Viewpoint from the Chair - June, 2013

Conclusions are most often times for reflection. As I conclude my year as Chair of the Amigos Board of Directors, I find myself looking back on the list of significant events of my term.

That list would of course have to begin with the first year of the Amigos/Missouri Library Network Corporation merger. I can't imagine how the uniting of these two premier organizations could have gone more smoothly. Credit for that must go to Bonnie Juergens and the Amigos team and to Tracy Byerly and the MLNC team. I witnessed firsthand the diligent preparation that went into the merger plans and how flawlessly those plans were executed. The seamless blending of these bodies into one dynamic organization has been a pleasure and an honor for me to oversee.

Last fall I was privileged to be able to travel to the Missouri Library Association’s annual meeting in Springfield, where Tracy and I co-presented the 2012 Ronald G. Bohley Award, sponsored by MLA and Amigos, to Jim Cogswell of the University of Missouri, Columbia. I enjoyed getting to meet lots of Missouri librarians and help be the face of Amigos for them.

There are so many individuals I want to thank for their contributions to Amigos and for helping make my time as Chair so memorable. First, I wish to thank my fellow Directors who just completed their terms on the Amigos Board. Charlie Kalogeros-Chattan, Art Lichtenstein, Bill Parton, and Patrick Heath have all served with distinction the past three years. We on the Board are better for having worked alongside them for the good of Amigos, and Amigos Members have benefited immensely from their service.

I must also acknowledge the contributions of Liz MacDonald, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO; and Steve Potter, Mid-Continent Public Library System, Independence, MO, who served on the Board as Observer/Participants this past year. Thank you, Liz and Steve, for all you have done to facilitate the transition following the merger. It was great getting to know and work with you both. Last month, Steve was elected to a three-year term on the Board, and I look forward to our continued time together serving Amigos Members.

Many thanks go to Tracy, Keith Gaertner, and Linda Elkow for to their tireless dedication to all members as they facilitated the merger from the MLNC side. You all are to be commended for the key roles you have assumed in your new organization, and all Amigos Members can look forward to the contributions you will continue to make in the coming years. Tracy, it should be noted, served as the chief coordinator and driving force behind the just-completed 2013 Amigos Member Conference. Bravo, Tracy, for an excellent program!

Finally, my sincere thanks go to Bonnie and the entire Amigos staff for their excellent work this past year. At our final Board meeting of FY2013, Amigos Chief Financial Officer Charles Cason reported that Amigos will finish the year ahead of the Business Plan forecast, a tribute to the diligent efforts of everyone on the Amigos team. You are all star performers and consummate professionals, and your excellent efforts continue to make Amigos the strong, vital organization it is today and will be for years to come. I look forward to my continued service on the Board and to working with each of you.

Thank you all for your service to Amigos Members.
Jennifer