The end of an era!

Today marks the day that I pass the Baton of AAPO to a new President. I have served on the committee of AAPO since it was just a concept. It was a privilege to work with Lisa Baldwin, Lisa Rowley, Lissanne Oliver and Amanda Sarden on the Founding Committee of the Australasian Association of Professional organisers. Since we took on members in February 2006 I have served as Executive Secretary and then 2 terms as President. It has been an exciting time of growth and learning for me. Now I take on the role of Immediate Past President, and hope to develop a Professional Develpment program that will benefit all AAPO members.

So today is really a day I can relax, maybe, as the role has been ably accepted by Angela Esnouf, who has been my fabulous VP for the past 2 terms. Good luck Angela with everything that you experience in the next 12 months. I know you will rock.

As they say, when one door closes another door opens. So I have as of today stepped into the shoes of "President" National Speakers Association NZ Christchurch Chapter. Some may say out of the frying pan into the fire, LOL. Not me I am excited by the challenge.

One of my passions is to see people develop, learn, grown and succeed in their own passions. So having been AAPO President and becoming NSANZ Christchurch President puts me in the place that makes me feel like I am giving a little back.

I want to take this opportunity to say Thank you to all the friends and colleagues I have the honor of knowing from these experience. I am looking forward to continuing to work along side you all in making a difference, one day at a time.

A little trumpet blowing!

                                                                                   Ralph Brown & Wendy Davie

This is just a quick note to share some exciting news I had this week. Yes I am about to blow my own horn. 

n Tuesday the National Speakers Association NZ Christchurch Chapter gave out their annual awards. Last year I was thrilled to be named "Rookie of the Year".

This year though was an absolute thrill, I had all the hard work of the last 12 months truly recognised by the people who I can only describe as the most inspirational when it comes to my speaking career.

I was awarded the "Unsung Hero" award, "Peoples Choice" Award and one of 4 members who received the "Quill Award" for being published this year.

It was a true honor and thrill to be recognised by my Speaking peers. Thank you to all my friends and life assets at NSANZ Christchurch Chapter.

Other recipients on the evening were:

Presidents Award - Rachel Prosser

Orator                    - Ralph Brown

Shy to Shining       - Jennifer Manson

Rookie                    - Nanny van den Oever

Top Cat                  - Martz Witty

Quill                        - Dr Rodney Ford

                                - Ralph Brown

                                - Anne Howie