Handing over the gavel

This year has been one of great challenge and great growth for PRSA's Western District. All of our chapters struggled to keep membership numbers in tact while our members budget cutbacks and job losses. Volunteers were strained be increasing workloads back at the office while keeping the stellar chapter programming and services going.

I'm happy to say that there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. It may be a bit dim and distant, but it is there. As we close out 2010, a few chapters are seeing a rebound in membership and job postings are starting to come through. 2011 chapter boards are having retreats and establishing and/or reviewing strategic plans. Exciting programs are in development for 2011 including the PRSA Western District Conference in Las Vegas April 27-29.

Before I turn the gavel over to next year's chair, I'd like to take a moment to thank this year's Board Officers:

• Past Chair: Todd Cooley, Orange County Chapter
• Chair elect: Lisa Cutter, Colorado Chapter
• Secretary: Kristen Bonilla, APR, Hawaii Chapter
• Treasurer: Chris Chesrown, Phoenix Chapter

You all did a great job. Thank you for your service to the District and it's nearly 2,500 members.

I'd also like to thank Karen Bergh and her team from the California Inland Empire Chapter for serving as the hosts of the 2010 Western District Conference -- one of the most successful district conferences to date. You all did some amazing work and provided a great professional development value to those in attendance.

Thanks to Candice Bellittera and the crew at PRSA National for all of their support, including landing a national board member to help us out with this year's QuickStart program.

Finally, I'd like to thank all of the chapters that hosted me for chapter visits this year. I had the honor of visiting eight out of our 10 member chapters, including:

• San Diego and Imperial Valley
• California Inland Empire
• Hawaii
• Pikes Peak
• Colorado
• Phoenix
• Southern Arizona
• Orange County

In my travels, I found that each one of our chapters is a gem all unto itself -- different facets, different strengths, different challenges. One of the joys of my role has been to help connect chapter leaders to each other to share ideas, resources, and, sometimes, an ear to vent inevitable frustrations. In the end, I believe we are stronger chapters because of our strong bond and commitment to each other as a district.

Don't worry, you're not rid of me yet. I have my hands full as the 2011 Western District Conference Chair, so I don't plan to sleep until May. I'll also still be around to advise as past chair and serve as the Nom Com rep. However, I'll be in the back seat. It's now Lisa's time to shine.

I can't wait to see what she and the 2011 Western District Board accomplish.

Thanks again for the opportunity to serve as your chair this year. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure.

All the best -

Nancy Syzdek, APR