LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Not Slowing Down
As the year and my chairmanship come to a close,
I look back on 2009 as a big challenge for the association and the industry, but one that hasn’t derailed our progress and growth.
During my visits with IAAPA President and CEO Charlie Bray through Europe, Asia, and the United States, I was reminded by colleagues how facing hardship—be it bad weather, an economic crisis, or the threat of disease—isn’t a new thing. All facilities and businesses throughout the world are familiar with these types of hurdles, and they’ve persevered and worked hard to emerge from them as better organizations.
That’s also how I feel about how IAAPA has operated through these complications. We’ve made adjustments, but we haven’t slowed the progress we’re making as a member association. Instead, we’ve continued steps to grow our services and operations to ensure members know we’re behind them through thick and thin.
Specifically, IAAPA last month opened a new office in Latin America to ensure our facilities and manufacturers are receiving excellent products and service in their language. We will do the same in Asia, as our newly formed Asian Advisory Committee is preparing to open an office in the East to serve our members there locally and directly. These regional initiatives plan to follow the success of the European office, which endeavors to retain and gain new members, build excitement for the Euro Attractions Show, and provide resources to local operators.
Through these challenges, IAAPA takes its cue from you by remaining steadfast and aggressive despite a turbulent economy. The association is expanding its global reach and its commitment to top-notch services.
On that note, I wish everyone a successful IAAPA Attractions Expo this month, and a prosperous 2010.
All the best,
Darrell Metzger, Chairman of the Board
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