EDUCATION Thanks Given By Jim Hancock, CML, CMST ferings from ALOA Education for 2023, all building on what we have been thankful for this year. Now, I will give proper “thanks” for all that was good and all W that could have been worse about 2022: I am thankful that 2022 saw a return to some normalcy in daily life. While we still must be cautious and vigilant, we may have weathered the worst and made it through shutdowns, quarantines and all that went with it. I am thankful that 2022 saw the return of SAFETECH aſter the 2020 and 2021 conventions were usurped by the pan- demic and its restrictions. Lexington was a cautious return and hopefully a springboard to a great 2023 in Reno, NV. I am thankful that 2022 allowed a return to Las Vegas for the ALOA Convention & Security Expo. As with the prior con- vention in Orlando, it was a cautious return for attendees, but those in attendance seemed to enjoy the time, fellowship, training and convention in general. I am thankful that 2022 brought about the creation of the International Association of Automotive Locksmiths (IAAL) as ALOA’s newest division — one that is long over- due. The IAAL (or I-doubleA-L) is planning its first mini conference for 2023 and developing training and expanded certifications. 54 KEYNOTES NOVEMBER 2022 hile there is still some time left in 2022, the season dictates that we look back and give thanks. It also is a time to start looking ahead to 2023. The De- cember issue will address plans and of- I am thankful that the ALOA Education staff was able to figure out a way to host classes in our warehouse in Dallas. While not a classroom, we have found way to use our space and hold a few classes during the year as we have before. I am thankful for William Lynk and Tyler Thomas who ran with an idea on podcasts and turned them into a “must-lis- ten” item. No better producer nor a better moderator could be asked for. Thank you, guys. I am thankful that the 2022 versions of the ALOA, SAVTA, IAIL, AIL and newly formed IAAL boards are all working hard to make the organizations better. They are providing members and the industries in general with a great experi- ence, making any event provided “the place to be.” I am, as always, thankful for my fellow ALOA staff members for all the hard work and long hours required — not just in putting together the yearly conventions, but also the daily operations of an organization that is so diverse. Most see the finished product, with all its good, warts and hiccups, but very few outside of the staff itself know what a grind it is daily. I have worked as a locksmith service tech (20 years), manage- ment and operations (25 years). I can say, without hesitation, this is much different and sometimes much more stressful. So, thank you to Phyllis, Dawne, Judy, Kathy, Kevin and Kelly. I am thankful that ALOA’s executive director, my boss and my friend, Mary May, is still at the helm. She is the buffer in situations when needed and the support that keeps the staff motivated. She, too, has more going on behind the scenes than most know, just trying to keep the wheels rolling. WWW.ALOA.ORG
