Join/Renew   Currents Newsletter   Regional Resources   Document Library   Speaker's Bureau   President's Page   Member Survey   Membership Info	President's Message March/April 2002 Annual Summit at Jacksonville a Resounding Success by Jim Clark, President Our annual Summit at Jacksonville was a resounding success. From the comments I heard from folks at the Summit, and from the subsequent emails, phone calls, and letters I received, the Summit was one of our best ever. Enlightening, inspirational, and instructive were just a few words used to describe our eighth annual gathering. I would like to throw in fun, invigorating, and memorable, too. What is even more amazing is that despite the tragic events of September 11, we still had more than 650 members attend. While many associations had to cancel their annual meetings or experienced severe drops in attendance numbers, NANPA held firm. To have such a high percent of our membership attend an annual Summit speaks volumes about our organization. To have this many attend the annual Summit with the world in such a spin is simply phenomenal. What led to the success of this Summit? First, I must express appreciation to our members. NANPA members are the type who hold firm to their convictions. They are dedicated to their craft and to the protection of our global natural heritage. The annual Summits have provided them an opportunity to renew old friendships, to learn a thing or two, and to get inspired from the successes and experiences of their peers. Nothing is going to stop this group from pursuing their passion in life, not even 9/11. So, from the bottom of my heart, to all those who attended the Jacksonville Summit, thank you. You have lifted my heart. From the very first Summit in 1995 to the 2002 Jacksonville Summit, there are folks in the background making sure every aspect of our annual gathering, and I mean every aspect, is handled and finalized before we even set foot in the hotel. Hats off and a bow to Jerry Bowman, Francine Butler, and Christy Powers for handling all the meeting details so well, along with Ruth Gleason, our Director of Membership, who dealt superbly with registration, and Chris Ruppert, Finance Director, who handled the bookstore, and all the other fine and dedicated folks at NANPA headquarters, especially Pat Dins, who did marvelous work on pre-registration. I remain amazed at their abilities to overcome the challenges and obstacles they deal with every day. When you see these folks next time (in Albuquerque) give them a big thanks. They deserve it. Throughout the Summit, I sensed a feeling of camaraderie I had not experienced in a long time. I am sure 9/11 had something to do with this. But I have learned from my very first day as a NANPA member that the individuals who make up this organization, although a solitary lot by nature, are some of the most friendly and welcoming folks I have ever met. This strong sense of friendship and concern for each other was evident in Jacksonville. The primary reason for the Summit's success can be traced to the hard work, dedication, and might I say, flexibility of Summit Chair Niki Barrie. Coordinating and developing such an event is not an easy thing to do, but she made it look painless. Niki also took a few chances and pushed the envelope a bit. It worked. Thanks, Niki, for forging an experience that put a spark in our hearts and a push in our creativity. Thanks also go to our 2002 pre/post Summit chair, John Nuhn, who designed a wonderful assortment of workshops and field trips. I only wish I could have attended every one of them. John, a tip of the hat to you and to all the folks who conducted the field trips and workshops is deserved. To the many sponsors and exhibitors, thanks for helping us make this Summit such a success. I take great pleasure in seeing our members at the trade show talking with the exhibitors about their products and services. I personally never leave the trade show without having some new contraption in my pack or, better yet, making a new friend. These folks are here to show us the best of what nature photographers need in equipment, supplies, and opportunities. We owe them a big pat on the back for their continued support over the years. I've been fortunate at every Summit to participate in the student scholarship program. This program requires much hard work, monthly phone calls, and challenging logistical nightmares. The 2002 class of future nature photographers was simply phenomenal. Thanks to Lou Nettelhorst, Ruth Hoyt, and Pat Wadecki for their tireless devotion and commitment to ensuring that these ten very lucky high school students had the time of their lives. A special thanks goes to Ray Pfortner, who on a moment's notice volunteered to help these folks conduct the weeklong workshop. Welcome to the family, Ray. To Art Wolfe, what can I say that hasn't been said before? Art is truly a consummate master of ceremonies. Thanks, Art, for sharing with us your own very special touch of entertainment and inspiration. And a special thanks goes to Art for being such an ardent supporter of NANPA. I truly enjoyed attending the breakout sessions this year. Our breakout sessions are developed based on suggestions from our membership, and I must say you folks offered some mighty fine recommendations. We had the sessions to teach us how to improve our techniques not only in photography, but in business practices, too. Connie Toops offered tips and techniques for developing backyard photography opportunities. Kathy Adams Clark gave her own perspective on how to develop educational programs using our own photographs. We had sessions that put a spark in our heart, such as Bill Fortney's stirring program about photographing America from 500 feet in the air. Nancy Rotenberg showed us how to see through our hearts when photographing nature. My appreciation goes out to every breakout presenter. Thanks for sharing with us your expertise, perspective, lives, and heart. There are so many folks to thank, but Sharon only allows me so much space. So, to all the folks who participated in the various committee meetings, thanks for taking time to help NANPA and its membership. I was very impressed with the committee meetings I attended. You folks are so positive and brimming with ideas. Thanks to the volunteers who dared to be auctioned off. You all are winners and personally, I think you're worth a couple of million each, at least. I want to send a special thank you to the folks who did the portfolio reviews. Again, we truly appreciated your taking time to share your expertise with others. I am already anxiously waiting for February 2003 when our NANPA family will once again meet, this time in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I can guarantee you that the 2003 Summit, which will be our ninth (can you believe that?), will be even more exciting and memorable. Our Summit chair, John Nuhn, is developing an extraordinary schedule of feature presenters and breakout sessions. Our pre- and post-Summit field trips will offer opportunities to photograph the best of central New Mexico, including the magnificent Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Our pre- and post-Summit workshops will offer our members opportunities to fine-tune their skills in nature writing, business practices, and digital photography. And as with all NANPA Summits, we will once again meet to renew and develop new friendships, forge partnerships, laugh, learn, and get inspired. I hope to see you there next February. Be sure to check NANPA's website and future issues of Currents for updates about the 2003 Summit. Back to President's Page         Site Index       Search       Disclaimers       Contact Us   North American Nature Photography Association 10200 West 44th Avenue, Suite 304 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-2840, USA Phone: 303-422-8527 Fax: 303-422-8894 E-mail: info@nanpa.org   © 2001 All Rights Reserved