NOBLE NEWS ONLINE

I trust everyone made it home safely and reunited with family, friends, and co-workers after one of the most successful National Conferences in our recent past. My sincere appreciation goes out to Chief Bruce Marquis, Chief Jimmy Wilson (retired), and the entire Norfolk Conference Committee for making this event remarkable, memorable, and financially helpful to our organization's future endeavors. The hospitality, training, banquets, and other activities were outstanding and worthy of mention.

The message I want to convey to you today is one of hope that fosters a spirit of togetherness. We live in some of the worst and best times in our lives. Our economy is not the greatest, but this country has made history by installing an African American as the 44th President of the United States. Let's face it, NOBLE has seen some better days and there are better days ahead of us. It is up to us to revitalize our organization. We control its destiny while making sure we hold fast to the principles and purpose of why NOBLE was started. Because of the opportunities presented before us, NOBLE has the potential to achieve all of its goals. We have the potential to significantly impact our financial outlook and make NOBLE a household name again.

I was humbled during the conference when many of you approached me and said you were ready to roll up your sleeves and start working again. I encourage you to take that momentum and identify where your talents can truly be used. Consider working on a committee with your local chapter or one of our national committees.

During my acceptance speech at the National Conference in Norfolk, I explained to you that my goals during my term will be focused on organizational structure, financial sustainability, and civic/community responsibility.

Organizational Structure- My original campaign was revitalization and going from "Good to Great". Revitalization simply means we take what we have, and make it better; hence, we take NOBLE from "Good to Great". No matter how good an organization is, there is always room for improvement. In reference to organizational structure, we must insist on accountability at all levels of the organization including but not limited to the presidency, the regions, the board, the committees, and the national office. In addition, we will focus on branding - increasing NOBLE's name recognition, increasing external training opportunities, and strengthening ties with other like organizations.

Financial Structure - Reducing/eliminating our national debt by increasing and diversifying revenue streams, reducing spending, identifying viable goals for the Ways and Means Committee, and increasing membership.

Civic/Community Responsibilities - As NOBLE members we have a responsibility to show concern by positively impacting the communities in which we live. To that end, we will require participation in prisoner reentry programs from the national, regional and chapter levels, and identify avenues to address juvenile violence affecting our children and communities.

Finally, I believe each President of NOBLE has an obligation to select people as his/her special assistants and committee heads that will help advance this organization's goals and objectives. I have carefully chosen individuals with subject matter expertise in the positions in which they have been placed. All of them have made a commitment to work with this administration to take NOBLE from "Good to Great". You will have a chance to meet all of your executive board members and committee heads in future publications.

With God's blessings and your help, we are destined for great things.

Sincerely,
Ernest