When the clock strikes midnight and the ball drops in Times Square to signify the start of a new year, it would be wonderful if everything could start completely fresh and new. But we know that’s not how it happens. The challenges and triumphs on December 31 are likely the same challenges and triumphs on January 1.
And for that reason, I am grateful for the tremendous work that the AME Home Team staff, our volunteers, and our members have done this year. Our efforts will not be lost as we turn the calendar page. Instead, we will continue into the new year with momentum on our side and so much more to accomplish.
It has been a truly remarkable year in so many ways. A difficult one, for sure, but also a year in which so many of us have overcome adversity, pivoted to help our teams and our community, and set ourselves and our organizations up for long-term success. I am encouraged by the stories I hear from our members about how they have faced challenges head on — aided by learnings they took from the AME International Conference, an AME summit, coffee break discussion, or training — and come out on the other side with a successful outcome.
As I reflect on 2021, I want to thank you for your continued loyalty to AME. We continue to honor this loyalty by helping you work through the challenges you face, and we have some new tricks up our sleeves for 2022 when it comes to member benefits — stay tuned!
To our volunteers — those on our national and regional boards, those who volunteer at the conference or other events, and those who present and share their knowledge — I am forever grateful that you have dedicated your time and talents to serve the lean, continuous improvement community.
To our members, I am grateful that you have entrusted us with your training and development needs, and that you have come to us to find a network of likeminded practitioners who are eager to help you share, learn and grow. Our events and offerings honor your commitment to the pursuit of excellence, and we are dedicated to helping you on your journey.
To those who read my messages or attend our events but have not yet joined AME. I encourage you to take the next step. We appreciate that you turn to AME to fill your training needs, but there is so much power in the knowledge sharing that takes place in the AME network. Join us and see how our network can help you now and in the future. In the meantime, I appreciate that you seek know-how from AME, and I hope that we can serve you long into the future.
Lastly, to the AME Home Team — Laura Cloninger, Desiree Dolecki, Denise Engwall, Darlene King, Sara O’Hara, and Jeff Puma — I am constantly in awe of your dedication to getting the job done and to serving our members. Your attention to detail and constant drive to improve our processes and offerings is inspiring and a true testament to your professionalism and spirit of continuous improvement. Thank you for your work on behalf of our members.
The AME offices will be closed Dec. 24-31, so this will be my final CEO’s message of 2021. While the office is closed, you will still be able to register for events — including AME Dallas 2022 at the incredible 40% off price (deadline is 12/31). Visit ame.org/events to see an initial listing of 2022 events.
How ever you celebrate this season, I hope that it is a time of joy and peace. Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and happy holidays to all.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
P.S. The lowest price for AME Dallas 2022 registration ends on 12/31/21. Register now and save 40% on an individual, in-person ticket! That’s an incredible $959 USD savings on the world’s largest lean conference. Bring a team and you will multiply the savings while getting everyone on the same page to embrace disruption! Register now and take advantage of this special discount: ame.org/Dallas.
