NOARK President’s Message

February 2009

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

It is already evident that 2009 will be a year to remember.  In January, our country joined together to watch the inauguration of our first African American President.  This event brought out an enormous degree of hope and encouragement for the future.  At the same time each of us is well aware of the dramatic difficulties the American economy is undergoing.  The standard economic statistics are dismal and the immediate forecasts are not optimistic. Although many of us would probably prefer to deny this reality, all of us must instead make the choice to step to the front and confront it head on.

I find it interesting that oftentimes when we are asked to join together for a common cause we find it helpful to adopt a theme and even a theme song.  Whether it is an athletic team, a political campaign, or fighting for our country we generally can hum a few bars of the fight song, alma meter or patriotic melody that supports the situation.   Although the song “Taking Care of Business” overall does not support the concept of work, the chorus certainly communicates the message upon which we should all focus.

Taking care of business every day

Taking care of business every way

Taking care of business, it’s all mine

Taking care of business and working overtime

As HR Professionals all of us have to realize that 2009 will be a challenging year.  It is likely many of our organizations may experience a variety of negative events.  Hiring freezes; compensation and benefit freezes or reductions; asking to do more with less; even lay-offs or facility closings. A key to successfully navigating these stormy seas will be to stay on the cutting edge.  Your 2009 Board of Directors is committed to “taking care of business” by setting goals and objectives to meet the needs and desires of our members.

In the next few weeks we will be sending out a survey that we ask each of our members to complete.  In order for our board members and committees to understand and create meaningful projects and programs, we have to have your input.

I ask each of you to join together and adopt “Taking care of business” as our theme for 2009.  Be willing to go above and beyond at your job.  Be willing respond to a call for volunteers when your community needs your leadership.  Be willing to step up and become involved in a NOARK committee or as a mentor of a new NOARK member. Together I know we will be successful in “taking care of business.”    

Sincerely,

Rhonda Houser

2009 NOARK President