Happy New Year!  No, your calendar hasn't jumped ahead; but it is the start of an exciting "New Year" for your Grand Rapids IMA chapter.
 
You'll want to mark the meeting dates on your calendar because our outline of speakers is nothing short of spectacular this year.  The year started out great, on September 21, with Mary Bauman, partner at Miller Johnson, speaking on the impact of Health Care Reform.
 
Our upcoming October Meeting features, Doug Van Der Aaa, Adjunct Professor at Grand Valley State University, giving us a tax update.  Doug's presentations are always informative and entertaining at the same time.  His name always comes up on our "requested speaker" list.
 
In November, we will have Mitch Stapley, CFA for Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids. ... Wow!
 
And, in 2011, our guest speakers will include the President of the National IMA , Sandy Richtermeyer - in February.  In March, Beth Kelly, partner at ConnectSource, will speak on workforce adjustments. Then, in April, John Bissa and Julie Boudro from Plante Moran will update us on Sharepoint Technology.
 
In addition to our line-up of great speakers, we're starting our "New Year" with a NEW website. Visit our new website at www.imamichigan.org/grandrapids.
 
Your IMA board has been working diligently over the summer to plan a year filled with opportunities for our members. But, our best plans are all for naught without you. We need your support and your participation. Given the demands placed upon all of us by our busy families and demanding careers, it is important that the programs we provide are valuable to you.  Being an active member of a professional organization is one of the best ways to increase your knowledge and build your professional network.
 
We welcome any and all suggestions you may have to make this year the best ever! My email address is carol.vandyke@cascadeng.com .
 
See you at the meetings,
 
 
Carol VanDyke
Chapter President 2010-2011