Yep. JCI Sheffield is officially the Most Outstanding Chamber in Yorkshire!! Which is a pretty darn fabulous achievement if you ask me, and one that is thanks to each and every one of you who has supported the Chamber. But that's not all we've had to celebrate over the last few weeks...

JCI Goes to Hollywood!

Our annual dinner this year were was nothing short of fabulous. We were joined by friends from around the region and as far afield as Southampton, Edinburgh and Mayo. We had show tunes from Ellie, great speeches and raised over £300 for SAFE@LAST. Which seems like a good time to point out we have SMASHED our annual target to raise £1007 for them this year - the current total is over £1200 with more still coming in. Good work!

One of my highlights was presenting JCI Sheffield's first Oscars. Most Outstanding New Member, sponsored by our twins JCI Mayo, went to Steph Smith who constantly blows me away with her dedication to bring better and her willingness to keep pushing herself. Congratulations Steph and thanks for being so inspiring!

Most Outstanding Member, sponsored by BDO Accountants, went to Ryan Pilkington. As you will know, Ryan is one of our most active members locally and has also made his mark nationally and internationally this year. Still only 20 (I know, really) he is definitely one to watch!

Twinning is winning

The week after five of us popped over to Cork for the JCI Ireland National Convention to support our founder twin, Derek Reilly, in his role as their National President. It was a fantastic weekend and we were delighted to see our twins pick up Best Community Project for their Dogathon, Best National Executive Committee Member for Deborah McAndrew, and the 7 Steps Award for Keira Keogh. I can also vouch for the fact their debating team is exceptional (how else would they have beaten us?!) and will be strong contenders at World Congress.

It was then a complete privilege to be able to present Derek with his senatorship, although I was not prepared at all to see him cry!! Derek puts so much time, effort and energy into JCI and has been a huge support to me personally over the last couple of years. I'm sure you'll all join me in another round of congratulations!

JCI Yorkshire Awards

In addition to Best Chamber we picked up another four awards on the night:

• Most Outstanding Member (I told you Ryan was one to watch!);
• Most Outstanding Preparation by a Deputy;
• Most Outstanding Skills Development Programme - "Be Better"; and
• Most Outstanding UN MDG Project - Challenge 2014 for SAFE@LAST.

Completely amazing especially given just how tough the competition was across the region this year. These awards all go through to National Convention in London so please keep your fingers firmly crossed and get yourselves there if you can. Yorkshire flags at the ready!

Of course it is not all about awards though: it's about making an impact. Accolades like these reflect the hard work carried out throughout the year - by members, by trainers, by supporters - to make our community a better place. They also raise our profile to ensure we can be even better in the future. They put us in a place where we, for example, are invited to meet Nick Clegg to discuss the future of the city, to support new graduate programmes and to work even closer with our charity partners.

All in all, it is safe to say I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved this year and completed humbled to be your President. You guys are AWESOME!