President's Review

by Michele DeShay, Mayor, Moline Acres, and MML President

Overcoming Adversity

MML just wrapped up a successful Elected Officials Training in June, and I was so pleased to be part of that event. I heard some wonderful comments from attendees, with new officials telling me how informative it was, while those who came back after previous years told me how valuable the updates are, and how they always learn something new. This drives home the importance of networking and training, and how they both benefit local officials! Find photos from the Conference on pages 32-33.

I have made it clear that training and education is a passion of mine, and I believe the benefits even apply to the challenges we face in life. It is crucial to prepare as best as we can for the hurdles that will surely come. This can take so many forms, from a disagreement among community leaders to a personal crisis.

No matter the situation, advanced training in how to manage your emotions, expectations and reactions can set you up to successfully manage what life throws at you.

Your commitment to learning and willingness to hear new ideas is one of the reasons you were likely elected. Leaders open to learning stand out from the crowd.

Besides assisting your community development, it is equally important to build yourself professionally. MML offers fantastic training throughout the year, and our largest event, the MML Annual Conference, is coming up right around the corner!

This year’s MML Annual Conference features a truly remarkable individual as our keynote. John Register is a two-time and two-sport Paralympic athlete, silver medalist, combat veteran, and author who has faced strong challenges in his life. He will share some of the ways you can work to overcome the hurdles you face – both for yourself and for your community. Learn more about what he has to share on page 8 of this issue.

In addition to a keynote address that helps you face your challenges head on, you will benefit from dozens of sessions providing important takeaways on topics like such as municipal Safety, conflict of interest, impacts of recreational marijuana, social media liability and so much more!

You can learn more about the Conference and view an agenda on pages 19-21 of this issue. Be sure to register yourself and your colleagues at www.mocities.com. If you have not attended an MML Annual Conference before, you will quickly learn it is an event not to be missed. Besides the excellent content, you will find valuable services from exhibitors with expertise in serving municipalities, and benefit from networking with peers from around the entire state.

Your personal training is as crucial to your city as the services you provide. Preparation occurs at many levels to achieve success, and MML is a valuable resource ready to assist you throughout the year.

Thank you for the time and effort you tirelessly give to your community. I look forward to seeing you in September!