NAMA leader's message. (National NAMA News).

`Count Me In!' I said that some 25 years ago when I first became a member of NAMA. Little did I know how much help NAMA would be in my career and personal development. I'm sure that many of you reading this would agree--NAMA is a great way to make personal contacts, gather market and business information, and develop leadership skills. Of course, as with all endeavors in life, you get out of NAMA what you put in.

`Count me in!' That's what hundreds of you say every year. People who volunteer as committee members, chapter leaders, regional directors, and other national officers. That's what Teresa Hinrichs, Marjory Walker, Jill Green, Mark Perrin, Tom Davis, and Dennis Erpelding all said. All are past NAMA Presidents whom I've had the honor of working with. They've devoted years to an organization--a professional membership--they truly care about. To all of you on chapter and national committees, to all of you who serve as leaders, and to all of you who offer guidance, advice, and ideas ... THANK YOU!

Now, as we continue to strengthen the basic foundations of NAMA ... Chapters, National events (Agri-Marketing Conference, AgriBusiness Forum), Professional Recognition (including Best of NAMA), and Student Chapters ... we need everyone's help.

Say `Count me in!' to help make your chapter stronger. Some chapters struggle just from not having enough people to work on committees, or not having a succession plan for officers. Talk with your current chapter leaders and see where your interests and skills might be of help. You might be surprised at how little time it takes and how great an impact you can make. Here's a challenge: Plan to attend at least one chapter meeting this coming year. If you don't have an active chapter in your area, look for other ways to get involved ... perhaps with regional or national events.

One final challenge, and this one to Ag companies: Get more of your employees involved with NAMA. To my own great fortune, John Deere has seen a real value in NAMA membership. As new people (some without Ag backgrounds) join the Deere family, they, too, have the opportunity to gain information, learn leadership skills, and develop lasting friendships through NAMA.

Not a member of NAMA yet? Well, we're ready to COUNT YOU IN!