As current President of KCMPI I think it goes without saying that I enjoy this organization and see the value in my membership; although, that was not always the case. When I joined KCMPI over five years ago, I was fairly new to the sales side of the industry and felt inexperienced and unqualified to join this organization. I did not have many contacts within the organization and was intimidated and unsure as to where I would fit into KCMPI. I attended my first event and, although I felt welcome and did meet new people, I still did not see what KCMPI had to offer me. It was not until a few more events and more contacts that I was asked to join the Membership Committee. I did not have a lot of time to be on a committee and I was hesitant as to what I had to offer them,but I knew the experience would be good. My experience with the Membership Committee was great! I met and got to know so many people and really felt like I was helping KCMPI. The next year I was on two committees and I won the Rising Star Award. I was amazed that in such a short time I had made such a presence in the chapter and felt honored when I was nominated to the KCMPI Board of Directors the following year. I look back to when I first joined and know that my experience with KCMPI could have gone a lot differently if I had not made that first step and gotten involved. The saying, "You get out what you put in" is true in this case, and I am thankful that I put the time and effort into my membership. KCMPI has given me the opportunity to create a great network of industry contacts, and grow my experience and knowledge as a supplier in this organization. I am thankful to KCMPI for the professional and personal growth and for the long lasting friendships that I count on and value.
I am a proud member of KCMPI and I Love What We Do!