September 2016 Message from the Executive Director

I just returned home from the ICMA Conference in Kansas City where Fort Lauderdale City Manager Lee Feldman was sworn in as the new president.  I’ve known Lee for close to 10 years now and few are more deserving of this high honor than him.  Fun fact: he’s only the second ICMA President from Florida in the organization’s history; can you guess the other? (Hint: he too was honored at the ICMA Conference).  Congratulations are also in order for those members who received length of service awards from ICMA as well. Some of you weren’t kidding when you told me, “I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been alive!”

The great thing about events like the ICMA Conference is that you get to break away from the real world.  Sure, your cell phone may still ring and the inbox fills up while you’re away, but, for at least a portion of the time, you get to focus on making yourself better.  There are numerous workshops on the issues affecting local governments today, presentations on new trends or products that may benefit your community, and ample opportunities to network with others in similar situations.  When you’re in the office, each of you is in high demand.  Much of your time is spent sharpening other people’s swords.  I don’t fault you for this, leaders put the needs of others before their own.  However, I do think each of us should make personal professional development more of a priority.  Take some time to sharpen your own sword.  The great football coach, Lou Holtz, once said, “In this world, you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.”

I encourage each of you to make bettering yourself a priority as we close out the year…and it just so happens that FCCMA has several opportunities for you to do this.  I hope to see each of you at the Fall Symposium.

Casey

***Dan Kleman, former FCCMA President, is the other ICMA President from Florida

 FCCMA 2016-2017 Training Calendar