I could begin this message every month by thanking our dedicated members for their continued support of this organization and I would still be far short of the thanks that they truly deserve. Late last month we took an evening to say a very special thanks and to properly recognize everyone that took part in our building expansion project. It was a wonderful event that showcased the versatility of our new facility, the generosity of our members, and the commitment of our staff. I can’t even begin to say how proud I was to have the honor of saying thank you one more time and in person to the members who made our new facility a reality. I have now seen our conference room used for board meetings, committee meetings, dialogue sessions with the City, candidate forums, receptions, and banquets. And it only February! I don’t think that we yet fully realize the potential that this new facility has. Speaking of February, this month marks TABA’s largest event, the Home and Garden Show, which is set for February 22-24. The committee, chaired by Tony Gallagher, has been hard at work for many months now ensuring that this year’s event will be just as successful as ever. Booth space is almost sold out and we are ahead of last year’s pace, so if you need a booth, please contact Cheryl immediately. I would hate to see any of our members miss out on this terrific marketing opportunity for their business. One of the best opportunities to market your business is at the Preview Party on Friday night. Once again, make sure to get your reservations to Cheryl. This is your chance to beat the crowds and enjoy a fun evening of food, relaxation, and networking. Plus, it is a great time to talk one on one with suppliers, vendors, and contractors to get the latest on new products, supplies, and technology. When you see Tony and the committee members at the Preview Party, make sure you let them know how much you appreciate all of their hard work. The Home and Garden committee puts in a ton of hours both before and during the Show, more than any other event committee, so they deserve special recognition. They won’t be too hard to spot, just look for the folks in the yellow Home & Garden polo shirts. If you’re reading this newsletter, I want to thank you personally for your support of TABA. We truly would not be able to it without you. In March, we are going to let our hair down a little, and party New Orleans style out at Lamar Advertising where we'll host a crawfish boil. I hope to see you at our upcoming events! |