September is always DEMA convention month, where hundreds gather together for a three-day conference full of fun, fellowship, learning, and laughter, but as if our Chicago chapter August cancelation was foreshadowing of worse fates to come...Hurricane Irma unleashed her wrath on Florida, causing DEMA national to make the wise decision to cancel the convention for everyone's safety and security. With five chapters in Florida alone, we had hundreds of members personally affected by the storm, and I am told the conference hotel also experienced some flooding, so it was in everyone's best interest not to hold the event. Needless to say, we were all disappointed, but our hearts go out to all those who were affected, and DEMA is working to connect trusted vendors in the area to member estates to help with the cleanup efforts. If you are in need of referrals or know someone in the area who is looking for companies who are trustworthy (both in Houston and Florida), DEMA has vetted countless of professionals in many sectors that can assist during these types of situations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally or DEMA national if you need a recommendation. DEMA is working to get dates together for our next conference, and when we have those details we will be sure to share them with everyone!
On another note, the Chicago chapter was in the running for the "Chapter of the Year" award, based on our participation and membership percentages, so I want to give a big thank you to everyone in the area who has committed their time and energy to the Chicago chapter! We may not be the biggest, but out of 23 chapters we were in a four-way tie for first place, it goes to show you that the Midwest spirit for service is alive and well! Let's do all we can to keep it up so that we can be in the running for next year as well! As always, I am humbled to be the chapter president of such an amazing group and if you need anything from me please do not hesitate to reach out! I am happy to help in anyway that I can.