Dear LeadingAge Texas Members and Friends:

The Holidays are upon us and it's hard to believe we are approaching the end of another year. While this season brings many end-of-the-year business deadlines, it also provides the time for giving thanks for our residents, families, friends, employees, and customers.  

As I travel and see many of you, I am always impressed by the level of dedication that permeates throughout our member communities. With a lot of change happening in the field in terms of government regulation and payment structures, customer and employee expectations, and overall pace of change in our country and world, it is clear that what separates you from many others is that you are in it for the long haul.

Not only have many of you dedicated a good portion of your lives to the field of aging services, but your organizations have been steadfast in their missions for several decades (if not longer!). Steadfast doesn’t mean staid however, as organizations constantly need to reinvent and reinvigorate themselves. I see many LeadingAge Texas communities doing just that – not only through bricks and mortar, but through continuous improvements in quality, customer service, governance, and training.

It is gratifying to see that the association is strong and is helping members deal with the multiple challenges you face each and every day. Our advocacy program has made great strides in the interim, meeting with numerous legislators and staff all while working on the statewide transition to managed care. We are getting primed for the upcoming legislative session armed with issues and solutions for our members.

Value First continues to provide cost savings to our members through group purchasing. More products and services were added this year and Texas leads the country in sales volume.

Education programs remain strong. Our Leadership Institute is currently on its sixth class and is making a difference in training current and future leaders in our field. The Annual Meeting and Trade Show was very successful this year with a sold out exhibit hall and an increase in member attendance. Our leadership conference held annually in February also drew large crowds and great reviews.

The Awards program continues to recognize great volunteers, staff, and programs throughout the state while our art show drew record participants and showed that art has no age boundaries. 

Network meetings provide a great opportunity to socialize and learn from colleagues in your geographic region and peer groups do the same for your given specialties. 

As you make your resolutions for the New Year, I hope that you staying connected with LeadingAge Texas and your fellow members. If your schedule doesn't allow you to attend a Network meeting in your area, please consider joining us in January for Capitol Day, in February for our annual Leadership Conference, and of course in May, at our 56^th Annual Meeting & Trade Show in Austin. There are numerous other education programs, committee meetings, peer groups, and more that give you the opportunity to connect with your fellow members, learn, and improve your organizations. 

At LeadingAge Texas, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your mission every day of the year. It is during the Holidays especially, that we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our diverse membership across Texas.

It is our privilege to serve you as a member of LeadingAge Texas. On behalf of our board and members, we hope that you have a wonderful Holiday Season!
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George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas