May 2012

I am pretty sure I have never started a president’s message with making a promise: May's meeting will be nothing like last month! One thing is for sure, we will have power and most likely, air conditioning and all the comforts. I want to say a special thank you to everyone who attended April’s meeting, for your patience and understanding. We had no control over the circumstances, but we did make the best of it anyway. Just another adventure for our chapter.

The state elections for the Board of Directors for the Florida State Massage Therapy Association have taken place and the new members of the board will be installed at the convention. To look at the information about your new board, please go to www.FSMTA.org and see the line up. This will be an exciting two years for FSMTA with the central office now being in their own building in Altamonte Springs, and changing some of the Board of Directors.

I hope you plan to attend the May chapter meeting. It will be my pleasure to recognize the efforts of our amazing team that keeps our chapter one of the top chapters in the state. Our chapter LMT of the year is Patricia Rogers, our Chapter Sports Massage Therapist is Brian Smith, and the Chapter Service Award goes to Eddie Hooper. This is the result of your nominations I asked for a few months ago.

There will be a number of certificates given out as well, recognizing the many volunteers we have working with us. It promises to be a very special evening. I hope you can be there. There will be a number of pictures taken for publication in our Massage Message magazine, and there will be a “wall of fame” set up outside the exhibit hall at the convention with photographs from all chapters.

Speaking of the convention, I have received emails from central office letting us know that some of the courses offered have reached capacity, so it would be a good idea to check with central office if you have yet to complete your registration. Also be sure to use the link provided on the FSMTA.org website or mention to the front desk of Champion’s Gate that you are a member of FSMTA to get the special rate. Of course you can also stay off campus if you prefer. The All Chapters party is Friday night and the banquet will be Saturday night. If you have not made your reservations yet, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. This will help the people at central office get an accurate count of attendees. As far as the “chapter identifiers” go, we will be discussing them at this month’s meeting, as well as any other concerns you may have.

As promised, I went to the schools and promoted the FSMTA convention. I handed out the scholarship application instructions to everyone who thought they might be able to attend. The response has been underwhelming, so let me remind all students that the Successful Start program on Thursday is free.  Just make sure you register by the May 25th deadline so you can attend. And the exhibit hall will be open, which is also free.

At the convention this year, our chapter will be recognized in a number of areas. Patricia Rogers will be one of three LMTs who will be recognized for outstanding service to her chapter on a state level. Our sports team will be awarded the Sports Team of the Year for the state. And, to add to that, Michele Weissman will receive the State Sports Massage Therapist award. And, if we are really good, we possibly will bring home the trophy for the best chapter identifier. Now, that would be special indeed.

Until next month,

Eddie Hooper, II LMT
President: Sarasota/Manatee Chapter FSMTA