[Andy Baker]

This President's Circle opportunity is something bigger and better than we all originally thought. I'm realizing that it is a pretty cool thing. I'll explain:

Last week, I was out in Manchester for some supplier meetings. Between talking about kit of parts stuff, I got to talk with John Marchiony and Anne Beaupre about FIRST marketing. (John is Chief Marketing Officer at FIRST) They both were excited about the President's Circle opportunity and wanted me to help spread the news regarding what it is all about.

When FIRST originally announced the President's Circle, we all just got back from Atlanta. I forwarded the email blast announcement to the rest of my team, but did not push this opportunity at all. Heck, we were all recovering from the trip and catching up on our normal lives. I'm sure that most teams were in the same mode.

What I heard in Manchester makes me want to have our team take another look. The President's Circle teams are going to share what they know about starting other teams, but there's more. Those teams are going to have good access to Paul Gudonis, president of FIRST, and through him to Dean, Woodie, and other key people like Steve Chism, Dave Lavery and others.

FIRST is looking to grant President's Circle teams access and influence to help meet some big goals and answer big questions regarding the future of FIRST. How often do teenagers get to advise these people? Here is the chance.

On top of that, a chance for team members to go to Kickoff and the Founder's Reception at Dean's house is worth the time it will take to make a video good enough for YouTube. I know, for example, that the marketing team saw a video shot on a cell phone and thought it was good enough to be submitted. FIRST is looking for content, not Oscar-quality video. We can do that!

Our team will have another look at this, for sure. Now is our chance to not only help out FIRST, but also provide the students an opportunity to gain some access and help influence FIRST leaders.

Take care,
Andy Baker