MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings Fellow Members,
First, I would like to thank Rick Kramer at Kramer's Laser Kreation for hosting our June meeting. For those of you who could not make the meeting, the purpose of having the meeting at Kramer's Laser Kreation was two-fold: to see a demonstration of the computer controlled laser and to present an appreciation award.
The GADPA board had decided some months back that we needed to show our appreciation and gratitude to one of the driving forces behind the early years of this organization. We thought it would work well to purchase an award from Rick Kramer and have him etch it as part of the demonstration so we could present it afterwards. My biggest fears were that the person the award was for would happen to not attend this meeting or that he would notice that the award was for him and therefore ruin the surprise. The first fear was unfounded since he probably has the best attendance record of anyone. Luckily he wasn't wearing his glasses during the demo so he couldn't read the inscriptions. I would have to say that it was a complete surprise when I presented Dave Meneely with the mahogany desk clock that Rick had etched. I have asked Dave to bring it along to the July meeting to show anyone who was unable to attend.
As a related topic, I would like to talk about commitment. Webster defines it as an "obligation or pledge to carry out some action or policy". Support on the other hand is defined "to uphold by aid, countenance, or adherence". It's obvious that Dave is committed to GADPA. It shows by his attendance at meetings, his involvement in being an officer almost every year, and in the way he talks about his goals for our organization. Are you committed to GADPA or are you just a supporter? If you having trouble determining the difference, let me relay how it was explained to me recently: in a bacon and egg breakfast, the hen is supportive and the pig is committed. Being supportive hurts a little, usually in the pocketbook. Being committed hurts more, not only in the pocketbook but in your time and energy.
How can you move from being a supporter to being committed? Start by attending the monthly meetings consistently. Get involved in the meeting by asking questions and participating in discussions. Eat your lunch with one of the PIE students. Volunteer to host a meeting at your place of work to show how you are using computers and data processing (if interested, contact Dan Ball, Vice-President). Say yes the next time one of the directors asks you to be an officer. Become a committed member of GADPA.
Once again I would like to thank Dave Meneely for his commitment to the success of the Greensburg Area Data Processing Association. Without it, I don't think that this organization would be around today.
See you at the July meeting.
Kevin