I am sure by now I've made it clear just how impressed I am with the dedication of our chapter leaders and volunteers that contribute to the success of ASTD. Just this week, however, I developed a new special place in my heart for the hard work they all contribute.

I, myself, am a volunteer of a chapter. Not an ASTD chapter, but rather a local chapter of my alma mater's alumni association. I am a proud South Carolina Gamecock. Some may say too proud at times, but it is that passion that has me involved as a chapter volunteer to begin with!

Just this week I met with members of our Washington DC Gamecock alumni board. We are working on a particular chapter event that is expected to draw 125 attendees. As I am sure you can imagine we have a lot of work to do to make this happen. Calling potential attendees, working through the catering and table rentals, and having volunteers assigned to the registration table. Since our event will be outdoors, that means we're also watching the weather forecast like hawks as well.

As I opened a spreadsheet of name and phone numbers of potential guests assigned to me to connect with, I thought - "This is a full time job!" And that stuck with me today as I connected with so many ASTD chapter volunteers. I remembered to say thank you just a little more than usual to thank them for not only working as a full time professional, but for working their second job as an ASTD volunteer.

For those ASTD volunteers out there reading, please accept my hearty - THANK YOU!