So Grown Up...

Does it make sense when I say, “I’m not feeling old, as much as I am feeling so grown up”? Admittedly, this is my perspective and it serves me well. This 2008 is a year of celebration for TMM | The Meeting Manager. In 1978, Terry (my husband) and Tim Brown (our lifelong friend) started this business together. We had all finished our tenures at Sea World and were venturing out on our own. With a work ethic and professional standard reinforced by our mentor, George Millay (founder of Sea World), we had little to invest in the business and not much to lose, so our risk factor was fairly minimal – as was our income.

This year, we celebrate our 30th Anniversary for the company. During that time, we have provided more than $200,000,000.00 in destination management services; employed hundreds of people; celebrated a multitude of weddings and births and buried some of the people we loved the most. We have walked together in the 60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer, built thousands of bikes, painted art work for hospitals and tried to be a good citizen every day. We have had more parties than you can count; more laughs than we can remember and more blessings than we ever imagined. This does not mean that we were without challenge and risk almost as often.

Throughout this maturing process, we raised two sons who are now charting their own lives and success stories. Trevor and Jason have now made their choices and are setting the stage for their “life story”.

I was born a “nurturer”. Early pictures of me with my younger brothers always showed me taking care of them, worrying about their safety, picking them up when they fell. I see our granddaughter Raegen showing many of the same characteristics. There were unlimited opportunities to nurture and guide the people who became a part of the TMM family. Maybe that is why this job always worked for me and why I loved what I did. As I sat down to write this today and looked through old pictures, I was amazed and emotional when reminded of all who have passed through our doors – all the fun we had – all the work we did together. I had to stop looking at the pictures. I have always been a cry-baby too. Waterproof mascara is my friend.

We are setting a new course here at TMM - and with that course - there will be new leaders to carry the company forward. Over the next few years, Terry’s and my roles will be modified to make way for the next generation. Van will also bring to conclusion his 20 years+ with the company to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Our greatest pride and accomplishment is that Trevor will assume the primary responsibilities for the company, underscored by his recent acquisition of company stock and promotion to Vice President. It is his turn, his time. Jason will always support his brother and the company, but in a secondary capacity as he has chosen another path for his career success.

Trevor will need a strong team – his team - to carry this company forward. There will be new and expanded opportunities that he will pursue. It is the right time – a sequel of sorts - for the new TMM to launch its next chapter.

Some people long for the day they can retire, while others never consider the possibility. I simply look forward to having more time to learn new things; to seek out adventure and make sure I nurture the important priorities in our lives. We have four granddaughters we adore and we want to be there for them in every way we can. Terry and I look forward to our next chapter as well with the confidence that what we started so many years ago has matured and is worthy of preservation. We have learned to celebrate life – to do it in big ways - to do it with friends, associates and family and to create traditions. We are proud of what we have built together and the traditions we have founded. We are proud of the work environment we have created and the respect we asked of everyone – for everyone. To those who have moved on to other places, know that each of you played an integral part in our development and history.

If I had it to do over again, would I? …ABSOLUTELY! Am I ready to pass the baton and support the next generation of TMM? …ABSOLUTELY! TMM is all grown up!