New TOCA president, Bill Klutho, addresses the Annual Meeting attendees.

Traditionally, as we near the end of a year and approach the start of another, the president of an organization is supposed to reflect and deliver a kind of state of the organization report. So here goes: TOCA is in great shape. Our membership continues to increase and our financial situation is bright. As we get ready to blast our way to the New Year, let’s look at 2006. 

Businesses are trying to get more accomplished with less – less money, less time, and fewer resources. For communicators in the green industry like us, it has meant covering more stories and events with fewer people but having more output expected. 

Another disturbing trend of business is trying to blacken their bottom line by reducing the ranks of employees. Dumbsizing is one term used to describe the phenomenon. (Let’s not ever confuse that with the average IQ of  TOCA members!)

What can we do? We can only work as hard (and smart) as possible and continue to do great work. Trust me, somebody always notices.

That recognition is one great reason to be a member of TOCA. Working together gives us the ability to work smarter and build lasting relationships.  Which leads us to some real TOCA business.

This year, our annual meeting will be held in the wine-soaked region known as the Napa Valley in California. For some in our group, it will be like heading back to the obelisk at in the motion picture, 2001 – A Space Odyssey. For others, it will be an opportunity to play a wonderful round of golf wrong-handed. For me, it means a chance to see all of you again and renew friendships.  It also marks the first time in TOCA history where the meeting will be held midweek, May 3 – 4 (board meeting the afternoon of May 2 for those who want to attend). We did this for a couple of reasons. It will allow us take less time away from our families, or it will give us a chance for our families to catch up with us after the meeting for a long weekend in the California wine country. Either way there is a marvelous line-up of activities that concludes with a star-studded awards ceremony. Not to worry though – Elvis has permanently left the building! Which reminds me . . . if you’d like build your own star, submit your work and enhance your portfolio. We hope to see you there.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to play Santa Claus at our holiday party here at work. Other than the fact that I have suddenly started to eat myself into the role, the reactions of the children were precious. The look of wonder in their eyes made it clear we have a wonderful future ahead if given the chance. But please give me a call if you know where Santa can get an XBOX 360 shipped to the North Pole by the 24th!