PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By: GINA ROLDAN, BEMUS LANDSCAPE, INC.

Here we are, already in the second quarter of 2022. It was two years ago when our lives as we knew it were drastically changed. It seems that our conversations these days (either with co-workers, strangers, or family) end up with COVID talk. We were asked to cover our faces, not to visit family, restaurants or schools, and ballgames had all been canceled. The early stages of it all were the most challenging for me; I have a hard time sitting still and waiting. Two years of challenges and lessons, but hopefully some victories too. I took seeing those smiling faces for granted... well, not any more!

While I reflect on our recent struggles, I am also looking forward. I appreciate seeing the uncovered smiles and use mine more than ever now! In looking towards the future (after coming off this roller coaster), it’s important that we be intentional with our choices. Consider your mental health, remember to be compassionate (we do not know what the person next to us is dealing with), if you feel uncomfortable with a situation, step away and take a moment to re-center yourself. We can no longer ignore our own wellness.

I am excited to announce that CAI-GRIE is being awarded the Best Net Retention (84.22%) award for a large chapter in the 2021 calendar year by CAI-National. AJ Keefe, Sean Floody, and Ty Jaglowski will accept the award in-person at the CAI National Conference in the beginning of May. I am looking forward to the photos and seeing this great award when they return.

I want to thank YOU, the membership, for all of your support. For showing up, speaking at education events, setting up exhibit tables, being friendly to the new kids on the block; it does not go un-noticed is the reason why we have an Award-Winning membership retention rate. We are only as good as our members, so keep up the incredible work.

We also have some great events coming up and would love for everyone to be involved:

• Basic Essentials: Held virtually on Zoom over four days on May 10–11 and May 17–18 from 5:00pm–7:00pm on all four dates.

• Country Faire: Held in-person at Longshadow Ranch Winery in Temecula on May 26 at 5:30pm.

• Education Expo (California Dreamin’): Held in-person at the Riverside Convention Center in downtown Riverside on June 15 at 11:00am.

For updates on upcoming events and other Member focused items, make sure to check out the Chapter website (cai-grie.org) and follow the Chapter’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkdin). Let’s keep those new members coming and don’t forget 2022 is about rising up.