[Inspired by a recent Editorial in our local newspaper.]

A LETTER TO THE BOARD

Dear Board of Directors,

The Records Management Department wants you to know that we have got 
your back!  Recent events have convinced us that we need to be ever 
diligent, as we have truly learned how crucial we are to your freedom 
and prosperity.  I mean, "Who Knew!"  Thank goodness we have always 
taken records management as mission critical for our organization. As I 
attended this year's ARMA International Conference, speaker after 
speaker argued for precision, integrity and excellent management of the 
corporation's vital records that protect the officers and Board of 
Directors.  The more educational sessions I attended, the more I was 
convinced about the mission critical role we play, in assuring that 
during an audit our records are taken as a forthright, and an  honest 
depiction of the financial state of our organization.

The Sunday Editorial page carried an article about the verdict in the 
recent Enron trial of Jeffrey Skilling. The defense attorney argued for 
a lenient sentence on the grounds that his client, Mr. Skilling was 
only guilty of fraudulent accounting practices and the Court had no 
evidence that he ever intended to harm anyone.

Judge Simeon T. Lake III, dismissed this argument saying it was similar 
to someone saying that although he had committed arson for the 
insurance money, he hadn’t intended for anyone to be in the building at 
the time it burned.

“As the many victims have testified, his crimes have imposed on 
hundreds if not thousands a life sentence of poverty,” the judge said.

The Editorial went on to say that the SARBANES OXLEY legislation 
ensured that Mr. Skilling will spend the remaining years of his life in 
prison, as well as forfeit $45 million into a restitution account. His 
remaining funds will be used to pay legal fees.

This convinces me that I must be diligent 24/7 on your behalf.  I must 
admit, a little more autonomy would help me resist those who might not 
always have your best interest at heart.  Certainly the lean staff I 
command makes me worry that I need more of a work force to get the job 
done exactly as you wish it to be done.  Odd, this new law doesn't seem 
to go after records managers, it only target the top officers. But, I 
still worry about you.  I would certainly miss you should you have to 
go away for 10 to 20.

Who will give the toast at the year's Christmas Party?

Well back to work, work, work.  Oh what I could do with a few more 
staff? I just figured out you could have 560 records managers at my 
salary on just the fine Mr. Skilling paid.  Ironic isn't it?  A company 
car would also make me even more motivated.

Your devoted Records Management Department


Hugh Smith
FIRELOCK Fireproof Modular Vaults
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(610)  756-4440    Fax (610)  756-4134
WWW.FIRELOCK.COM


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