Continual Transformation at the chapter level: underway revitalization while transforming and at war."Critical to chapter revitalization is the 'Core Team' who can commit to hard work during the start up phase. If they follow the five key ingredients (Dynamic Leadership, Regular Meetings, Engaging Speakers, Continual Recruiting, Variety of Educational/Social/Community Programs), the comatose chapter will not just walk again, but it will fly!" --Norbert Grabowski, Revitalizing a Chapter "Sure Joe, I love a good challenge!" My reply echoed that from any self-respecting, prospective chapter president to Joe Torsani when asked to help revitalize re·vi·tal·ize tr.v. re·vi·tal·ized, re·vi·tal·iz·ing, re·vi·tal·iz·es To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy. a chapter. It is hard work, but it is well worth doing. NDTA NDTA National Defense Transportation Association NDTA National Dance Teachers Association NDTA Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (Laguna Beach, CA) NDTA North Dakota Telephone Association faces challenges, like so many others trying to attact interest, and probably all of our chapters are at some stage of simultaneous revitalization re·vi·tal·ize tr.v. re·vi·tal·ized, re·vi·tal·iz·ing, re·vi·tal·iz·es To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy. and transformation--seeking ways to maintain a membership that consists, in large part, of military personnel that are deployed, preparing to deploy, or resetting after deployment. Regarding the NDTA Central Pennsylvania Chapter, conditions have been set: our core team is in place; NDTA headquarters is helping above and beyond; and my bosses at LMI LMI Labor Market Information LMI Local Management Interface LMI Logistics Management Institute LMI Linear Matrix Inequality LMI Legemiddelindustriforeningen (Norway) LMI Low to Moderate Income LMI Lender's Mortgage Insurance Government Consulting share my passion and the belief that professional associations are value-added in developing a premier, world class work force. BUILDING ON SOLID GROUND--IMPACT PLAYERS Success depends upon recognizing impact players, people who make a difference in Defense Transportation and Distribution and who markedly improve our association. I would be remiss re·miss adj. 1. Lax in attending to duty; negligent. 2. Exhibiting carelessness or slackness. See Synonyms at negligent. if I failed to thank Charley Ryder and Tom Sweeney for their efforts during the height of chapter operations and for continuing to keep the fire burning. They will be honored at this year's Forum as recipients of the NDTA President's Special Achievement Award and Distinguished Service Award, respectively. Charley continues to participate in the Chapter as a President emeritus on the board, and Tom Sweeney serves as the chapter treasurer. As part of the Core Team, Charley and Tom were the first folks I met with concerning chapter revitalization. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Another key leader is Brigadier General Mike Lally, Commanding General of the Defense Distribution Center (DDC See VESA DDC. ). BG Lally wholeheartedly whole·heart·ed adj. Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm: wholehearted approval. whole supports our local chapter. His former executive officer, Ed Visker, serves as Chapter 1st Vice President, and his new XO, Colonel Perry Knight, with roots in Central Pennsylvania, has long been a chapter member and has pledged his support as an active participant. DDC comprises 10 percent of the chapter membership, counts two chapter board members, and hosted the chapter's August event. DDC's gravitational grav·i·ta·tion n. 1. Physics a. The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical objects with mass or energy. b. The act or process of moving under the influence of this attraction. 2. pull for transportation services makes it a logical participant to foster government/industry partnerships. The Army War College's COL Nick Anderson For the editorial cartoonist, see . Nelison "Nick" Anderson (born January 20, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois) is a retired American basketball player. He spent thirteen years in the NBA (beginning in 1989), most of them with the Orlando Magic. serves as the Chapter's 2nd VP and also helps to anchor the core team. Long-time NDTA members and Forum volunteers Carolyn and Shorty short·y also short·ie Informal n. pl. short·ies 1. A person short in stature. 2. A thing of less than average size, length, extension, or duration. adj. Salmans are heavy lifters for the core team. Ms. Liz Voras, former PA Deputy Secretary for Transportation, Aviation, Rail Freight and Ports, Ms. Sue Ann Fulton from DHL DHL abbr. 1. Doctor of Hebrew Letters 2. Doctor of Hebrew Literature , Mr. Paul Dowler from LMI Government Consulting, and Dr. Rich Young from Penn State University serve as well. It's a talented, energetic core team for revitalizing a chapter. STRATEGIC SUPPORT Leveraging personal and professional relationships with the folks at NDTA Headquarters cannot be over emphasized in rebuilding. Resources (expertise, experience, financial support, marketing, etc.) that LTG LTG abbr. lieutenant general Wykle, Mark Victorson, Denny Edwards, and Karen Schmitt (just to name a few) have brought to bear have been nothing short of phenomenal. Our fearless Atlantic Region President, "Uncle" Joe Torsani has also squarely thrown his shoulder into the Central Pennsylvania effort. Many of us in the Central Pennsylvania Chapter have been touched both personally and professionally by Norbert Grabowski, former Vice President of Membership Services and NDTA icon who passed away this July. In tribute, we dedicate our revitalization efforts to his memory. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OUR FIRST 90 DAYS The hard work has paid off, and so far we have experienced several successes in the early stage: * Representing National Headquarters and awarding deserving Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University, main campus at University Park, State College; land-grant and state supported; coeducational; chartered 1855, opened 1859 as Farmers' High School. ROTC cadets with NDTA achievement awards * Hosting a reception for the convoy participants and local transportation/ distribution VIPs commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway System during its overnight stay in Carlisle, PA * Chapter Revitalization Kick-off Luncheon with LTG Wykle * Board/Planning Meeting with short-, mid-, and long-term focus * Forging a partnership with Hershey and helping in developing their bid for the 2010 Forum * Submission of Individual Awards for long-time Chapter members * Design of a Central PA Chapter logo Mid- and long-term plans include: * Top Priority to the Chapter Emergency Preparedness Program * Chapter Scholarship Fund * Chapter meetings at the Defense Distribution Center, Army War College, FedEx; Chapter Golf Tournament; and a strong Chapter showing at the Annual Forum and Exposition in Memphis, Tennessee For the ancient Egyptian capital, see . Memphis is a city in the southwest corner of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. Memphis rises above the Mississippi River on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff just below the mouth of the Wolf River. The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the NDTA salutes the Nation and our association and looks forward to becoming an impact player and a model for chapter revitalization. All the best. by John Fasching, Chapter President Photos: John Fasching and Karen Schmitt |
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