A short time ago, a colleague asked me what she received for her membership in VACCH. I told her that belonging to a fraternal organization such as VACCH brought returns that are equal to what one gives to the organization.

"But beyond that," she said, "what can I expect to receive from being a member?"

Well," I said, "the things that most people receive from belonging to VACCH is the opportunity to work with dynamic business and educational leaders here and on an international basis. " For me, that has meant meeting leaders who truly epitomize the qualities I strive to attain on a daily basis. I have, for example, met a man from Laos who is the type of businessman I wish to be; honest, straightforward, and thoroughly competent. I have worked side-by-side with university leaders, and international business developers. I have had the opportunity to travel to China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. I have met and worked with two of the most dynamic and hardworking officials in the State of Hawaii during these trips, and visited with hundreds of foreign government officials because of them.

Membership in VACCH is more than belonging to a dynamic organization. It is building professional relationships with high quality and individually dynamic individuals. It is adding strength, vitality, and compassion to your business. It is the receipt of respect from people that you grow to admire.

It’s a lot more than one would hope for.