workshops; fun, creative, motivational, and self-searching.  Be sure to attend a few of these while you are at a conference. “Greetings and Salad Dressing” was the one I attended. Debbie from Texas did a terrific job making it fun and reminding us that each one of us had a special “ingredient” to add to the bowl.
Taking time for tours to see the local sights can be fun so be sure to allow a few extra days to explore the sights and sounds of the area.
One of my favorite parts was the Area Breakfast and the Council Breakfast.  This is where we got the chance to talk with one another.  Melissa Carpenter, head of the Southeast Area Breakfast, had us having fun and getting to know one another and made me want to go to the Southeast Professional Day in Kentucky on April 3 & 4.  The Council Breakfast was a full house of others who have the same type of job as I have.  People can always learn a thing or two from others with similar jobs.
If you are working on PSP certification (and I am sure you are) you must attend the PSP banquet.  A night to remember, when you walk across that stage to get the certificate you are like the “Queen of the Day.” Everyone is happy for you, applauding you and your efforts. A great job accomplished and others to share it with makes the evening memorable.
This year Linda Tribble is the NAEOP President.  Linda’s installation was wonderful.  Being the 75th year, lovingly called the “Diamond Jubliee” you can imagine what a night it was.  Having special friends, family and representatives from almost each state made this a special night for Linda. Of course I think it helped when her suitcases finally arrived about three days after she got there.  Just like the professional she is, Linda went shopping for a few things and then continued to shine like the “diamond.”  Be sure to attend the installation banquet in Minnesota next year.  You will love it!
If you want an experience of a lifetime you must plan to attend a NAEOP conference.  If you go to Minnesota remember to take your charge card – the Mall of America is close by and you wouldn’t want to miss it.