EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE Make 2020 an Educational Year security industry overall as best we can. To do so, we rely on research and the in- put of our board, but most importantly, we listen to our members. Formally, we conduct surveys and collect evaluation forms from students, but informally, we just listen. We talk to attendees at con- ventions and classes. We email back and forth with members. We gather input from ALOA chapters and affiliates, and we talk to members who call us. By far the greatest request and need A that we hear is for training and education. As this is what ALOA members want the association to focus on, that’s oſten where we direct our greatest efforts (but we do provide many benefits, such as our new insurance program; email membership@ aloa.org for more information). Our Focus on Education We’ve updated our education program recently, including adding and refreshing classes. We’ve enabled candidates to take certain PRP tests online from the comfort of their homes or offices, and we’ll con- tinue to update the PRP to make it more relevant for our members. ALOA and SAVTA continue to add classes as well. Last year, we heard from SAFETECH attendees that they wanted more business classes to help them thrive financially. This year, we have several new business classes at SAFETECH covering topics such as digital marketing and QuickBooks, and at ALOA 2020 in 6 KEYNOTES FEBRUARY 2020 s a membership orga- nization, ALOA SPAI is tasked with meeting the needs of our mem- bers and serving the Kansas City, we’ll be adding new classes as well. We’re finalizing the schedule now, so look for more information in Keynotes and online soon. Take a look at the SAFETECH bro- chure included in this issue to pick your classes for Tulsa in April. If you’ve thought about adding safe and vault or safety deposit box work to your skill set, this is the event for you. Also mark your calendars for ALOA and check out the ALOA preview brochure that’s also in- cluded with this issue. Next year, we’ ll hold our IAIL Forensic Conference in conjunction with SAFETECH. This is a great value for attendees, as it reduces costs and expands your access to more classes. Look for more information in the coming months. Keep in mind that the ALOA Schol- arship Foundation offers scholarships to SAFETECH, the ALOA Convention and other qualified classes. Go to www. ALOA.org/ASF for more information and an application. Setting Your Goals for 2020 While you’re thinking about education, consider making one of your goals for this year to be adding new skills. Increasing your skill set makes you more employable and can attract new customers to your business — and increase business from current customers as well. Start mapping out what conventions you’d like to go to this year, and keep the ALOA and SAFETECH dates on your calendars. But while education is important, so are other things. Even if you’re not taking classes, consider attending some conventions on a more casual basis, too. Network, swap tips and stories with other attendees, make new friends and just enjoy your time with fellow locksmiths. Sometimes simply spending time with others who can relate to your daily successes and challenges is incredibly fulfilling. Enjoy being a part of the industry! At the same time, work isn’t everything. Especially for those of you who have been in the industry a long time, remember to enjoy life and all of the little moments we have an opportunity to experience each day. If you’re considering slowing down a bit, take a look at Claire Cohen’s article on page 30 and see how you can perhaps keep your toes in the industry while tak- ing more time for yourself. No matter what your goals are for 2020, I wish you well in your pursuit of them. Thank you again for being a part of ALOA, and have a prosperous year! Mary A. May Executive Director [email protected] WWW.ALOA.ORG
