Create the future: vote in the upcoming election.(Credit Column)

As the 2004 Presidential election up, the airwaves are full of debates and information, and newspapers worldwide provide us with coverage and commentary. All of this information and coverage serves to educate, inform, and engage us in the election process. Even beyond that, it respires us to participate in our governing process by casting our vote to elect those that seem to share our vision for the future, both professionally, and personally. Whether it's healthcare, the economy, the business environment, or children--we will all strive to elect those that are in alignment with our vision.

I've heard many people argue that their vote is only "one" vote--and that it doesn't matter. In 1998, two out of three Americans simply chose not to cast their vote. It's my opinion that these folks are wrong--one vote can and does make a difference. Some U.S. House of Representative seats have been won by just one vote. Many non-federal seats have been won by just "one" vote.

Like the government, our Association looks to its constituents--you the members--to cast their votes to elect its national leaders. NACM needs and wants your involvement in its governing process; NACM wants your participation in the process that will ultimately create and define our future organization. You will choose five National Directors to serve and represent you for the next three years: from May 2004 until December 2007.

NACM is composed of 48 Affiliated Associations, located nationwide. Each Affiliate is located within one of four geographic regions: the Eastern Region comprises the eastern seaboard and New England states as far south as Virginia; the Central Region stretches from Ohio and Kentucky through the central plains states; the Southern Region spans from the Carolinas to Florida and as far west as Oklahoma and Texas; and the Western Region covers the pacific coastal states, into Utah, Colorado and Arizona.

This year's national director elections are regional; members of each region will cast their vote to elect their regional National Director. While there are no nationally televised NACM director debates, we have taken information from ...