La ARMA Nostra

A message from Nicholas J. De Laurentis, “The Godfather” of La ARMA Nostra, “This ARMA of Ours”

FAMILY HISTORY

I wanted to start off by conveying my continued gratitude for the way you have represented our family’s (“This ARMA of Ours”) interest over the last several years.

The name, “La ARMA Nostra” was born from a concept I presented at a 2009 ARMA International Board meeting during a conversation with Patrick Cunningham and Doug Allen. Later that year, following Leadership training at the ARMA Conference in Orlando, FL an opportunity arose to hold our first “family meeting” and shared our vision for this “organization”. We were able to raise approximately $1,200 through my goals:

1. To advance the profession and professionals by way of shared networking
2. To contribute/grow the funds of “family” organizations (e.g. AIEF) for the betterment of the professionals
3. To attract and retain the next generation of RIM/IG professionals and leadership

Our family was officially formed by 42 members who agreed to commit to these goals and the advancement of our professionals. An endowment fund was created and has grown every year of our existence. For the next several years, family meetings were held each year at Conference to review our efforts, celebrate those accomplishments of the recipients of our fund-raising and to stay connected as a family. Our ranks have grown to over 160 members.

Reimbursement Awards

In 2014, we refocused our efforts to provide reimbursement awards for those pursuing professional certifications. Following the untimely loss of two of our founding members, Komal Gulich, CRM, IGP and Jeff Baldwin, CRM, we decided to name 3 $500 awards for each every year, totaling 6 awards and $3,000 annually.

2016 Awards

– Jeffrey Baldwin, CRM Memorial Reimbursement Awards ($500 each)

• Jennifer Baranski (CRM Candidate, ARMA Great Lakes Region)
• Cori Brock (CRM 2016, ARMA Midwest Rocky Mountain Region)
• Philip Guenther (CRM Candidate, ARMA Mid-Atlantic Region)

– Komal Gulich, CRM, IGP Memorial Reimbursement Awards ($500 each)

• Margot Note (CRM 2016)
• Valerie Raiche (CRM Candidate, ARMA Midwest Rocky Mountain Region)
• Deborah Robbins (CRM Candidate, ARMA Southwest Region)

2018 Awards

– Jeffrey Baldwin, CRM Memorial Reimbursement Awards ($500 each)

• Azure Brown, CRM (CRM, ARMA Southwest Region)
• Gil Brueckner (CRM Candidate, ARMA Mid-Atlantic Region)
• Donna Faler, CRM (CRM, ARMA Southwest Region)

– Komal Gulich, CRM, IGP Memorial Reimbursement Awards ($500 each)

• Mandy Coghill (IGP Candidate, Canada Region)
• Jacqueline DiOrio, CRA (CRA, ARMA Pacific Region)
• Mary Marquez (IGP Candidate, ARMA Southwest Region)

LA ARMA NOSTRA ENDOWMENT FUND

After awarding the 3 $3,000 Scholarships and 27 $500 Reimbursement Awards above, we have now awarded $22,500 in scholarships/professional development reimbursement awards and our endowment fund remains at $10,501 in contributions collected to be awarded out over the next several years! We will strive to continue to perpetuate this charitable giving forward as long as we have support.

CALL TO ACTION

It would be very easy to look back and feel like we have made a difference… but our work continues. The next generation of RIM/IG professionals is coming up, corporate/employer sponsorship is rare, and our peers need our help. The power of many can make an enormous impact on the future.

Please consider making a donation, small or large. Every action makes a difference. I challenge you to review this list of recipients. More likely than not you have met or work with one of these individuals. We have made a difference… who can we help next?

To donate online (Visa or MasterCard); please visit:

iCiaio Bella!

Da Godfather

Nicholas J. De Laurentis, CRM, IGP

Email: ndelaurentis@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickdelaurentis/