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 Maureen Gilbert, Executive State President

 ANNUAL REPORT 2007

 

The end of this convention marks my first year anniversary as your President and for the Executive Committee elected in 2006. Our goal was to use this year to recognize the needs of our membership and renew the organization’s commitment to promote professional growth.  The challenging transitional period in leadership has given way to positive action. We have kept our focus this year on administrative efficiency at Central Office and communication. Our methods remain simple and straight forward. We have accomplished much – there have been a few bumps in the road but we jumped over them and moved forward.

The Executive Committee and Central Office conducts business between quarterly meetings and the support from the entire State Board, State Committee Chairs, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Officers and Chapter Committees has been amazing. They give their time, their creative spirit and energy to make FSMTA a valuable resource for our members. FSMTA Central Office is fully staffed; our Executive Director and staff members continue to offer efficient and friendly service. Everything is possible with such a fabulous team serving as the backbone of the Association. Thanks to all, FSMTA enjoyed a very successful year.

 

Accomplishments … looking back over the year…

  • Several new procedures were successfully launched; new data base programs, revised and updated financial procedures, our Massage Message magazine has been enhanced, we improved communications with our chapter officers by utilizing email, plans are underway to establish effective leadership training and our outstanding web site was created.
  • We are well positioned to move forward to increase membership and improve member benefits by supporting continuing education programs, providing continued legislative representation to protect the rights of Florida therapists, offering quality liability insurance and developing relationships with other professions.
  • Ten FSMTA Chapters held elections in January and several of those chapters have new officers. Each Chapter with a list of officers can be found in the full annual report. (To view full report go to fsmta.org home page)
  • Executive Committee Members serve as liaison to Chapter Presidents. Any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your Chapter Presidents and/or EC liaison. Chapter assignments are as follows:
    • Deborah McConnell: Keys, Southwest, Sarasota/Manatee, Tampa Bay, Heart of Florida
  • Marion Padgett: Gulf Coast, Sugar Dunes, Emerald Coast, Big Bend
    • Carolyn Hall: North Central Florida, Central Florida, Flagler/Volusia, First Coast, Suwannee Valley
  • Heather Lehnertz: Broward, Dade, Treasure Coast, Brevard, Palm Beach
  • Survey. Statisticians completed the analysis of the survey of Florida Licensed Massage Therapists conducted by our Board of Massage Therapy and FSMTA. The final report was prepared January 2007 and you can view the results on FSMTA and BOMT web sites. This is the first survey in which the FSMTA took an active role in creating questions and made a financial commitment to obtaining the results.
  • Committee Chairs have formulated individual plans of action for each committee.  They set committee goals and are in the process of making those goals become reality. See individual committee reports. Our Insurance committee conducted fund raising seminars across the state; Professional Relations committee is working on web based contact with the leaders of our profession; massage therapy educational CE sessions have been included for the first time at the Premier Beauty & Spa due to the efforts of the Spa Committee; State Seated Massage Team Committee is starting chapter by chapter team training throughout the State; Sports Massage Committee has a new Director of Sports Massage and three area coordinators will be trained. The growth of both types of teams will address the talents of more of our members. FSMTA Website improves every minute; our Committee of One takes center stage. Please read individual reports for details on all Committees.
  • In January 2007 FSMTA welcomed Hygenic Corporation/Performance Health as our major sponsor. We recognize Biofreeze as the exclusive topical analgesic product and TheraBand as the exclusive progressive resistance stretching, strengthening and balance products for self-care.
  • A Self Care and Wellness Program will be offered to each Chapter at the expense of Hygenic Corporation; attendees will receive 2 CE units for attending.
  • March 31, 2007 ended the FSMTA fiscal year. The FSMTA and FSMTA Service Inc. fiscal year closed in a positive financial position. Membership dues revenue is the main source of Association income and as of June 1, 2007, we have 4,554 members. FSMTA Service Inc. income is derived from the sale of liability insurance, as of June 1, 2007, 2.287 members are insured through FSMTA.
  • Activities… looking back over the year…
  • The full Board held four quarterly meetings; October 2006, January, April and June 2007.
  • Executive Director, Executive Committee and President meet at central office and by conference call in between quarterly meetings to conduct FSMTA business. In addition, we have traveled around the state attending chapter meetings, making membership presentations and guest speaking at massage school events and graduations. We have met in Tallahassee on legislative issues and on site meetings in preparation for convention. 
  • FSMTA is represented at every Board of Massage Therapy Quarterly Meeting. Several significant actions were taken. A full report was included in the Massage Message after each quarterly meeting. All information can be accessed on the BOMT web site. We continue to have a good working relationship with our Board of Massage Therapy.
  • FSMTA was represented at AMTA-FL conventions and meetings, FCA Conventions and Spa Shows.
  • FSMTA celebrated Massage Therapy Awareness Week in October 2006 with activities by Chapters. We received a Proclamation from the Governor declaring MTAW. Chapter activities were reported in our magazine and in Chapter Newsletters. MTAW 2006 culminated with a Celebratory Dinner in conjunction with the Board of Massage Therapy Meeting in Palm Beach County.
  • FSMTA Legislative Awareness Days April 24 and 25, 2007 took place in Tallahassee in conjunction with our April Quarterly Board Meeting. See committee report on LAD. Combining the two activities was successful; many of our Board members had not previously visited their Legislators at the Capitol.
  • NOW….. FSMTA Annual Convention – by far the BEST! We start the annual convention with the Successful Start Program – this program was created to help students and new therapists achieve success. The continuing education providers who present for FSMTA are the leaders in the industry. We attract well known keynote speakers to inspire success. Our trade show is renowned… offering the most up to date products and services available. FSMTA Conventions are always held in the top hotels offering a variety of amenities. Besides the above…… An important benefit is networking with fellow therapists, exchanging ideas, learning new techniques together and meeting the massage profession leaders. In addition, participation in individual chapter parties and chapter dance are fun. Therapists will be on hand for chair massage. Shopping in the exhibit hall is not just shopping – it is an experience!  Fund raising for research activities have been arranged and we offer loads of prizes including cash prizes. We close the convention with an elegant banquet including award presentations and dancing sponsored by Hygenic/Performance Health. AND attendees receive the Free Convention T-shirt and Convention Pin. It just gets better every year.

Thank you for your continued confidence….. I am enjoying serving as your President.

Warmly, Maureen Gilbert

FSMTA Executive President