The Northwest Clerks Institute has received a face-lift this year, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. My colleagues were an assembly of Clerks (with a couple of Treasurers to make things interesting) from Alaska, Oregon, and our own beautiful state of Washington. We spent a week in a variety of fascinating sessions that ranged from managing multiple priorities to building your own web site. The sessions helped us recognize the strengths in our organization, and ourselves, as well as the areas that have room for improvement.  So many incredible things happened throughout the week, that it is difficult to highlight just a few. I think one of the most important things was the sense of camaraderie you leave with. Clerks from the Northwest, regardless of the size of their organization, are challenged with many of the same issues my city is dealing with. It is reassuring to know that I am only an email away from friends who can offer invaluable advice or a solution to a pesky problem. I know I have made friendships here that will last a lifetime. I am already looking forward to next year’s class. Sharing stories and laughs with old friends, reliving the communal lifestyle of campus life, and gaining the skills that will assist me in my professional and personal life. This has been an invaluable experience that I will cherish.