The Thanksgiving tradition in the United States dates back by some accounts nearly 400 years, and in 1941, the national legal holiday was set by Congress as the fourth Thursday in November. This month, CSMFO’s Thankful Challenge on LinkedIn is providing members with the opportunity for daily reflection on that for which we are thankful.

Each day in the month of November, members are invited to post LinkedIn comments of gratitude on specific topics of thankfulness. If you’ve not yet participated, I’d encourage you to take a moment to check out this link to our November Challenge. This challenge is a light-hearted opportunity to engage with fellow members during this month of giving thanks.

And speaking of November, although in many ways the year of the pandemic has seemingly slowed down time, it’s hard to believe that we’re almost to the end of the calendar year. With that said, you should have recently seen an email from CSFMO regarding membership renewals for 2021. We are pleased to announce that membership rates are not increasing next year and we are encouraging members to renew electronically and pay by credit card whenever possible.

As for gratitude, I thought I’d take this opportunity to talk about that for which I am thankful to and for CSMFO:

• Thankful for the meaningful friendships I’ve forged through CSMFO;
• Blessed to be associated with such a passionate and deeply committed group of public servant finance professionals;
• Grateful for the technical resources at my fingertips through training opportunities, the knowledge base and the aforementioned friends network;
• Inspired by our commercial partners who are integral to our continuing success;
• Highly appreciative of the value proposition of my annual municipal membership at the bargain price of only $110.

For those of us with June 30th fiscal year ends, many of us are wrapping up year-end close, undergoing annual independent financial audits, and preparing comprehensive annual financial reports. Some are dually tasked with significantly amending budgets due the fiscal constraints associated with pandemic economic slowdown, supporting labor negotiations or other mission critical initiatives in our local governments. If possible, I hope you’re able to reflect at this time on the important role you play in your organization and be thankful for the meaningful work you do each and every day.

While I recognize that for many of us, Thanksgiving 2020 may not be enjoyed in the traditional sense of large in-person bountiful gatherings, I hope that each of you is able to enjoy quality time as you celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday.

Take care, be well, and Happy Thanksgiving.