As we embrace this holiday season, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication to the continuous improvement community. Your commitment has made AME the trusted home for organizational excellence and sharing, learning and growing.
This season invites us to reflect and renew. In the words of Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Yes, I’m a movie fan! That sentiment beautifully captures how your contributions have shaped AME and strengthened our shared journey toward excellence. You have all personally impacted my life is such a positive way and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity to serve you.
Together in 2025, we achieved remarkable milestones:
Innovation & collaboration
- Launched new customer-focused initiatives, reinforcing AME’s leadership in continuous improvement.
Connection & community
- Gathered for our 41st International Conference in St. Louis, the most connected conference yet.
- Celebrated the first international graduation of our 2025 Emerging Leaders Cohort.
- Welcomed our first international Australia conference chair.
Branding & outreach
- Partnered with Pando Grove Group to unveil AME’s refreshed branding and redesigned website, enhancing our digital presence.
- Expanded LinkedIn and email strategies with The RECreative Agency, boosting visibility, engagement and event conversions.
Recognition & excellence
- Honored three outstanding Excellence Award recipients.
Regional growth
- Formalized our newest chapter: AME Mexico.
- Welcomed 18 new board members.
Learning & certification
- Introduced AME Yellow, Green and Black Belt Lean certifications.
Summits & events
- Hosted the first Canadian Virtual Technology Summit.
- Held the fourth annual Back to Basics Virtual Lean Summit.
- Organized the Southeastern Regional Lean Summit in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
- Held the SoCal Lean Tour.
Visibility & Impact
- Featured in "USA Today Careers in Manufacturing - Business and Tech" and other major media outlets.
Looking ahead to 2026, I am inspired by the energy and passion of all of you. With your engagement, AME will continue to shine as a beacon of excellence and a place where ideas flourish and continuous improvement is not just a principle, but a way of life.
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Thank you for making 2025 a year of achievement and progress. May this holiday season bring you joy, rest, peace and renewed purpose for the year ahead.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.