“ If you don ’ t know where you ’ re going , any road will get you there ”
Greetings
“ If you don ’ t know where you ’ re going , any road will get you there ”
The famous quote by Lewis Carroll speaks to a future that has never been more unclear for providers of aging services . Everything is changing – demographics , consumer preference , payment , partnerships , workforce and even the metrics on which success is measured . Doing more with less , while shifting business models to take advantage of opportunity available from change , is like swimming with an anchor . You might make it , but at what cost ?
Knowing what road to take is going to be critical to success , but how to choose is the question . There are two things to consider . The first is mission . Is your current mission relevant going into the future ? If so , which road will allow your organization to maintain its mission ? It may not be business as usual . It may mean choosing the road of radical change , or not . Reliable information is the other critical factor that can help determine which road to take . Access to current thinking , new procedures , best practices and reliable data can all inform the right choices .
LeadingAge New York is a resource for members as they seek to solve the significant issues facing the field of aging services . Each year , the Annual Conference and Exposition is planned to give members a valuable learning and networking experience and a special issue of Adviser is published following the conference to remind attendees of take-aways and to provide a snapshot of happenings for those who were unable to attend .
The first day of the meeting offered several top-notch pre-conference programs , including a presentation by workforce thought leader Cara Silletto during which she addressed the challenges of recruiting and retaining the next generation . In addition to the great pre-conference choices , and despite inclement weather , members and vendor partners enjoyed networking over 18-holes , the golf reception and the “ inside ” block party .
The keynote address given by Don Levy , Ph . D ., director , Siena College Research Institute , Loudonville , presented the results of a recently completed Siena College poll of New York voters age 50 and older , conducted on behalf of LeadingAge NY . The results clearly showed the role providers and the association can play in helping to shape the future by implementing a public education strategy .
As always , many thought-provoking educational sessions were offered to attendees – providing a total of 77 hours of continuing education available across five disciplines . This year , the exposition hosted 114 exhibitors showcasing products , tools and other resources that can aid members as they seek a future direction .
The Annual Conference and Exposition is also the venue for the LeadingAge NY Annual Awards Luncheon . The luncheon , sponsored by Cool Insuring Agency , honored eight members in front of their peers in a packed room via a special video program . Also of note was the graduation of 18 Fellows from the latest class of the IGNITE Leadership Academy following the annual membership meeting .
Thank you to all who participated in this extraordinary event , from members and staff to exhibitors and sponsors , it is really a team effort . Together we will find the roads that will get you there .
For specific information about the stories in this issue or to discuss future Adviser ideas , contact Kristen Myers at kmyers @ leadingageny . org . Sincerely ,
James W . Clyne Jr . President and CEO
3 Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Summer 2017