For 2,190 consecutive days I was part of something very special. My streak was longer than Lou Gehrig’s by 60 but far short of Cal Ripken’s streak of 2,632 baseball games played in a row.
Well as of this past Friday, my streak came to an end. I never realized that in the early part of 2003 my life would change. Not only change but for the better. You see in March 2003, I was nominated to be on the national board for the Marketing Research Association (MRA). Next stop was to cross my fingers and hope that I would win an election against two other worthy candidates. As luck would have it I won the election and the next thing I knew I was being sworn in–in front of the association at the annual conference. This was a nice time and I was honored but I didn’t know what it meant. Having matured over the years, I now know that it meant a lot.
I have attended many conference calls, board meetings, participated in strategy sessions and presented many times. Yes it was work, in a lot of ways extra work, but I must tell you it never felt that way to me. I was doing something for an industry that I truly love and wanted to give something back to an industry that has given me so much.
Over the years the MRA has given me:
- An opportunity to grow as a professional
- Being part of a team that is so passionate and dedicated to the industry
- Friendships that will last a lifetime
I have been part of many boards before but this one was different. This experience was much more meaningful and together this team made strategic decisions and moved the industry forward. I was part of something that was so very special and near and dear to my heart.
My streak of 2,190 days being on the national MRA are over and part of me is sad, in fact very sad. However, I am excited for the next generation of board members and their dedication, energy and most of all, fresh ideas.
The first thank you goes to the MRA members for voting for me. For trusting and believing that I could make a difference. I hope I did and didn’t let you down.
A big thank you to the presidents whom I served under: Michael Mermelstein, Joe Ottaviani Jane Cook, Merrill Shugoll, Colleen Moore Mezler and Jon Last. What a special group of people.
Another thank you goes to Larry Brownell, Kristen Darby and the entire MRA staff. They have done a great job in a tough economy.
A huge thank you to all the board member that I got a chance to serve with. There are way too many to mention all of them but a few of them include: Adam Weinstein, Amy Shields, Ed Sugar, Elisa Galloway, Ken Roberts, Kim Larson, Mary Wang and many others.
Of course a big thank you goes to Steve Schlesinger. Over the past six years we have worked closely together, accomplished a lot and you are one of the main reasons that my MRA experience was so meaningful and unforgettable.
Last but not least . . . the late John Boni who was the person who first got me involved in the local chapter of the MRA way back in 1988. Thank you for continuing to have a positive effect on my career long after we stopped working together.
MRA, my glass is raised and I toast you!
Thank you for everything you have given me over the last 2,190 days.
Beth Rounds says:
Merrill, a very nice note about the MRA. I had the same type of opportunity with the AMA a few years back and feel exactly as you do. You receive so much more out of volunteering than what you think you are giving. There are great people in this industry…long live MR and the MRA.
Jon Last says:
MRA thanks you, too! Having just passed the presidential baton, I also share the sentiments that you so eloquently expressed. As I mentioned in my closing remarks in Chicago, MRA is a special group of individuals, passionate about the profession and about each other.
Merrill, you’ve been a big part of my professional growth as well, both as an MRA leader and a marketing research professional. I’ve learned so much from you and we’ve had a lot of fun together, along the way.
To paraphrase an old expression my folks used to say about the Bronx borough of New York, “You can take the boy out of the MRA, but you can’t take the MRA out of the boy.” I know that applies to both of us. It has been a great ride. Time for the next lap.
Scott Baker says:
Nice note Merrill, but the big thank you is from the members to YOU! Thank you for your dedication both on the stage giving dynamic presentations and behind the scenes on conference calls, board meetings… working with other dedicated volunteers to determine the direction of our Association and our Industry.
It’s been my pleasure working with you briefly and so many of the others over the years! It really is a good group of hard working individuals steering the future of our Industry.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Scott,
Thank you so much for your comments and kind words. They MRA has given me an opportunity to meet and work with so many great people like yourself. I am glad we got the chance to get to know each other and look forward to seeing you soon.
Merrill
Fee Sepahi says:
Hi Merrill,
As I “tweeted” about you the other day and I was witness to the passing of the torch, as a sole exhibitor I don’t usually get a chance to attend these sessions, but I truly found your reflection of the treasurers report and your talk to be awe inspiring. I wished that the room was packed with all the registered MRA members, but alas it was early and those of us present, truly were witness to a great event and a great enlightening that you brought to the floor of that room.
I truly appreciate the fact that I have become in part a member of this MRA community as I serve on boards and get to know people in this industry, who are passionate about the work and the difference they make. I do recall meeting you at the MRA conference in Las Vegas November 1, 2005, my first introduction to the industry and my 1st day on the job at CETRA, and I will tell you that my life has not been the same! This industry has opened me up to appreciate the relationships with you, and let’s be real, if it wasn’t for the MRA, I would not have a relationship with you, or any other one of the magnificent people I know through the industry. Think about it, just because of this blog, how many people walked up and said, “so you’re the Fee from the Merrill Dubrow blog”. I get to have a better life with people like Janet, Colleen, Meg, Jackie’s, Joyce, Kim, Colin and SO many more, because of who you are to me.
Think about how special the group of you are, that Colleen and Jackie encourage me to share a cab to the airport with them, as I bolted out of the hotel and not really knowing either of them very well, I now have two magnificent people added to my treasure of a community.
You are part of the trigger, the inspiration, the passion and the soul of the MRA and I thank you.
Best,
Fee
Amy Shields says:
Fee – I don’t think anyone could have said this better. I echo each of your thoughts.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Fee,
Rarely am I speechless. Thank you so much for your warm and heartfelt comments. Over the years your comments on the blog have brought insight and joy to so many people. Thanks for being a good person and someone I call my friend!
You are the reason I have stayed in this great industry for over 25 years!
Thanks.
Merrill
Amy Shields says:
What a great perspective (as usual)! I have to admit that reading your thoughts on this and seeing it put into number of days (OK – Mr. Treasurer), was actually a little emotional for me and made me reflect a bit on my own journey. I just had a flashback…the year you were elected to the National Board, was the year I was elected as President of the Northwest Chapter. So, of course, I attended leadership training. All of the attending leaders were invited to breakfast with the board (as is still done) and we all sat around the outside of the room. I specifically remember that you made a suggestion regarding chapters and communication with leaders; I don’t remember exactly what it was, but I do recall you were the first national board member who jumped in with exciting ideas. That kind of set the tone for me; providing me the motivation to continue my efforts. I know that I’m not the only person you’ve touched this way, so THANK YOU. You, along with many others, made the ride for me an unbelievably rewarding one.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Amy,
Thanks for your comments and memory. I do recall your passion for chapters started the first day I met you. You always wanted and NEEDED their voice to be heard and in so many ways you were their champion.
You should be so proud of what you have accomplished for each member and it has been a real honor to work with you on the MRA board the last four years.
It is without question that you have touched so many lives in the past few years. It is great to know that you will still be raising your hand and volunteering to help the MRA move forward in the years to come.
Merrill
Paul Kirch says:
Merrill – Thanks for all of your contributions on the board and to the industry. I know from a chapter level it takes sacrifice, so to make the contribution you did for National, it’s an amazing juggling act you perform every day. As someone who owes a lot to the MRA and also to you, I say thanks.
Lynn says:
Merrill – All of the members of MRA owe you (and all of the others who have served on the National board) their thanks. Without the time and effort of the National board, MRA would not be where it is today. Your contributions have had a great impact on our organization. Thank you for the 2,190 days – it was an amazing run!
Seanjjordan says:
I suppose I should get around to joining the MRA in the near future now that I’m almost done with graduate school… is there a St. Louis chapter?
Merrill Dubrow says:
Sean,
Thanks for your question. There are a total of 12 local chapters. Probably the closest one to St.Louis is Chicago. Solid chapter. Please let me know if you have any questions.
It has been a credible experience for me.
Merrill
Steve Schlesinger says:
Merrill
You have articulated very well the feelings that I have had over the past 8 years of service on the MRA board. How lucky am I to have had the chance to be a part of the leadership of this association, to contribute to its strategy and direction and to make the friendships that I have. It is wonderful to witness the passion that board members bring to each meeting and their goal to serve the membership well. I look forward to seeing what the next generation of leaders brings to our beloved association.
I think Fee did a great job describing the heart of MRA – friendship, camaraderie, connection – it is at the core of every experience I have had. I have yet to have another experience with an organization that has been this inclusive and this cordial. What a group of people.
As for our friendship, well I would need more than this blog to cover it. Let’s just say, thanks MRA for introducing us. And by the way, MRA, you will still have to put up with us and our opinions as we are not going to far away.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Steve,
Where do I start. The MRA has given me so much and your friendship is at the top of the list. You energy, personality, intelligence and heart is amazing and led to our life long friendship. I am proud and honored to call you a friend and my brother.
Thank you for everything you are.
Merrill
Colleen Mezler says:
Merrill,
I echo everything that has been said. I am still in a melancholy mood as I am stepping down from a great experience (8 years on the National board and another 7 years on the GLC chapter board). Although, I plan on still being very active in MRA – just not in the same role.
I truly believe you get what you give and for me I put as much as I could into the MRA experience and I am a better person for it. I learned so much and met lifelong friends along the way.
Your friend always,
Colleen
debby says:
Merrill- I totally understand your thoughts and can feel your heartfelt sentiments about the MRA and your involvement over the years. You have contributed greatly to our industry over the last 25 years and I, along with many others, expect many more years of enthusiasm from you.
Best of all, the MRA gave us these wonderful friendships!
Aileen Mueller says:
All:
As the “rebel” member of the MRA – who has floated in and out — and has spent a lot of time shooting off my mouth about things (the proverbial “squeaky wheel”) and then stepping out for awhile, reading all of these posts reminds me that this group of people has been mainly what has kept me coming back to the MRA — I think that the general membership, of which I include myself, feels truly honored to have had you all represent us.
A huge, heartfelt thank you must go to each of you.
Best
- Aileen
Christine Cook says:
Merrill, while you are not on the board I imagine you will be sitting on many committees. Thank you for all your work and leadership over so many years. You are insightful, inspiring and an absolutely wonderful person!
Merrill Dubrow says:
Christine,
Thanks – I may need my Mom to read your comments!
See you soon.
Merrill
Merrill Shugoll says:
Merrill ( I love the name Dubrow),
This note of thanks to you is from Merrill (you love the name Shugoll). You were an extraordinary Board member from beginning to end. I, the Association and our members owe you a debt of gratitude for all your contributions. Personally, I want to thank you for being such a wonderful friend all these years. We will keep in touch as do two people who share a name are meant to do.
Ed Sugar says:
Merrill -
Thank you for all your efforts in serving the MRA and our great profession.
The two of us have been doing this together since 1993. Like you I am ready for another 16 years as the rewards and satisfaction of serving one’s industry/profession are truly priceless. The experience gained and friends made are just the tangible benefits one receives. The other benefits have been beyond description and worth every long conference call and weekend sacrificed.
Steve Gentile says:
Merrill -
Like those who preceded you, and those who are currently in place, and those who are yet to come – you have carried the torch of our profession proudly, strongly, and courageously. We all share the many wise sentiments expressed here and in private/other venues, knowing that your influence and your voice will never be silenced.
Like the Indy 500 or the World Series, a great vacation or a new business venture – the most courageous thing is not only in the “saying yes” at the start but in saying “yes” again and again and again. You have done so in many ways, my good friend! Continue to infuse our work with the same proud professionalism we all witnessed in you throughout the years – and do not lose that smile and sense of humor, ever! A victory lap is in order and well deserved.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Steve,
Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt comments. They really mean a great deal to all of the MRA volunteers. In some ways it is easy to be involved in an industry and association that you love so much and one that has so many special and talented people like yourself.
Thanks again.
Merrill
Ginger Blazier says:
Merrill,
I don’t know where to start, which is why it’s taken me a bit of time to reply. It has been a real pleasure getting to know you while on the board. I remember the first time we met is when it was my first time at a board meeting and we sat next to each other. Aside from me being a Yankee fan, you were still very gracious and showed me the ropes. Over the years that followed, I have been inspired and mentored by your eloquent manner and knowledge, along with the rest of the board. We have had and continue to have a group of very dedicated and passionate people on the board, which makes me so proud to be a part of it.
So I don’t think goodbye is in order for you, Colleen, Ed, Amy, and Steve. I am encouraged that the dedication and passion continues with all of you and that we all continue to learn and grow together as a team.
Thanks again,
Ginger
Merrill Dubrow says:
Ginger,
Thank you so much for your comments. Are you 100% sure you got the story right yes i remember sitting next to you but not sure I have ever been gracious to a Yankee fan in my life
It has been great working with you on the board. Look forward to seeing you in the near future.
Thanks again.
Merrill