What a season this has been! The Red Sox have won the World Series, and the Patriots are undefeated (at least as of the writing of this, they are 11-0). The Revolution were in the MLS Final and the Celtics are even showing signs of promise for a strong performance in the NBA this year.
The Boston Chapter of IFMA is another winning team, winning the Chapter of the Year International Award, at World Workplace 2007 in New Orleans. When the board found out we were to be this year's recipients, we were more than honored. We were humbled, because we know that in order to qualify for this prestigious award, we had to acknowledge 2 things: it was only possible through teamwork, and it was only possible because the rest of the chapter operates as a team as well.
Consider the definition of teamwork, according to Merriam-Webster:Teamwork: work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole
This could not be truer of any group we know, including our beloved Boston sports teams. The achievements that led the Boston chapter to receive this honor were possible, and continue to expand, because so many of you are willing and eager to work together, subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency and continued improvement of the chapter's operations, with incredible dedication and without concern for personal recognition.
The Boston chapter won this award once before, in 2001. As we received that award, it was a sobering experience. In the days post-September 11th, celebration was less of a concern than sticking together.
We've come so far since that time. After 9/11 and in the difficult economic times we faced, the Boston chapter lost more than 200 members, and hit a low of only $18,000 in annual sponsorships and hovered around 500 members. Today, with more than 750 members, $70,000 in annual sponsorship, and a deep bench of corporate supporters, active committees, and strong leadership, we are acknowledged as one of the best examples of teamwork that IFMA has at the international level. This year's Chapter of the Year Award is the manifestation of all that we have achieved by staying the course as a team. Our commitment to each other is the accomplishment of which we are most proud, and the basis for everything else we are able to do.
To quote Paul "Bear" Bryant: "When you score a goal, or hit a three, or score a touchdown, you don't do it for yourself, you do it for the team, because the name on the front of the shirt is more important than the one on the back."
Looking back, we recognize that all the challenges we've faced are nothing compared to the opportunity they have created. Cheers to all of you, and thank you for allowing us to be part of this winning team. I wish you and your families a happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season!

Sean Murphy is president of IFMA Boston Chapter, Boston.