With the holiday season behind us, and a New Year well under way, it is time to look forward to what this year will bring and mean to us. I think I speak for us all when I say how nice it was to get Jim Parks’ (Louisiana) email message on the status of his Authority’s "recovery" and that of the Gulf Coast region. I cannot imagine what it must have been like, and still is, to live through and deal with the aftermath of such a catastrophe. It tests a person’s constitution, fortitude and character. I believe that Jim has demonstrated supe rior character and leadership and we continue to wish him and his region well. Though there are sure to be many challenges yet to come, they can hold their heads high with pride.

With the cancellation of the Fall Conference, it is even more important than ever for us to make every effort to attend the Spring Conference. We need to nourish and care for the connections and relationships we have with our colleagues. There are important discussion topics on the agenda by which we will greatly benefit by having the participation of all members. You have all seen those pocket calendars with the inspirational quotes…I was looking through one of those today and there were two quotes that are so timely, I have to share them with you. First, "The time is always right to do what is right." Martin Luther King, Jr. and "The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said." Fred Drucker. Let us come together to share our knowledge, support one another, and respect each other for our similarities and our differences.

I can’t resist this one last quote…Robin Williams said, "Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party!" What better setting than Monterey, California. The Conference Committee has worked hard to build a meaningful agenda. I hope to see all of you there, April 19-21.