Greetings to all:

It is so hard to believe that another year has passed! It truly seems like yesterday that I first took over as Vice President, and now I stand before you as the new President. I want to welcome my new officers and board members. It is with a certain amount of fear and trepidation that I assume this office, and with their able assistance, 2007-08 will be grand!

As I consider all of the possibilities and things we can and need to accomplish, I have to “reign myself in” a bit, and take things one step at a time. I want to continue to grow the membership. With this in mind, I encourage each of you to “talk up” our organization to others you work with everyday. Encourage company underwriters to attend. That being said, I want to see more of you at meetings. Your attendance and participation make this your organization. Become involved!! Help on a committee!! Suggest topics that you would like to see addressed at meetings--this will assist with the planning.

A very important topic is our Literacy Program. School will be here very soon, and on opening day, these little tykes need new supplies. Many parents struggle with these purchases each year. When you are in Target, Wal-Mart, etc., please purchase a box of crayons or markers; a “bouquet of pencils”; a pack of paper; or a box of Kleenex. We will start collecting these items at our July meeting. The August meeting was suspended, but we will resume again in September, and will happily accept your donations.

I will close for this month. Kate Graeter is your new Vice President and she will be planning and hosting the meetings. I feel certain that you will give her the same enthusiastic support that was given to me.

Yours in fellowship,

Barbi

Barbi Charles, AAI
President