STMA President Jimmy Simpson, CSFM, issued the following message to members on July 23:
I hope this communication finds you and your family safe and healthy. As this pandemic carries on, the work-life balance that we all fight has shifted a bit but is no less important today than it was before the start of this crisis. STMA knows that many of you are working long days with limited staff, have additional challenges of uncertain sports schedules, new additions to your job specifications that we may have never dreamed, and in some cases, an uncertain future. Please know that the STMA is here to help and provide you any support that we can and hope that you will reach out if we can be of service.
Although we are not quite in a ‘business-as-usual’ environment, STMA has been working on many initiatives. Our primary focus is to provide relevant resources to you. Our Route to Recovery Guides have been highly accessed, and a paid-social media campaign to promote them has resulted in a huge following of non-members. Reaching out to strengthen our entire profession is a core component of STMA’s mission. The third guide in the recovery series, which will be ready next month, offers field reconstruction and renovation best practices.
As we draw closer to our January conference, STMA is facing one of the toughest decisions in our history – should we hold an in-person event or shift to a virtual event. There is no doubt that the annual conference is a highlight of each year, and we plan to make the decision on that event in September. Of utmost importance is the health and safety of everyone involved. The Convention Center in Palm Springs is still closed to events, but its staff is carefully working on safety protocols that will be implemented as soon as it reopens.
A second consideration for your board is supporting the overall industry and the decisions our peer organizations are making relative to their events. If we need to convert to a virtual format, your Conference Education Committee has designed a strong program that is presented in short interactive sessions to make the most of your time. In addition, a virtual event will be offered at no cost to members.
Finally, in these tough times we ask your support of the association, other members, and commercial companies. We all have been affected by this in some way or another so let us continue to come together to support each other and make sure we all come out stronger at the end of this crisis.
If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us through headquarters at STMAinfo@STMA.org.
As always, thank you for the passion, energy, and credibility you bring to our profession. I am honored to be able to serve as your president.
Jimmy Simpson, CSFM
STMA President