President's Message By: Kristi Smith

As our 2006 vendor sponsorship program gets under way, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of our 2005 sponsors and to make sure that members realize the importance of the chapter’s vendor sponsorship program and the importance of business partners as a whole.

So first and foremost, a big “thank you” to all of the 2005 Atlanta Chapter vendor sponsors!  With your support we were able to provide a college scholarship to a local student, the opportunity for members to attend regional and national conferences, and quality speakers at our monthly chapter meetings.  Your support has also enabled our chapter to be more efficient with our association software and pass these benefits on to our members. 

Do we as members realize the impact our business partners have on our membership in AALA as well as in our daily lives as law firm managers?  I just named a few of the benefits we have received because of their financial support of our local chapter.  But I have also found that legal vendors and employees of these companies want our firms as well as us as managers to succeed.  They are a terrific source of information and innovative ideas to help us run our offices smoothly and efficiently and our firms have come to depend on their expertise. 

In my experience as a leader of this chapter, it is not just the products and services our vendors provide but their desire to build a partnership with us at both an economic and social level.  Since our vendor sponsorship program began four years ago, representatives from all sponsor levels have pitched in to help with whatever activity we undertake.  Community Challenge projects are well attended by vendor sponsors and vendors and members work side-by-side toward a common goal giving back to the local community, building friendships and creating partnerships.

Our association continues to grow and evolve into a resource that law firms around the globe cannot do without.  The continued support of our sponsors will help to ensure the future success of our organization and our local chapter.  We look forward to a successful 2006 vendor sponsorship program and an ongoing partnership with our vendor partners.

Editor: Brian Gedeon (BHGedeon@duanemorris.com) (This publication is the property of the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators. Reproduction or reprint without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Click here to request reprint permission.)

Designed/Distributed By