Message from Philadelphia Chapter President

Our hope is that we can publish a message from all 50 chapter presidents on a monthly basis. In the meantime, we will publish the message from any interested chapter president. Today, we share with you a message from the BDPA Philadephia chapter president.

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Dear Members, Friends and Colleagues,

Heading into the Holiday Season provides us an opportunity to reflect on the positive things we have experienced during the past year and prepare for the New Year with even bigger goals and aspirations. It is time to feel grateful for our health and family and to be thankful for the many things we take for granted. The Holidays also give us a chance to recharge and assess the true meaning and purpose of our lives.

I am very proud of the BDPA Philadelphia Chapter and our members. I am thankful for the achievements of our Executive Board and dedicated members who worked hard to serve our chapter.

BDPA Philadelphia continues to close the Digital Divide by helping the community maintain an awareness of the value of computer technology. This year we delivered programs such as Agile Development Methodology, Working with SAP Nothing but NET, The Future of Software Delivery, and the Third Annual Recruiters Round Table. We also continued our SITES - Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship Programs giving area students over $4,000 in scholarships.

This year our chapter has grown by more than 50%. This is a remarkable growth and proof that interest continues in our organization to grow. This means also that our collective BDPA wealth of member experiences has grown phenomenally and your professional networking opportunities are more abundant than ever.

I feel indebted to each and every officer, board member, committee member and sponsor, as well as all those who actively engage themselves in our chapter, for their remarkable efforts and achievements this past year. Whether it was organizing a program meeting, planning a social or networking event, or introducing our profession to high school students, our volunteers do it all. Thank you, everyone.

As you look back on 2008, take pride in what you have accomplished personally and professionally, and take a moment to acknowledge what others have done to help you along the way.

Our challenge in 2009 is to continue the implementation of our Chapter's five year Strategic Plan, plus start launching the design and implementation of our college student chapters. The purpose of the strategic plan is to link chapter priorities and objectives to the BDPA National strategic priorities, local member needs and community requirements.

As you set your New Year's resolutions, consider putting your involvement in BDPA high on that list. The benefits you will reap include professional development, networking and social opportunities, and simply making our profession better, which in my mind is priceless!

On behalf of the Philadelphia's Executive Board, our corporate partners; CIGNA, Rohm & Haas, Merck, Deloitte, Wyeth, and all of our key volunteers, I wish you and yours a joyous and a very safe holiday season.

Best Regards,
Monique F. Berry, President
BDPA Philadelphia
Vision: Partnering for Continued Growth!

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BDPA Philadelphia is the defending chapter of the year. I think that Ms. Berry is planning to make a run for a third straight award!

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