“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”
-- Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel (1901-1991)
Don’t you just love Dr. Seuss? His quote above perfectly sums up my feelings about our 25th Anniversary Conference held in Chicago at the CME Group, September 14. With over 240 registered members on hand to help celebrate, NIBA presented some of the most valuable conferences we have held in our 25 year history. And we had fun while we learned.
Thank you to Ryan Griffeth, NIBA conference chairman and his entire committee: Steve Petillo, Brian Gaffud, Barbara Schmidt-Bailey, Mike Burke, Shane Stiles, Jerry Nolan, Tom Sandy and Ralph Preston. Each and every panel broke new ground to present educational, fully actionable information to NIBA members. Ryan assembled a terrific group of speakers and moderators. You can find articles/features on many of the session topics in the NIBA archives.
Special thanks to our Registration Desk Committee. Led by Jerry Nolan, Carla Peterson, Kate Tervin, Jeremy Shelton, Brandon Perez, Luke Hamilton and ably assisted by Holli Kranz and Ralph Preston, this group made sure everyone felt welcome and received the take-home materials of 15 NIBA-member supporters.
Special thanks to Exchange Analytics and Larry Israel for suppling coupons for free AML and Cybersecurity Training to members.
Special thanks to Steve Petillo for organizing the Exhibit Hall for the 4th year in a row. It was great to see FIS, Ruddy Law, Michael Coglianese, CPA, Gate 39 Media, Barchart and the CME Group. The Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew made an afternoon appearance in the Exhibit Hall and took photos with many attendees -- thanks.
Special thanks to Midland IRA, Michael Coglianese, CPA & Greenberg Traurig for sponsorship of the conference cocktail reception. And, thanks also to all the conference sponsors, ADM Investor Services, Barchart, CQG, Gain Capital, Int’l FC Stone, Millennium Trust, Phillip Capital, Rosenthal Collins Group, and R J O’Brien.
A very special thanks to the CME Group. As the primary sponsor of the September meeting, they provided the venue, AV, take-home bags, lunch, GCC tours and our fantastic luncheon speaker, Erik Norlund. We are very honored to accept their congratulations on our 25th Anniversary and the beautiful piece of engraved crystal which commemorates the event.
For each of us, the words “thank you” might bring to mind Meghan Trainor’s 2016 album of the same name or the 1925 silent movie classic directed by John Ford. Webster’s Dictionary defines “thank you” as a common expression of gratitude. I’d like to express an anything-but-ordinary thank you to all NIBA 25th Anniversary speakers, sponsors and supporters for an extra-ordinary conference.
Mark your calendar now for the first NIBA event of 2017. Scheduled for the afternoon of February 23, the association will meet in Newport Beach, CA. Sponsorships are available -- contact John Jensen, Ralph Preston or Melinda Schramm. Program details and registration available soon.
Best wishes,
Melinda Schramm, Founder & Chairman
