Houston! We have a problem!

I just got back from the Sports Medicine Symposium of the Americas in Houston, Texas. This was a great opportunity to hear some of the top therapists and orthopedic surgeons in the country present together on current advances in treatment of the shoulder, knee, hip, and ankle. Represented were team surgeons and therapists from multiple professional and college level programs including, of course, the Houston Astros/Texans/and Rockets to name a few. Of particular interest for me was hearing the latest in ACL prevention, hip/labral problems, PRP, and scapular evaluation and treatment. It is always refreshing to get to a great learning opportunity like this to motivate continual progress in your own practice. Even though I left my ten gallon hat in Texas, I look forward to applying what I've learned to assist my patients here in central Illinois. Oh, by the way, if you plan on travelling to Houston watch the movie Tin Cup, as the landscape in the movie pretty much sums up what it is like down there. (L)

What is Speed Networking?

I was asking myself that question until this morning. Here's the answer...speed networking is a program that the Peoria Chamber of Commerce offers. It is intended for those businesses whose success depends on word-of-mouth referrals and marketing. The Chamber limits the participation to one company from each business sector (example: health care, insurance, advertising, engineering, etc.) and basically you have 90 seconds to present your "company basics" and then it is another person's turn. You then move down the table and repeat the process all over. This continues for the next hour to hour and a half.

It was fun to see how much information you could present in 90 seconds and how much you could learn in 90 seconds about another company. I met a lady whose company is responsible for creating all of the decals for he Caterpillar skid steer line. I will tell you one thing though...I was definitely tired of talking after the event! (A)

I Didn't Want to Keep You in Suspense...

If you had trouble sleeping last night wondering if the "big"scissors actually cut the ribbon from our ribbon cutting, I thought I would be put you out of your misery. They worked! After the ribbon cutting, Luke and I gave a quick tour of the facility and discussed the services we provide. Then the crowd feasted on Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory apples. Those apples are so delicious and addictive! I think we feel a namesake bound with the folks over there at the Chocolate Factory...Rocky Mountain, Rock Valley...they are pretty close. (A)

It's Official...The Ribbon Has Been Cut

Luke and I were looking for a cost efficient way to become more visible to the business community and that led us to become a Peoria Chamber of Commerce member. As part of the benefits, we were able to host an "official ribbon cutting" ceremony. Well, that day is today! I only hope that the giant pair of scissors that I am holding actually cut the ribbon. It would be embarrassing if they don't. I guess I would compare it to trying to blow out the candles on a birthday cake with everyone watching and nothing happens. I will keep you posted... (A)