On behalf of AME, I wish you happy holidays and all the best for the new year.
The AME office will be closed from December 24 through January 1, so this is my last weekly message of this unprecedented year.
For AME, this year has been a microcosm of a continuous improvement journey. When the pandemic hit North America, AME shifted how we deliver trainings, webinars, content, tours and even our conference. We knew that there would be bumps along the road, but our board of directors gave us the leeway to experiment (based on calculated risks), our volunteers and staff stepped up to help us explore possibilities and best practices, and our members allowed us to get through early technological hiccups while embracing the advantages of virtual learning.
I am truly grateful for the success you have allowed AME to have this year. AME was able to continually empower lean journeys because we rallied around the important topic of what lean, continuous improvement can do for individuals and organizations.
We worked hard to deliver content that helps you and your organization succeed. Our consortium groups opened their doors to other AME Consortia members and non-members. We reduced the price for many events including the conference. For those who lost their jobs, we continued to post jobs to the AME job board and allow for networking through AME’s various LinkedIn groups and during events. We offered free live webinars and on-demand access to past events through our YouTube channel. And, for the first time ever, we published approximately 35 hours of streaming conference programming for those who participated during conference week or to those who want to purchase an asynchronous training opportunity after the fact.
As I reflect on this year, I also want to thank our sponsors and exhibitors who continue to support AME and look for ways to bring their beneficial services and products to our community.
I am especially grateful for the AME Home Team — Laura Cloninger, Desiree Dolecki, Denise Engwall, Meghna Kamboj, Darlene King, Sara O’Hara and Jeff Puma — for banding together in true team fashion and showing us how excellence looks. Thank you for inspiring me every day! I value your dedication and passion for the AME mission and our members.
Most of all, I want to thank our members. Those who join AME believe strongly in our share, learn and grow mission. Because of the pandemic, we have made significant changes to how we inspire members to embrace this mindset. I am forever grateful for your continued affiliation with us.
As we look ahead to 2021, I am confident that we will continue to earn your commitment. Behind the scenes, we have teams of volunteers making important strategic adjustments to our programming to ensure it continues to be beneficial to you and your organization in the future. These dedicated volunteers are making improvements to Champions Club, Consortia, AME Excellence Awards and assessments, and more. To pull all these things together as a culminating event, in January we expect to open up the registrations for the 37th annual AME International Conference. We are excited to continue this journey with you in 2021 and beyond.
In the meantime, please enjoy the holiday season. No matter how you celebrate, take this time to find joy and peace.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
