Dear LAEN Friends and Guests,

As I start preparing for our annual family vacation to the Outer Banks, I find myself writing my last President's letter.  I have been very blessed watching the enthusiasm within LAEN grow.  Each of you has been amazing and I see us accomplishing even more as we walk into the future. I'm sad that I will not be at our July meeting to pass the torch to Eileen, but I know she will bring even more amazing leadership skills.

I recently read a book by Sam Glenn, "Who Put a Lizard in My Lasagna?", and I would like to share a paragraph from his book:

It's not about what you don't have; it's about how you use what you do have.  It's not about comparing yourself to others or wishing upon a star that things were different.  You have something unique and valuable about you, and you should not underestimate that.  You have gifts, abilities, insights, so why not use them to your advantage?  The more you use them, the more developed you become.  Don't spend valuable time dwelling on what you don't have, or what's a weakness, but rather put the same energy into recognizing your uniqueness and strengths.  What is your personal signature? Is it humor? Attitude? Heart? Is it the way you walk into a room? If you take the time to consider this question, you will realize the answer.

Our Express Network is here to support and share your shining stars.  I challenge each of you to continue to learn more about each other.  Make a point to sit with someone different each month, contact the board with ideas, and share your talents.  If we each share a little piece of our uniqueness, imagine what we could do!

A final thank you to those that served on the Executive Board this year, Eileen, Michele, Judy, Lisa, Lynn, Cindy, Chris, and Pam.  You have enriched each board meeting with your discussions on how to keep LAEN moving forward.  Continued success, because I know there are even more great things to come.  To the new board members, put on your seatbelts, because you are in for an amazing ride.  These women have a lot of empowerment!

Thank you to the support of our chapter.  It's awesome to see our growth of this chapter.  It seems like just yesterday when Pam, Eileen and I said, "Let's start a new Express Network"  Thanks for making that dream come true.  My next dream is to make sure each of you learn how this association can be as rewarding for you as it has been to me.

Have a great summer and take some time for yourself.

Sincerely,

Lori Willwerth
President, LAEN