Hello From the President

As I contemplated writing my first newsletter to you, Siouxland Chapter members, I needed to remind myself what our Vision and Mission is of CLMA.

Our Vision: CLMA is the primary source for laboratory and clinical systems management and research. We are, and will continue to be, a worldwide leader and catalyst in achieving excellence in health-care management and quality clinical services as a positive force in the world.

Our Mission: CLMA is a professional association dedicated to excellence in clinical services worldwide; to enhancing professional, managerial, and leadership skills; to promoting productive, high-caliber operations; and to advocating on behalf of quality patient care and membership.

So how can I, as your President, and your elected board members help the Siouxland Chapter accomplish this mission? I believe we must reflect on what has been accomplished and then pursue the future.

Twila Henning, our Past President, along with her Board and the Siouxland members, met the following goals the last two years:

This is a long list of accomplishments and a well-deserved "Congratulations" goes to our Past President, Twila Henning, for getting the ball rolling and keeping us on track. Thank you, Twila!!!!!

Our goals and focus for 2003 and 2004 will be to continue with the present template Twila has established, and to build on it. The newsletters will continue; the Web site will be our form of communication along with e-mails to our members; and the Needs Assessment Survey will be sent out and, in turn, communicated back to you with follow-up action. We will again be working with SDSCLS and SDAHO for continuing education, and we may try some new ideas to expand our education throughout the region. An area that I believe we can further pursue is member recruitment and retention. Presently, we have 58 members, 4 new members in the last 4 months, 3 lapsed members in 2003, and 3 members that have left CLMA. Our board members - Jill Hanley and Wanda Dally - have been pursuing follow-up on lapsed members, and I thank them for their hard work in this area. We will also reintroduce the focus of CLMA's Political Action Committee (PAC) to try and get member involvement. And finally, please get involved with any of the Chapter committees. By working together we can keep this Chapter alive and growing.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met on April 1, 2003. The Board meeting minutes are posted on the Chapter's Web site: clma-siouxland.org. The meeting concentrated on a tentative timeline for 2003, continuing education topics for SDAHO, and issues pending from 2002.

Continuing Education

CLMA and SDSCLS will be having a joint Spring meeting, the "Laboratorians: Corps of Discovery" on May 7- 9, 2003, at the Best Western Kelly Inn, Yankton, SD. There are a variety of interesting topics and even a concentrated all-day session in Microbiology. The discount as a CLMA member does apply for attendees. The registration form indicates only SDSCLS member's receive a discount, but this was an oversight. If you have already paid the full amount, the committee will refund the difference for being a CLMA member. We will be having a Chapter meeting Wednesday or Thursday, so watch for upcoming information. See you all there!

Rick Pudwill, our President Elect, has started working with the planning committee for the SDAHO Fall Convention. The dates are September 23-26, 2003. The theme of the convention will be "Everyday Healthcare Heroes". Please e-mail Rick Pudwill with any of your suggestions for topics at the address below:
pudwillr@siouxvalley.org

The National CLMA/ASCP 2003 Conference and Exhibition in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 21- 24 is fast approaching. The registration deadline for a lower fee is May 1, 2003. At the New Orleans conference last year, we had 11 attendees from the Siouxland Chapter. Let's see if we can have a greater representation this year. It is a great time to network with laboratorians from all over the world, plus the educational sessions were great.

CLMA Management Award

The CLMA Management Award is presented at SDAHO's Joint Luncheon Award each year. At this time, we recognize a fellow member who has contributed to the forward movement, educational support, business management, or customer relations of the clinical laboratory profession. This is a great opportunity for you to honor your laboratory manager, supervisor, coworker, or another Siouxland Chapter member that has strengthened and made an impact on our laboratory profession. The CLMA Management Award nomination form is attached to this publication of the newsletter. Our deadline is July 15th, 2003. Please send your nominations to Kari Nornes, e-mail address: kanornes@aol.com or mail to: 4805 E. Hanover Court, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.

Needs Assessment Survey

A "Needs Assessment Survey" will be e-mailed to you shortly. We are asking that you take the time to evaluate our Siouxland Chapter and tell us what we can do to offer more local support to you. The survey results will also help us plan the types of educational events you would be interested in attending. Karen Jepperson, Siouxland Chapter's Secretary, will be receiving your comments. Please return the information to her as soon as possible. Karen will collate the information, which will be presented it at our next gathering.

To All of You!

I wish all of you the very best during National Laboratory Week. As we go about our daily routines this week, let us not forget what a great profession we have all chosen. Every day may not always go as planned; however, you know that at the end of the day you did your very best for the patients and physicians you serviced. That is the most important and rewarding part in "making a difference." Have a great week!

--Kari Nornes, Siouxland Chapter President