On behalf of the CPCU Mid Tennessee Chapter Officers and Directors, I welcome you to the 2010/2011 chapter year.  I am honored to have been asked to represent this historic chapter as President.  I look forward to working with Vice President, Deb Ropelewski, the other Board members and various Committees to bring you an interesting, varied, and enjoyable year.  I wish to thank Teresa for staying on for another year…she continues to be the rock of this chapter.

I wish to give thanks and gratitude on behalf of the chapter to the hard work and commitment from last year’s President, Tom Cunningham.  He demonstrated leadership and a willingness to try new and bigger things for your chapter and through his leadership the Chapter earned the Silver Circle of Excellence Award for the second year in a row.  I hope to continue in his footsteps and to continue working with Tom as he is a great resource and mentor.

I would like to give you an idea of what is in store this coming year:

1.       There are plans to expand Tom’s “Each One Reach One” program to the entire chapter.  I look forward to seeing Arvetta McClardy’s activities for this student, candidate and member outreach program. 

2.       Our Good Works chairperson, Claire Sercombe, has scheduled several very worthwhile projects demonstrating the heart of the chapter and how a difference can be made in our community. 

3.       Daniel Maddux, your State Farm Champion, is also planning a very exciting program for this upcoming year at the State Farm Operation Center, in Murfreesboro, which includes our Chapter Conferment Ceremony, MTSU month, Officer Installation Ceremony, and several interesting speakers. 

4.       Kevin Wild is committed to continued updates of the Chapter web site and adding more user friendly features provided by the Society, in addition to making it a resource for our chapter members.

5.       There will be an updating of the chapter Bylaws to remain consistent with the Society, and our Chapter roster will be extensively reviewed to make sure membership and member contact information is current. 

Without members willing to participate there would be no Mid Tennessee chapter, so I strongly encourage all members to consider greater participation in your chapter to continue the great tradition going back some FIFTY years.  There is a need for folks interested in leadership and committee opportunities.  As with my predecessor, Tom, I also wish to maintain an open platform and encourage each of you to provide your thoughts on our Chapter and how we can make it better, stronger and more vibrant to fulfill your needs as a valued member NOW and into the FUTURE.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and I look forward to the upcoming year.

Best Regards,

Richard J Richard, CPCU

Mid Tennessee Chapter, President