This week the winter conference of the MN MGMA was held in St. Paul. I look forward to this event; time to catch up with colleagues, learn about changes in legislation and technology, and a way to check out new services and products. The most beneficial part for me is the networking. I am so appreciative of the information and support from other medical practice executives. They extend themselves to offer help and information. While attending the conference this week I retold a story to a few new members. The story is true and so exemplifies the support of this organization. Like this year, the previous conference started on a Tuesday. On Monday, the day before the conference started, we had an employee who did not show up for work. It was surprising because this is an employee who is reliable. As a no-call-no-show we give the employee 24-hours to contact us before we start tracking them down. While at the conference on Tuesday I found out the employee had died unexpectedly at home of a heart attack. It was devastating! I had not experienced this situation as a manager so I started talking to all my colleagues, looking for someone with knowledge and advice. Candy Simerson of MN Eye had experienced this and suggested contacting our EAP vendor, who likely could send support and intervention. It was the perfect solution. I am very grateful to my colleagues for their wisdom and information. To have this network each of us have to extend ourselves to others. I recognize that new members and the more introverted participants may need someone to reach out to them. During the conference I made extra efforts to meet new people and reach out to members who I may not know as well. I want to be a resource to them in the way Candy was a resource to me. What a great organization!