CHAIR COLUMN
Give , Gain , Grow .
“ I have found that among its other benefits , giving liberates the soul of the giver .”
– Maya Angelou
Seixas “ Chad ” Milner III Board Chair President & CEO , The Milner Group , Lawrenceville , GA
As I make my exit as the Chairman of NAILBA ’ s Board of Directors , this quote from Maya Angelou could not ring more true for me . The past few years on the board have been nothing short of fulfilling .
Rewarding experience A seat at the board table should be an aspiration for many NAILBA member principals . Board service bundles together a host of rewarding experiences : The opportunity to be an “ insider ” and view firsthand how another company works at its highest levels and the privilege to work beside and soak up the wisdom of the brightest , successful and most articulate professionals who will ever cross your path .
But there ’ s more . I have so many thoughts and memories as my term comes to a close . I am grateful for the many relationships and connections I ’ ve made not only as chairman , but also as a NAILBA member . NAILBA has been a part of my family for three generations .
NAILBA represents so many great agencies , from the small boutique firm to the largest BGAs in the country , as well as our industry partners that are so vital to our success .
Success growing from support
NAILBA ’ s success is dependent on the level of engagement of our members and partners . I encourage each of you , along with other members of your staff , to find a way to get more involved with NAILBA . It is very important that NAILBA has your thoughts and input as it strives to serve its members . Make time to attend the annual meeting , engage with our online professional development , share our news and updates from the award winning Perspectives Magazine , consider serving on the Board of Directors . NAILBA is the voice of all independent distribution .
While 2020 was not the most ideal year role as NAILBA Chairman given the amount of strategic pivot as result of Covid-19 , it has enhanced the statement , “ together , we are stronger .”
In conjunction with NAILBA ’ s outreach , I had the joy of meeting the wonderful people who make up the independent distribution community . This has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me . It ’ s apparent that we face the same issues and concerns , and through collaboration we can share solutions to our common challenges .
Creating innovation I ’ d be remiss to not mention the staff at NAILBA and the many things they have accomplished especially in one of the most challenging years in our 39 year history . They continue to create innovative offerings and programs for our members .
The future of NAILBA is more promising now than anytime in our history . We are strategically aligned and in lockstep on shaping the future of independent distribution .
I want to sincerely thank each one of you for your support , assistance , and friendship . It has been an honor to serve as your chairman . I look forward to our future !
Belong . Connect . Grow . NAILBA .
8 Perspectives Q4 2020