My Friend Jack Chalden

in‧spi‧ra‧tion  Pronunciation[in-spuh-rey-shuhn] Pronunciation
–noun : an inspiring or animating action or influence

I have received dozens of well wishes and motivating comments from friends and family over the past 5 months of training. I think about your words of encouragment during every training session and I am sure they will sustain me on Marathon Day.

I wanted to post the note below that I received a few weeks ago from my friend Jack Chalden who is someone I look up to wtih great admiration. I am posting Jack's note not because of the accolades he gives me, but to show his grace, warmth and sincerity. What a gentleman!

With my thanks for Jack's permission and for his wonderful note, and with continued thanks to all of you who inspire and encourage me!

"Dan, my friend….
Your e-mail box must be overflowing…..and for so many good and noble reasons!!

It is impossible, unless blessed with the words and wisdom reserved for a hallowed few, to adequately send you off on your Saturday journey. I’m in awe…not simply because you have chosen to undertake a marathon. Many do. But because you are doing it (1) at a time in life when family and business responsibilities ramp and fuse at unprecedented levels, (2) by layering a radically different and challenging commitment atop of that schedule; not simply a short term bump in routine athletic or hobby interests, (3) while also executing a remarkable, fascinating and time consuming communication campaign that tracks your journey and allows all of us who predictably choose to sit on the sidelines to learn, laugh, cheer and be inspired and (4) for all the right reasons…a mission with a purpose for a cause with a tangible result.

If or when that infamous “wall” decides to rear its nasty head on Saturday, I hope you will simply whisper “help”. Because that’s when you will instantly feel the collective will of your admirers lift your spirit, your energy and your strength! Count on it. It will feel like a breath of fresh air!

And, ,Dan, I don’t think you will need it, but if your laudable and achievable $20K goal falls a bit short, please let me chip in to help make it happen.

Now…more and then I’m done.

Congratulations on two great achievements in the past couple of weeks. Your IAEM award is a recognition long overdue. You set the standard, Dan. There is not even a close second in our industry.

And, what only a few of us know, your leadership in adopting powerful new event technology tools, training your team in new methodologies and tactics, advancing the definition of constituent service and ROI and, in the process, generating what will soon be seven figure new event revenue streams is remarkable. You set the standard in the “old” days. Now, you have ownership of the next generation of standards and performance. If only the industry judges who properly recognized you with the IAEM award knew the WHOLE story. They would have either have had to change the name of the award…or ordered next year’s award plaque at the same time as this year but with your name already on it.

Great stuff, Dan
With great admiration.
Your friend,

Jack "