Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

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On a beautiful Tuesday evening, more than 100 NAFA Members and Affiliates gathered for a good old fashioned ballgame, complete with networking and hot dogs!

On June 29, 2010, the NJ and NY Chapters hosted a joint networking meeting at the new Yankees Stadium in the Bronx. The event, sponsored by Audi of America, featured former NY Yankee Graig Nettles as the guest speaker.

The day began with plenty of food and mingling. Many chapter members knew each other, and played catch up with one another on both professional and personal levels. New members quickly fit in and felt the warm, welcoming feeling that both chapters exude. NY Chapter Chair Arthur Kappel, CAFM and former NJ Chapter Chair Angela Gregorowicz thanked everyone for attending and reiterated the importance of attending NAFA events and networking.

The afternoon progressed with guest speaker Graig Nettles, one of the best defensive third basemen of all time having played on six different major league baseball teams. 

Nettles spoke about his time with the Yankees and what being a ballplayer is all about: determination, motivation, and passion. Every attendee in the room would agree that being a great fleet professional encompasses those same characteristics. Nettles continued with a personal Q&A, answering everything from the best pitcher he faced to how many years he’s been married (45!). 

Elaine Schwartz, NY Chapter Member and a NAFA Member for almost 20 years, reiterated the importance of NAFA and attending chapter meetings. "NAFA assists with professional networking in your industry and really helps educate you on all aspects of fleet applicable to any job."

"I got a job because my resume was on file for five years in NAFA’s resume database. The best part about it was that I never applied for the job! It came out of nowhere and is absolutely the one phone call that changed my life! I have made so many friends and contacts through this association."

The networking event continued into the night, as members watched the Yankees take on the Seattle Mariners. (For those baseball fans out there, Mariners won 7-4).