It is hard to see the forest through the trees. I keep reminding myself of that as we race towards the start of 2022. I had very high hopes going into 2021. We were going to combat “Zoom Fatigue” by returning to in person meetings. We were going to increase our use of technology to accommodate virtual attendees. We were going to recruit new members and leaders. These were the messages and goals imbedded in my January post. How did we do?
- Return to in person meetings? Check. Didn’t get there until October, but we did it.
- Use Technology to accommodate virtual attendees? Check. Zoom is a constant, YouTube recordings are available when allowed by the presenter.
- New Leaders? Check. We already have members showing interest in running for Board positions and volunteering for 2022-24.
- New Members? Well, while there are new faces, we could always use more.
In the day-to-day dealings with the Section, it is sometimes hard to remember how much we have accomplished this year. Not to mention that throughout 2021 we were still wrestling with a global pandemic, saw previously unthinkable supply chain issues, and we learned the term “Great Resignation”. The new normal? There is no such thing as normal anymore.
We found a way to persevere in another year filled with unexpected hurdles. We have exciting program topics in 2022 from Winterization to HMIs to Automation in Agriculture and Bioscience to Leadership. I am excited to see these programs and the discussions that they generate amongst our members.
I already mentioned the new leaders being identified. With this being an election year for ISASTL, I am looking forward to helping transition my leadership to the new Board. At the start of March 2020, I never thought nor dreamt I’d be in this position again, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Section as President for a second time. By the way, if you are, or if you know of anyone interested in joining the Board or volunteering - email president@isastl.org.
Looking forward to 2022, we will have hurdles we can’t plan for, much like the past 2 years, but I believe we are in a great place to keep things moving well into the future.
By the way, if you are reading this before 12/9 – please join us at our annual Holiday Happy Hour at O’Fallon Brewery. Back in person! And don’t forget to check out our other upcoming events as well!
Cory N. Kniepp
ISA St. Louis Section, President
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