by Bob Duthaler

I hope this message finds you all well as we embrace the month of February.  It’s an honor to connect with you through our monthly newsletter and share some updates and reflections on the incredible work that JAG continues to do in promoting access and community engagement.  Let’s hope the Groundhog was right and spring is just around the corner.

by Bob Duthaler

I am happy to report that the JAG Board of Trustees had their annual meeting on Wednesday, January 9th, setting the course not only for this year but for the future of the organization.  This is made possible by the great input we receive over the course of the year from our members.  Some of these comments are brought up at monthly meetings, during our annual conference or in emails.  It is only through input and feedback from our members that the board can fully understand what is on the minds of our members and help this organization move forward.  I encourage all members to continue to be involved, provide feedback and support the organization.

by Bob Duthaler

Hard to believe that yet another year is coming to a close.  It’s been a busy year for JAG on both the legislative and operational ends.  For me it also signifies the fact that my 15th year as JAG President is also coming to an end.  However, I choose to look at all this as a new beginning.  The beginning of a new year for JAG, the beginning of the twenty-fourth year of JAG’s existence and the beginning of the reorganization of the JAG board at the upcoming Trustee Meeting in January.

by Bob Duthaler

It is now officially the start of the Holiday Season, starting with Thanksgiving just ending.  This also means there are just slightly more than 30 days until the new year starts.  Every year at my house, the kids get ready to celebrate Christmas and they start working on their Christmas List, although as they get older the gifts become more expensive!  The same can be said for running your station or JAG as an organization.

by Bob Duthaler

This is not a US Army campaign to get you to enlist, rather it is JAG’s plea for you to run for a Trustee position.  Each year several JAG Trustee positions expire, and we look to the membership to run and fill these positions.  This year is no exception, as three positions are set to expire at the end of December 2023.

by Bob Duthaler

One of the many great things we do at JAG is to educate our membership.  There are several ways we accomplish this.  We produce a monthly newsletter, monthly legislative newsletter, monthly membership meetings, annual conference and special online webinars and round table discussions.  These online sessions can be an asset to both your station operations and your production skills.

by Bob Duthaler

Have you been paying attention to new and pending legislation that could affect our industry?  Well JAG has, especially our legislative committee. That committee, under the leadership of Dave Garb, has been working with our partners at NATOA and the ACM to keep track of such legislation and are informing not only our members, but leadership throughout the state and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.  I urge you to read our special legislative newsletter that has been sent out.  You can also find it on the JAG website, or click on this link: https://jagonline.org/2023-newsletters/

by Bob Duthaler

There are times when running a station, you will find you may need additional support and information.  How do you get that information?  Who is available to give you that added help?  With JAG as a resource, you will find there are many places you can get the information and help you need.

by Bob Duthaler

I have had the chance over these last few weeks to speak to a lot of our JAG Members and the one thing I keep hearing is how busy they are, especially this time of year.  The first thing I say is… I know exactly what you mean.  The second thing I always say is, I’m glad.  I am glad to be busy and I am glad you are.  That means we are all out there covering the things that need to be brought to attention in our communities and making a big difference.  So, with that in mind, I am going to give you a few excerpts from past articles and links to them for you to read the entire article.  I believe the things I have mentioned and talked about cannot be stressed enough.  So enjoy being busy, enjoy the summer and when you get a chance, however brief as it may be, relax and wind down!

by Bob Duthaler

By now you already know that Thursday, May 18th is the date you should put all things aside and make plans to be at the JAG’s annual conference and vendor day.  If you haven’t done so already, register now at www.jagconference.com .  This is a must attend event if you are a member of JAG, support the organization or utilize any of its benefits.