Tom Keith

The Southeastern Council of Foundation's Annual Conference will be held in Memphis next week. It is an important time in philanthropy and this conference is a valuable meeting for those attending for a variety of reasons.

First, we can renew friendships with our colleagues and also make new friends. We can learn and grow through workshops, speakers, and with specialized sessions such as the legal update. Also, this is the first major meeting since the adoption of SECF's new strategic plan by the Board of Directors. There are so many innovative parts to the new plan and we will get a chance to learn about it and learn about the vision of the organization for the coming years.

I have personally been to 12 SECF Conferences since becoming a member and I have made a new acquaintance and learned a new lesson or technique at ever single one of them. We have all been hurt by the stock market in the last twelve months. It has required change for all of us. I can't wait to hear about some of your innovative ideas and plans through this need to change.

You won't find me on Beale Street or Graceland. I will be sitting in the lobby of the Peabody learning as much as I can from our members. Won't you join me?