While I look forward to contributing to the DSA blog going forward, this will be my last submission as president of the Digital Screenmedia Association. I have been very fortunate to have been selected to serve two terms as the association president and I can truly say that the experience has been a highlight to my career and it has been a pleasure working with and getting to know so many of my industry colleagues. 

Typically a closing “letter” would reflect on a list of past achievements, but that is not the tact I am taking. If you are interested in that you can check out my blog from November of last year, Digital Screenmedia Association: Creating ground cover and air support. In short, what has been done by the association over the last couple of years I hope will be viewed as building a strong foundation in which the new DSA president (to be announced next week), can successfully build upon. 

What I will focus on is what I deem to be one of the most important building blocks in this foundation … you.  Each of you, members or otherwise, are judges on the association’s value. Is the DSA furnishing you and the company you work for with educational and networking opportunities that helps move you to greater success? Are DSA programs paving the way for more efficient, effective business models? Is the DSA shining a light on new advancements and marketable needs that foster industry innovation?  

I know firsthand that the DSA staff consisting of David Drain, executive director, and supported by Barry Stoess and Diana Sexson are smart and passionate about their commitment to deliver value to the members and the industry. Add to that the elected officers and 75 companies on the DSA Advisory Board that donate a huge amount of energy and time and you have quite a support team. However, with everything, you get what you put in and the DSA is no exception. 

Find out how to get involved and I guarantee that you and your company will get a tremendous benefit in return for your contributions. A good place to start is to check out the existing committees and ask to be involved. Additionally, if you or your company has knowledge you’d like to share with the industry write a white paper or state your view as a guest blogger. If you are looking for a more active interchange of ideas, join the DSA LinkedIn forums: DSA Digital Signage Group, DSA Self-Service & Kiosk Group and the DSA Mobile Group. 

This and other programs within the DSA will help you raise your profile in the industry, broaden your network and help drive your business both in terms of bottom line efficiencies and top line sales. If you have any doubt about DSA helping you drive sales, just keep in mind that over 340 of the membership of the DSA are end-user / deployers of digital screenmedia. For most of you these companies are our target customers, so associating with them as part of the DSA is extremely value. 

In closing thank you for the honor you’ve bestowed on me to be your DSA president and the tremendous support and leadership that helped move the association and the industry forward over the last two years. I look forward to supporting the next president in his or her upcoming programs and what I am sure will be an exciting and successful 2011/2012 term.