I’m beginning to regret that I am not serving on the National Certification Board. Instead of griping about them, I could be enjoying luxury trips to some of the finest places in the US. Their Board of Directors and top staff met in Hawaii just a few months ago, followed up by the 4thquarter meeting at a nice downtown hotel in historic Charleston, SC. Now Mr. Delaporta intends to start his term as Chair with a festive junket for Board members to Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort later this week. This time, they’re giving us a little “taste” of the fun, with a special meet-and-greet reception for the first 80 people who RSVP. With the economy the way it is, I bet a lot of certificants would be happy if they could afford a weekend getaway at Motel 6, but hey, they don’t have a meeting room. They will leave the light on for you, though.
The bottom line here is that it is patently offensive for NCBTMB to continue to hold these meetings in high-dollar exotic locations. They should restrict themselves to getting together in one of many business-friendly hotels near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport… just down the road from NCB Headquarters. They’d save a boatload of certificants’ money, and might actually get some more work done.
In a few other tidbits, the two empty Board of Directors seats have been claimed by former Board member Sue Toscano, who served as Chair 2000-2001, and newcomer Christy Schumacher, who has an impressive record of community service. Maybe Schumacher’s humanitarian ways will be a good influence.
NCB is certainly in need of good influence, what with all the long-standing volunteers defecting. The latest casualty is Mark Dixon, who has selflessly served the organization in numerous capacities since 1991, most recently as a member of the Nominations Task Force. Dixon’s letter of resignation stated that he believed the recent nomination and election process was handled in a corrupt manner, tainted by the personal politics of Board members. To maintain his integrity, he chose to resign his volunteer service, and terminate his certification of 16 years. Karen Stork, the NCB Treasurer and Executive Committee member has resigned as well; no word on why that happened. It’s hardly surprising that NCB puts a gag order on everyone who leaves by making them sign a non-disclosure agreement. Now there’s some transparency for you.
NCB is calling for volunteers in a number of areas. Check it out on their website at www.ncbtmb.org. And don’t forget to send me a postcard from Hawaii, or wherever they hold their next Board meeting.
Peace & Prosperity,
Laura Allen
