PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

The name "SAAGNY" has been a part of my vocabulary, and wardrobe, for as far back as I can remember. I have spent counless nights at the Concord, attended many a family Christmas party in my youth, and roasted, toasted and boasted with countless friends I would likely not have made had it not been for my involvement with SAAGNY. The SAAGNY family has been part of my family for a long time, and I am honored to have been elected by our members to steer the ship in 2010. For those who may not know me, I will now conduct a self-interview tht will hopefully give you some insight about me as a person and what I get out of this incredible association...and what you are missing if you are not a member or volunteer.

Why would a 30-something guy with a wonderful wife and three beautiful children devote so much time to something you don't even get paid for?

First, I would like to say that this is a great question. I am often asked this by my wonderful wife and three beautiful children. The bottom line is, SAAGNY is good for my business. We have a talented and diverse group of volunteers and staff that are committed to facilitating the way I do business. From trade shows to group purchasing programs to networking events, SAAGNY offers countless opportunities for me to make my business better. I am paid handsomely for my efforts in product exposure, orders and reductions in my operating expenses. I certainly do not have to volunteer to reap the rewards of SAAGNY membership, but it is in my blood and I cannot help myself.

How do you find the time?

It is often said, if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know to get it done for you and they will find a way. We are all running in 100 different directions. Add kids to the mix and it doubles to 200 different directions. But we find time for what we are passionate about. I love my business. I love my industry. I want to help make my business environment the best it can be, so I find time. I encourage you all to find time to give back to the industry that puts food on your table and sends your kids to college. We are continuously looking for individuals with varied skill sets to work on committees, events, trade shows, etc. Send me an e-mail (brett@soundline.com) and I will find the right place for you.

What do you do in your free time?

What's that?

What are your plans for SAAGNY in 2010?

Aside from our everyday tasks and functions, there are two areas I will be giving a lot of attention this year - membership and group purchasing. Our soon-to-be revitalized membership committee will be spending some time putting together a program that clearly shows you the value of your membership in SAAGNY in a clear, concise and fiscally explicit way. For example, did you know that you must be a SAAGNY member to be eligible for the member rates at SAAGNY general Meetings and the PROMOTIONS EAST social events? Once you see what your membership fees entitle you to, you will be amazed! Given our current economic climate, I believe the best way SAAGNY can have an immediate impact on your bottom line is to aggressively expand our group purchasing offers that apply to all facets of your business. We already have an extensive list of vendors that offer SAAGNY members discounts on their goods and services, and we will be aggressively rolling out more opportunities in areas where we have been deficient. For many of our members, simply partaking in one of these offers saves them more than their annual SAAGNY dues - please take some time to investigate what is being offered.

We certainly have our hands full as an association, but we have the right people in place to get the job done. Accomplishing anything in a volunteer driven association would be impossible if it weren't for the great group of people that give their precious time and skills to SAAGNY. I would like to thank our returning Directors - Alan Bernstein, MAS, Accent on Promotions (D), Rhonda Blum, Motivators (D), George Gorniok, MAS, Notes, Inc. (S), Mike Leone, Hit Promotionaal Products (S), Eric Rackoff, Staples Promotional Products (D) and Michael Reisbaum, ProCon Marketing (D). I would also like to welcome our newest director, Kimberly Keogh, CNIJ (S) to the Board  - we are all looking forward to your continued contributions to SAAGNY. A big thank you to the 2010 Executive Committee - President Elect Paula Shulman, CAS, Prime Resources (S), Vice President Alan Baker, CAS, Creative Marketing Concepts (D), Treasurer Peter Farman, CAS, Sanford Business to Business (S) and Secretary Jamie Mark, Haymark Marketing (B). I owe a huge thank you to our Immediate Past President, Jonathan Riegel, CAS, Concepts Unlimited (D) for mentoring me through last year in preparation for my year as President. Jon, your commitment to this association is second to none. Finally, a big thank you to the SAAGNY staff who skillfully juggle the many volunteer and member requests and will undoubtedly make me look good this year - Executive Director Barbara Lyons, Administration Director, Louise Mangan, Membership Services Director, Sandy Rudd and Membership Services Manager, Lisa Babcock.

Thank you all. Now get back to work!