Hi all,
Good news- I just got off the phone with Susan Fiechtner and we have a
lively speaker for our first general session on Saturday!  I have no
doubt she will have valuable advice for us all in the area of
communication, working with and serving difficult people, handling
stress, expectations and managing time- with hilarious antecdotes.  She
was a real hoot to talk to and lived up to all Esther and Joe said about
her as a good keynote and motivator.  She said her usual fee was
$1,500., but in the end agreed to do it for $1,000.  I hope that is ok
with you all.  I doubt we could get another outside speaker of her
caliber for less, and we won't have any travel expenses.  All she needs
is a confirming email with all the details from me- unless any of you
would prefer to draw up a contract.  She doesn't require one to commit.
I also invited her to stay around for the welcome reception following.  
 

Now I can finish the Program Committee mid-year report on a positive
note :-)  and get a draft out to you all by end of day to review.

Who is next on our priority list for the second general session?  Do I
recall strong support for Esther or Joe contacting the two high ranking
veterinary school folks who supported sick humans in the animal hospital
during Katrina?   or another interesting veterinarian to talk about
cutting edge work like cloning, etc.?

Martha

>>> Martha Bedard 03/03 4:17 PM >>>
Please take a look at this draft invitation-- and let me know if you
see anything that needs to be changed.  will send it out by end of day--
today!! martha

Dear Dr. Fiechtner,
I write to invite you to consider speaking at the Medical Library
Association/South Central Chapter (SCC) annual meeting, which is being
held for the first time ever in College Station from Oct. 21-23 2006.  
The TAMU Medical Sciences Library is hosting the local arrangements for
this event, and would very much like to highlight our distinguished
local talent!  Your work on organizational theory, communication, group
dynamics and motivation is highly regarded and very applicable to the
members of our service-oriented profession, and our conference theme
"Marooned in College Station: How to Get There From Here?   I hope you
will consider this request.  We can be somewhat flexible with the
dates/times within the conference schedule, our preference being that
you serve as our keynote speaker, leading off the annual meeting on
Saturday afternoon, Oct. 21. 

This association's membership includes health information professionals
across a five state region encompassing Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New
Mexico and Louisianna.  Our meetings typically draw between 200-300
members and affiliates. Information about us can be found at
http://www.sccmla.org/index.html.  I know you will find us an
engaging group who will particularly enjoy the wit and humor you bring
to your presentations.  Librarians are lots of fun!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Martha Bedard
Chair, SCC Planning Committee