July/August 2010 issue of the Massage Message

This is my last message to you as FSMTA President. I have been honored to play a leadership role in this wonderful organization of volunteers.  I never realized how much I would grow both personally and professionally.  For this I thank all who have taken the time to mentor me.  One lesson that I have learned is that no one can do it alone.  I could never have enjoyed this time without the help of my Executive Committee and this Board of Directors, Chapter Presidents, Standing & Special Committee members and many past leaders who shared their fantastic wisdom. They were always there to help and guide me. Together we embraced a teamwork philosophy to achieve remarkable results.  I would particularly like to send a note of appreciation to our Executive Director and our office staff not only for their loyalty and dedication to FSMTA, but also for their personal courtesy and consideration given to me as President. Our association has a very experienced and dedicated staff that helps keep our complex organization functioning smoothly.

 State Elections have taken place and I am pleased to announce that FSMTA will welcome new leadership at the end of Convention. It is a happy and proud occasion to have outstanding volunteer leaders step up to service. On behalf of FSMTA and the outgoing Executive Officers we send heartfelt warm wishes to our incoming officers Executive State President- Ralph Russ; First Vice-President-Marion Padgett; Second Vice-President-Donna Smith; Secretary- Debbie Sieber; and Treasurer-Frank Ansel. We are eager to experience their new energy, fresh perspectives and their strong passion for our profession.

As my Presidency draws to a close, it is with great personal pleasure that I welcome Ralph Russ as the incoming Executive State President. He is not only a superbly talented massage therapist, but a man who is energetic and well-organized and a wonderful colleague. I am confident that he will make a first-rate president; congrats to both Ralph and to the FSMTA!

What else is going on?
FSMTA Convention July 7-11, 2010 at the Omni Orlando Resort - Realize Your Potential!
Another fabulous convention has been planned. We wish everyone could attend the FSMTA Convention! If you have attended, you know what I am talking about - Education!  Exhibits! Excitement! Enjoyable Social Events! Excellent Networking Opportunities!
Thanks to all our presenters, FSMTA is known for the educational value it brings to attendees.  We also thank our many generous sponsors for their support this year and every year.
Convention 2010 begins on Wednesday evening by addressing the needs of massage students and newly-licensed therapists with the Successful Start Program.  Thursday is all business for your Board of Directors starting with the Quarterly Meeting at 8:00am. The FSMTA Annual Membership Business meeting is held at 5:00pm Thursday evening.  We are honored and delighted to welcome David Kent as our keynote speaker. The meeting agenda is quite full this year, along with the presentation of the Performance Health Humanitarian Award and the usual reports we will hold the formal installation of new officers. Immediately following the meeting, the exhibit hall will be open for a welcome party and again all day Friday and Saturday. Our Tradeshow is exceptional; attendees look forward to shopping and our vendors never let us down. To enhance your shopping experience, stop to enjoy an oasis of calm in the exhibit hall at The Sanctuary offering 10 minute foot treatments for $10, all donations will be presented to the Touch Research Institute. Chair massage will be offered by Tampa Bay Chapter members. Sarasota/Manatee members have created the ‘Quiet Room’ which will be open on Friday & Saturday, a quiet space for all attendees to stop in & just breathe! Saturday Banquet theme is ‘Glitz and Glamour - A Sparkling Event’ where members will dress up or down but with a little glitzy flair. State Awards will be given and then we dance the night away. There are so many reasons to enjoy the 2010 FSMTA Convention… starting with great give-away prizes and cash prize drawings, outstanding educational sessions and ending with very enjoyable social events! The next Massage Message will include lots of pictures and stories.
If you were unable to attend this year, we will look forward to seeing you in 2011 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World June 22-26, 2011.

Board of Massage Therapy News:
“Board Beat” report in this issue will give you the highlights of the April BOMT meeting.  The Florida Department of Health/ MQA (Medical Quality Assurance) has a new web site that is more user friendly making it much easier to renew and update our information;   www.FLHealthSource.com …it is fast, it is free and it is available 24 hours a day.  Follow the ‘Board Information’ link from there to the BOMT to get additional updates and announcements relevant to our profession.  Next BOMT Quarterly Meeting will take place July 29-30 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando.

Upcoming Event:
 Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) National Convention August 26-29, 2010 at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee.  Continuing Education will be offered to LMTs; FSMTA members will offer chair massage to Chiropractor attendees. 

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at Convention.
… enjoy each day! Maureen