Boulevard Brewery generously opened their doors and social media strategy to SMCKC last night (more from Mike Burns on that SocMed later). They wanted to say “thank you” so we on the executive committee thought we should say “thank you” too. If you were a presenter, sponsor or uber-volunteer you got an invite. As a board member I got an invite and I got to choose 3 SMCKC members to go with me, members who had helped me throughout my term. My dates for the evening were Sundi Hayes, Alexis Ceule and Judy-Anne Goldman – 3 awesome social media powerhouses who had eaten with me, drunk with me, encouraged me and held my hand.

The whole event got me thinking. This really is a “We, the Members” club. Our leaders are nominated from the membership, voted on by the membership. The amount of transparency and pipelines for feedback is incredible. We have worked diligently to keep events cheap if not free because we don’t want lack of money to bar access. We try to U-Stream, tweet and blog everything because we don’t want lack of access to bar inclusion.

Lisa Qualls, our President, has frequently stated, “SMCKC will be as good as the members make it.” As one of those first few folks who sat in that coffee shop some 3 years ago, I’m truly awed by what you members have made this club. I encourage you to stay involved, to keep the momentum and the passion and the fun going. Although I AM stepping down from the Board, I’m NOT stepping down from membership. That means I’ll continue to be a voice and volunteer to this group.

As I ease out of my Advocacy Chair I want to again say “Thank you”. I am grateful you trusted me enough to elect me. Grateful you tolerated me enough to let me serve. Grateful you helped me, because I couldn’t have done it alone. SMCKC will be what we make it, and so far, we’ve made it beautiful.