A Message from the AANC President | December 2024

2024 has shaped up to be a year for the record books, with our incredibly successful AANC Annual Conference in May breaking all previous attendance records. We had 740 industry professionals join us in Raleigh this year and we have our sights on exceeding that number in 2025. Other AANC achievements this year include:

• Investment strategy: The Revenue Committee reviewed, evaluated and established investment goals moving forward. To date, the association is achieving our target and threshold.
• 2024 PAC: Exceeded the 2-year goal by 116%! The average gift size per individual also increased YOY from $94 to $150.
• Strategic Goals: Individual Committees reported substantial progress towards our strategic goals for 2024-2025.

The final quarter of 2024 sent an unexpected twist with the horrific and powerful storm Hurricane Helene. Despite the many challenges, blessings still abound. Hurricane Helene truly showcased the strength and resilience of our industry. In the face of adversity, we came together, pooling resources and offering support to those in need. This collective effort not only provided immediate relief but strengthened the bond within communities. We are so appreciative of the many who raised hands to assist and send support in human capital and/or donations, etc. I would also like to acknowledge AANC Executive Director Jon Lowder and AAWNC Association Administrator Bryan Holladay, who spent morning, noon, and night in conversations with local, state, and federal governments and staffers to frame a clear assessment of the situation in western NC and provide specific guidance. We are grateful and have benefited from their leadership. 

Looking ahead, we are excited about executing AANC’s strategic goals for 2025- 2026 and I invite all members to get involved in our various committees. And be sure to save the date for the AANC CONNECTed Conference! The conference will be held in Raleigh on May 12-14 with an impressive list of session speakers and thought leading keynote speakers. I hope to see you there!

Lastly, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following individuals for their tireless dedication:
•    Vice President: Karen Perkins, Blue Ridge Companies
•    Treasurer: Amanda Williams, BSC Holdings
•    Secretary: Amy Ritchy, Greystar
•    Immediate Past President: Jennings Snider, SYNCO Properties
•    General Counsel: Norm Praet, Brownlee, Whitlow & Praet, PLLC
•    Executive Director: Jon Lowder
•    Director of Education and Engagement: Kristin Goins
•    Director of Government Affairs: Sarah DuBose
•    Communications Manager: Kat Nicholas

Together, we will continue to grow and advocate for our industry.