The position of RMASFAA President brings many responsibilities but some great perks! I have visited with colleagues in four different states in the last 6 weeks. Although the travel can get tiring, visiting with so many of my colleagues has made it ‘priceless’. If you had the opportunity to attend your state conference (KS, NE, ND or UT), you may remember where the ‘priceless’ fits in. If not, let me enlighten you...

There is a credit card commercial that starts out –

Broccoli – $1.79... Tuna – $3.59... Crescent rolls – $2.39... Getting everyone together for dinner – priceless.

I came up with an alteration that fits our profession –

The XXXXXX (Your State Conference) – $XX
The RMASFAA Conference – $145
The NASFAA Conference – $450

Association Volunteers – priceless [and that they are…]

As I have traveled to each of your states, I have been greeted with such warmth and hospitality. Our profession is like none other. I have heard from colleagues in other departments on various campuses and they are always amazed at how close we are to our colleagues. I think they might be a little jealous of what fun we have when we get together! I want to express my heartfelt thank you to each of you that have extended such kindness. I look forward to my visit to Wyoming later in May and Colorado in the fall.

The NASFAA Board of Directors will meet May 22 - 24, 2005. Anytime you have any concerns that Mary, Sally or I can bring to the Board, please do not hesitate to contact one of us. We serve on your behalf.

I encourage you to take advantage of the many training opportunities that RMASFAA provides. The 2005 RMASFAA Summer Institute is coming up fast. We have colleagues that attend from all over the country this premier training that is in YOUR region. Come join us June 12 - 17, 2005!!!

Speaking of training, the 37th Annual RMASFAA Conference will be here before you know it. I have been privileged to sit in on a couple of the Conference Committee’s conference calls and I can tell you first hand that this conference will be worth your time and expense to attend. The committee is working hard on putting together a good balance of training sessions. Please plan to attend October 9 - 12, 2005 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. What a beautiful place to learn more about our wonderful profession!

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your President. It is a great honor and pleasure. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of service to you!