On behalf of the chapter I want to personally thank Dean Cikins, our 2009 Chapter President, for a tremendously successful year, leaving me very large shoes to fill. Through his networking and collaboration the chapter built relationships with our neighboring chapters and local graduate programs.

I welcome 2010 with anticipation and enthusiasm. As with any new year, we are presented with challenges and opportunities. Our challenges are in providing cutting edge professional healthcare education and networking services for chapter members in the Greater Charlotte Region. Our opportunities lie in the chapter members we have yet to meet. Many of you became active members during 2009, sharing your skills and contributing to the chapter's strength.  This year chapter leadership is focusing on increasing the number of active members by offering not only category I educational programs, but category II programs and networking events.  

True collaboration and teamwork occurred during the January planning meeting. Ideas were shared on how to grow the chapter, provide networking opportunities, support members as they planned for advancement, offer scholarships, and keep our members informed of local and national events. Committee chairs and co-chairs left the meeting armed with ideas and plans to involve additional chapter members in events and professional development opportunities. As an increasing number of members take on leadership roles our program and services capability also increases.

Why should you get involved?  Participating in local chapter events builds your network of regional healthcare contacts, provides you with opportunities to build your communication and leadership skills, and the opportunity to showcase your skills. I challenge each of you to participate in one GCHEG sponsored event during 2010. Participation could be as simple as attending a networking session, writing an article for the newsletter or becoming a committee volunteer.   

In 2009, chapter educational events were held throughout the Greater Charlotte Region. Our hosts included:  Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews, Trane, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Pfeiffer University, Charlotte AHEC, Charlotte City Government Center, Cleveland Regional Medical Center, and Carolinas Healthcare System.  Additional hosts for 2010 include Blue Ridge Healthcare and Premier.

Chapter educational programs are designed to help healthcare leaders refine their knowledge, management competencies and leadership skills. Participants have many opportunities to learn, share, and grow professionally during the professional development sessions.

Chapter networking events provide an opportunity to meet other professionals in the community. Many times networking events provide an opportunity to discuss common interests outside of healthcare, like sports, entertainment or the arts. Some of our members have commented on how they were able to meet people involved in specific civic programs they had an interest in participating.

During the past few years as an active member of the chapter I have met people from a variety of healthcare disciplines and organizations, each an integral component of safe delivery of healthcare in our region. Please come join me and meet the mosaic of people who are partners in the provision of care for the patients in our region.

Sincerely,

Sandi Lane