I can’t believe it’s October already! This year is flying by, and it’s that time when the temperatures begin to drop, the scent of wood burning in fireplaces fills the air, and the leaves start showing off their beautiful fall colors. It’s one of my favorite seasons — and an extra special one, too — because it’s my wife’s birthday month. So, happy birthday, Tracy!

It’s also a busy and exciting time in the AHRA world.

Last month, the AHRA Board of Directors met to review our strategic initiatives to ensure they remain aligned with our mission and relevant to our membership. We also took the opportunity to prioritize goals for the coming year so that the Finance Committee can ensure funds are allocated effectively as we head into the budgeting process. I’m proud of the dedication shown by both the board and AHRA staff. We are all committed to making sure we meet the needs of our members.

Let Us Know What You Think of the New LINK

You may have noticed that LINK has gotten an upgrade! The new and improved site was designed for readers to access the latest industry news, best practices, and AHRA happenings with improved navigation and accessibility. Let us know what you think by emailing link@ahra.org.

Benchmarking Survey Now Open!

I’m also excited to announce that the team/task force has finalized and released the long-anticipated Benchmarking Survey. This is a major achievement, and I encourage everyone to participate and share their perspective by Tuesday, November 18. The more responses we get, the stronger and more valuable the data becomes for all of us.

Committee Check-In Coming Soon

Later this month, I’ll be holding a check-in meeting with all of our committees. These meetings are a great opportunity to hear about the impactful work being done across AHRA. I’m looking forward to sharing some of the exciting updates with you in my next message.

Looking Ahead: Get Ready for Rad Tech Week

November brings National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) — a perfect time to recognize and celebrate your teams’ hard work and dedication. As you plan for your celebrations, take advantage of the celebration kits our staff put together! I can’t wait to see pictures of all the ways you found to celebrate with your teams.

Pineapple Fun Fact of the Month

Did you know it can take 2–3 years for a pineapple plant to produce its first fruit? And even then, it only produces one at a time! Once the plant begins to bud, it takes another 5–6 months for the fruit to ripen. I always leave mine on the plant as long as possible — that’s the secret to their sweetness.

As leaders, we’re not so different. Growth takes time. By staying connected to our “nutrients” — our people, our purpose, and our tools — we can nurture the kind of growth that leads to meaningful, “sweet” accomplishments.

One way to stay connected is by using the AHRA Forum. There’s so much valuable knowledge shared there every day. I’m constantly inspired by the conversations happening — make it a priority to check in regularly and keep those connections strong.

Until next time, stay rooted, stay connected, and keep on growing.