The common thread.

Woven through the 75-year history of the CMAA like a tapestry is the professional development of private club managers through education. That education has been the result of the efforts of untold numbers of individual managers, some helping develop programs in whole cloth, some making smaller, less recognizable contributions. All were essential threads in the fabric of today's CMAA education program.

Examining that tapestry today, you will find that one thread doesn't quite seem to fit, but which was essential to the CMAA educational picture. It was a contribution made by an individual whose efforts at the time may have branded him a maverick. Nonetheless, those efforts today seem prescient.

In 1978, a group of CMAA members and leaders were assessing the effectiveness of the then 50-year old annual conference. Richard A. "Dick" Aubin, CCM, CFE, proposed the idea of adding an Exposition to the annual CMAA Conference. The idea, however, met with great discord from a number of people.

"Many members and a number of the directors thought that going into the `exposition business' would be too commercialized. Our business was education -- the teaching of management," said Horace G. Duncan, CCM, CAE, executive director of the CMAA in 1978. But Dick Aubin placed himself at the forefront of each debate. "One of Dick's arguments was that an exposition was educational in itself, and eventually that was the strong point that helped sell the idea. If it hadn't been for Dick, I don't know if we would have won the battle or not, but eventually they agreed. Now I don't think the CMAA could live without [the Exposition]," noted Duncan.

The first annual Exposition took place in the garage of the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, in February of 1978, and showcased 50 booths. Nearly 25 years later, the Exposition is one of the most successful and well-attended CMAA events. Last year's Expo in San Diego hosted more than 550 booths. The growth of the show and the resulting revenue from that success has provided an ongoing source of funding for the CMAA's educational offerings.

This September, Dick Aubin will be retiring from his post as general manager of the Carriage Club in Kansas City, MO. Aubin began his career in club management in 1958 as the assistant to Mr. Joseph "Ed" Fleck, CCM, at Hillcrest Country Club. In April of 1959, he joined the CMAA, and thus began a long and rewarding relationship for both himself and the Association.

After earning his CCM designation in November of 1970, Aubin served as a Regional Director in '72 and '73. At the National level, Aubin served on the CMAA Board of Directors as National Director from '77 to '79.

His further participation in CMAA is evidenced in his committee involvement. As a member of the Ethics & Grievances Committee, Elections Committee, Audit Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, and others, his input was invaluable to the direction the Association has taken.

He is an active member of the Mid America Chapter, who served as Chapter Officer from '67-'70, and was ultimately elected Chapter President in 1970. He has also served many years as the Legislative Chair, Wine Society Representative, and chair of the Executive Career Services Committee. Aubin also received his Certified Food Executive (CFE) designation in February of 1998.

His community service record is filled with volunteerism and service. A member of the Rosedale Optimist Club since 1960, he has served in many capacities and was awarded Optimist of the Year in 1962.

A member of the Rotary Club since 1981, Aubin has served on the Entertainment and Membership Committees. He has served the City of Mission, KS, in a variety of capacities, including: City Councilman, President of the City Council, and service on the Public Works, Finance, and Economic Development Committees.

He is also an appointed Special Deputy Sheriff, Leavenworth, KS -- an honor that brings him great pride. He received the NAIA Distinguished Service Award in May of 1984, and is a dedicated member of both the St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mission, KS, and the Knights of Columbus.

He was honored at a retirement appreciation party held at the Carriage Club on September 20th. Many club members as well as Mid-America Chapter Members attended the event.

Upon his retirement Aubin and his wife, Norma, intend to travel, making their first stop in Florida where his two sons, Rick and Robert, own and operate Brandy-wine Tennis and Health Club.

Another activity that Aubin will undertake in his retirement will be the completion of the requirements for his MCM designation. Even in retirement, Aubin remains attached to the CMAA educational tapestry and to the colleagues with whom he helped weave it.