Message from the President

Hello, Friends!

It’s during times like these that I really treasure being part of TAPC. As the economy continues to be rocky and the headlines about the government’s financial bailout loom overhead, I realize how the economy affects our entire industry and affects our clients in whatever line of business they are in. It’s comforting to know that our association is a place that disseminates valuable information that helps our businesses during the good and the bad times.

As my fellow Houstonians are busy recovering from Hurricane Ike, I am reminded of how important it is that we support one another and of the many friends throughout TAPC that I have made over the years. I received so many phone calls and emails from fellow association members asking “Are you OK?” and “Is there anything your family or business needs?” I am reminded that I’ve made so many friends through this association and their support and friendships now, and at other times during my tenure with TAPC, are just one important way that membership in TAPC has enriched my life.

So, here we are. We’re about to head into the last quarter of the year. I hope your business is defying all the headlines and that you will end the year on a strong note. While there’s so much unsettling news out there, I shake my head as I continue to see my employees and my business soar. As I ask TAPC members about their business they report hurdles but all are busy going about the business of ending the year in a strong way and in changing the lives of their clients and their candidates. It’s truly a remarkable industry and TAPC allows me to share the success, trials and tribulations, and the celebrations along the way.

So, get involved, get more involved, and stay involved in TAPC!

If you haven’t attended a local program lately, come to the next one. Rekindle old friendships and make new ones. If you haven’t considered joining us in Austin on January 28, 2009 for our “Owners Legislative Rally”, put it on your calendar and plan to join us (more details will be coming soon!). Be part of the solution in Austin and rally with fellow TAPC owners to make our voice heard. If you’re not yet planning to attend the conference in April ’09 or even better, planning to take your entire staff, figure out a way to do that so your staff benefits (and ultimately, your business!) from 2-3 days of the best conference speakers, exhibitors, networking, and events, our industry has to offer. Take the opportunity to recognize your company in our local and state-wide awards programs. Have a worthy staff member or temporary that is in college apply for the TAPC scholarship (deadline is October 1st! Don’t miss it!) Continue to visit the website and take advantage of new things that are coming up including webcasts, trainings, and a great funnel of information. When you get the email to pay your 2009 association dues, take care of it right away and realize that your dues and your involvement are critical to the association’s success.

In short, stay positive. Our industry is resilient and critical to the economy and to the people that we affect each day. Get involved in your association and make it your own. Recognize all the value you do get from the association and then get more involved to increase that value. Tell us what you like and what you don’t so your needs are met. And, most importantly, reach out, get involved, and connect with your fellow TAPC members. You’ll get back much more than you give.

The next time you’re sitting in your living room with no power, reading the headlines by candlelight, you just might find yourself realizing that TAPC has, in a very tangible way, contributed to your professional and personal life. The friends and colleagues you have made through your involvement may be some of the first people you call to ask “Are you OK”? “Is there anything your business or family needs?”

Bruce Whitaker
TAPC 2008-2009 President