Our Texas Lone Star Chapter has had a busy Spring season.  The Spring State Meeting was well attended and each of the regions has had a steady calendar of events.   I have said this before and I grow even more convinced that if you are not active and attending these meetings, you are missing out.   Please refer to the calendar on the TLSC website for up to the minute information on events and educational opportunities.  If you can’t attend a meeting in your particular region, consider attending a meeting in another region if your schedule and timing permit.
  
The Spring State Meeting truly was a high point for the TLSC.  We had one of the greatest participation levels at a state meeting in recent years.   Special thanks to the host chapter in the south region led by Craig Schaner, CCM.  In my last article, we gave you a glimpse of what the host clubs were planning for the state meeting weekend.   Aaron Dawson of Bentwater Yacht and Country Club and Bill Langley of the Club at Carlton Woods made good on their promise to provide a fantastic weekend of hospitality and fellowship.  The education was solid and the accompanying social events were fresh and fun.    We all made new friends and our network of managers continues to grow.
   
At the completion of the state meeting weekend, I had the distinct privilege of presenting several CMAA achievement awards.  Mrs. Sally Burns Rambo received her “Forty Year Pin” which recognized her participation and many contributions to CMAA during her forty years of membership.   Sally was a mentor to me as a very green, assistant manager working my first job out of school at a small Club in Massachusetts.   Ironically, I didn’t meet or talk with Sally until I had the good sense to find a job in Texas.  Her accomplishments throughout CMAA were inspiring to me then and still are today.   I know many of you share that sentiment as well.
     
I also had the rare opportunity to present another mentor and my boss, Mr. William A. Schulz, MCM, CCE with his Certified Club Executive plaque.   As a student in CMAA, I knew of Mr. Schulz’s reputation and role in CMAA as well as his service and contributions to our association.    I didn’t know at that time that I would one day be working for him let alone presenting an award that recognized his accomplishments as a Club Executive.   I am reminded that you never know whose life you may be influencing and that we have a responsibility to serve others that are finding their way in our industry.
   
Mentoring and supporting our student chapters is an important role and initiative for all of us.  We have all had mentors and managers that provided guidance and coaching throughout our careers.    The question then becomes, what are YOU doing to give back?
  
Mr. Dave Stuckey approached me about developing a formal system where Clubs and Managers could sponsor students to attend state meetings.    At the Spring state meeting we had four very sharp students from UNT that were sponsored by Mr. Stuckey and were grateful to be able to attend.   I am pleased to report that each state meeting registration will now include an option to sponsor a student to attend a state meeting.  These sponsorships will allow us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to the future of our industry.    Please consider whether you or your Club is in a position to sponsor a student for a meeting when filling out your registration.
  
Complete information on the Summer State Meeting is now available and if you haven’t made your reservation for the meeting and for hotel accommodations, I hope you will do so soon.   We’ve had a great response so far and the Westin La Cantera is going to be a fantastic host property for our group.   The theme for the meeting is “Managing the Challenge of a Changing Market.”   The topics will apply to various areas of your Club and this would be a great meeting to include some of your department heads and assistant managers.  If you can’t make it, you should absolutely send at least one other person from your Club.
    
Are you a member of the Grapestompers?   If you are a member of the International Wine Society, you are automatically a member of the Grapestompers.  You may not be aware of the many wine events that are happening throughout the state.   That is because many of the Grapestompers dinners are for members only.   These wonderful events are usually small groups of managers that gather at various Clubs to learn and explore the multifaceted world of food and wine.  There are many benefits to being a member of the IWS and especially at the local level.   When you are ready to join, you may access the application form online or through Sam Brewster.  For a nominal fee, you will reap the many benefits that go along with being part of a group with a shared interested in wine education and its enjoyment.
      
In closing, I have rounded the corner of the halfway point of my role as President of this great chapter of Club Managers.    I am so proud of our board of volunteers and each of you that stepped up to serve on committees.   I am also grateful for the support I have received along the way and will continue to work diligently on your behalf.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve and I look forward to seeing you at the Spring State Meeting in San Antonio!
    
Cordially,
   
Laura Rexilius, CCM
TLSC President