CAI-NJ Dec. 2018 (w)

LOOKING AHEAD LARRY THOMAS, PCAM | CAI-NJ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A nother year will soon be behind us and before we know it, 2019 will be here. I can honestly say, that 2018 was a great year for our chapter. Our committees were never more involved, and I can say without hesitation every committee embraced their event or mission with passion and excitement. It’s great to be in my position where I see the committees originally meet in December and mature and grow during the year. I’m sure you will agree with me that if you are on a committee, you too saw the devel- opment from meeting to meeting. It’s great to sit back and watch as the committee members gel and really get excited completing their mission. Several committees had meetings of just brainstorming and coming up with new programs or initiatives that will grow our chapter and bring more social, educational and business value to all of our members. I also enjoy seeing our committees making connections with their fellow committee members. Often, there is a group planning to meet somewhere after the meeting for lunch and to continue the conversations started at the meeting. This December issue of Community Trends ® is a recap of some of 2018’s educational seminars/events that we presented during the year. The Editorial Committee felt it was important to present these timely industry articles for those that couldn’t attend the seminars in person. I want to thank all of this year’s presenters and those that took the time to recap their materials appearing in this month’s issue. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what a great job our Conference and Expo Committee did with this year’s event. The committee, led by Cheryl Rhine from USI Insurance and Jay Burak from FWH Engineering and staff liaison Angela Kavanaugh, did an outstanding job in creating a top-notch experience for all the exhibitors and attendees. A huge thank you to all the committee members and CAI-NJ staff for

working together to exceed all our expectations. This year was exceptionally challenging since we were moving to a new venue and a different area of the state. The committee and staff realize there were a few hiccups, especially food, and have already met and discussed making tweaks for next year’s conference. So as our board, committees and staff wind down 2018 and get a few weeks of much deserved rest, I’m sure the new board, our newly appointed committees and chairs along with the CAI-NJ staff will be raring to go on January

“A quick note, we had over 155 applicants requesting a 2019 committee appointment. I am

happy to say that all were placed on a committee.”

1st. A quick note, we had over 155 applicants requesting a 2019 committee appointment. I am happy to say that all were placed on a committee. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated member base. In closing, I want to thank the entire board of directors for an outstanding year. Every board member fulfilled their roles and gave countless hours to our chapter. I also want to thank my team for another amazing year at CAI-NJ. Last, but certainly not least, I want to officially welcome Benjamin Walter Oskierko (son of Jackie and Ben Oskierko), born October 22nd, to the CAI-NJ family. Mother and child are doing well, and Jackie is expected back early in 2019! n

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