Albert Einstein once said, "The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."  This last week has been unlike anything many of us have ever seen in our lifetimes. Sadly, racial injustice has reared its ugly head once again culminating in social outrage and unrest. I am confident that each one of us shares in the indignation that we have seen sweeping our country.  Something about this just feels different. To me, this is an inflection point that provides humanity with an opportunity to truly create positive, long-lasting change. That change must begin with each one of us; not just in how we treat one another but, more importantly, what we think inside our own minds.

MPI Greater New York is committed to being a part of the solution.  Each one of us has a voice, but as a chapter, in unison, we are a formidable group that can make a positive impact in a multitude of ways. To that point, earlier this week, I had the pleasure of speaking with some of our fellow MPIGNY members of the African-American community. We discussed what initial steps we can take to effect change in a positive manner. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce the creation of the MPIGNY Diversity & Inclusion Committee. This committee will create opportunities for all of us to get more involved while also raising awareness of all pertinent issues that affect our community. This will not be a rubber-stamped committee.  We all live in, work in and love New York City. We, as a chapter, need to do better in reflecting the diversity that comes with calling the most diverse city in the world home. More details to follow in the coming weeks, but please start to give it some thought as we want all of your voices to be heard.   

As we look toward gradually reopening our city due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI Greater New York is staying committed to bringing our chapter together while we're apart. With that in mind, we have created three outstanding virtual events to close out the year in grand fashion. First, tomorrow, Thursday, June 4, we are presenting the second edition of MPIGNY 360 Destination Group Virtual Trivia. For those who joined us back in April, you know how much fun it was, and tomorrow's event looks to be even better than the last! Click here to register and plan to join your fellow industry professionals for a night of friendly competition.

The last two Education events of the 2019-2020 calendar year will be collaborations with other MPI chapters throughout the Northeast. On Tuesday, June 9, MPIGNY is partnering with MPI Connecticut River Valley, New Jersey and Westfield to present an exciting evening with industry icon Cindy Novotny. Cindy will provide a rapid, thought-provoking session on how our industry moves forward post-COVID-19. It promises to be an outstanding event, and I encourage you to invite your clients and colleagues to attend as well. At the time of registration, we are also asking for donations to the designated charity that all four chapters have chosen to support. No Kid Hungry is a nonprofit organization that aims to end child hunger in America. It is certainly a worthy cause especially in these times of uncertainty. So, if you're able to do so, please consider donating. 

The final event of the year will be another experience you will not want to miss. On Thursday, June 18, we will again join forces with the chapters noted above, as well as the Middle Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Potomac and Upstate New York chapters, to offer a "Big East" virtual education event featuring Associated Luxury Hotels International President and CEO Michael Dominguez. During his talk, Michael will discuss pertinent updates on what industry protocols will look like in the days ahead and enlighten us with his thoughts on the current state of the economy, while also providing expectations for the coming year.

Finally, I'd like to close with a message of sincere gratitude to the MPIGNY 2019-2020 Board of Directors. We started the year with a highly successful Annual Golf Outing last July, but none of us could have ever expected how this year would end. As the threat of COVID-19 grew, every member of this team jumped in to help as we pivoted with the intent of continuing to provide valuable opportunities for our members to come together. I am deeply grateful for all of their efforts throughout the past year but, especially, these last several months. While many of us are returning to the board for the 2020-2021 term, we do have a few board members that I'd especially like to recognize as their terms are concluding at the end of the month.  

Joanna Puchalski is completing her final year as our vice president of communications. She has been a vital part of our Marketing & Communications team for many years. Joanna has been instrumental in delivering our message and our vision to the masses. From managing all of our social media pages and chapter website to ensuring the MPIGNY Directory made it into each one of your hands every year, she has shown an enormous commitment to this chapter time and again. Joanna is also one of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever met, and I'm fortunate to have spent so much time with her accomplishing our goals for this chapter.

Valerie Hoffman has served in two vital roles including director of sponsorship and, most recently, as vice president of finance. Valerie has made a positive impact since the day she arrived, graciously taking on more duties and responsibilities than she had initially planned, and I will always value and appreciate her for doing so. Her commitment has significantly aided in the overall success of our chapter. Valerie has always been someone we could depend on, and I am eternally thankful for everything she has done for our chapter. 

Julie Green Davis has also been a huge part of our chapter leadership over the last several years. She has served as our vice president of membership for the last two years and consistently has shown a passion for our industry. Her personality is infectious, and she always brought positive energy to our board. While living in Philadelphia over the last several years, she stayed committed to our chapter, always making the time to come into the city for our board meetings and events. The VP of membership role is not an easy one to succeed in, yet she did so — with flying colors. Julie is a consummate professional, and I am grateful for her continued dedication to MPIGNY.  

These ladies poured countless hours into their respective volunteer positions to help each one of us obtain an enhanced MPI experience. I feel fortunate to call each one of them a friend and can't thank them enough for their efforts. They are leaving the MPIGNY Board of Directors in a better place than they found it, and our entire chapter is indebted to them for all that they have accomplished.

Best regards,

Patrick Colomer
President
MPI Greater New York Chapter