From the Editor

by Beverly Waldron

Well it's the start of another year and I have some good news and some bad news for you.

Good news - We have a wonderful group of associate editors and regular contributors which pretty much guarantees us an excellent foundation for each issue of the ACN. Mike Aamodt (technical & occasional humor), Jeff Feuquay (legal), and Ilene Gast (practice exchange) are continuing their excellent work. Likewise, Chuck Schultz (statistics) and Clyde Lindley's (Clyde's Corner) will continue to appear in each issue for our reading pleasure. Déonda Scott has joined the group (replacing Mike Willihnganz) to provide you with information on the happenings of local associations and organizations and the calendar of events. I hope you appreciate as much as I do, the hard work and effort these individuals put forth for each issue. Remember they need your help - ideas, questions, and suggestions are not jut welcome, they are essential.

Bad news - Along with this fine group of individuals, you get me back as editor for another year. That's right - another year of polite requests, nagging, whining, and yes, even coercion and threats for articles and submissions.

Good news - Based on the number of hits the IPMAAC home page is getting it looks like lots of you got computers and modems for Christmas. Welcome to the net! The average number of hits on the home page has recently risen from an average of 443 to 641 per day. In addition, the IPMAAC discussion list now has a membership of 156 including 11 from other countries (Australia-1, Belgium-2, Canada-5, Iceland-1, Netherlands-1, and the United Kingdom-1).

Bad news - There are still a large number of individuals who are not taking advantage of the information and assistance which can be provided by the net and e-mail. These are tools which can be of assistance to you and we hope you take advantage of them soon.

Bad news - This issue of the ACN doesn't have a report from the program committee on this summer's conference. Mike and David are way too busy trying to get the program finalized and ready to go.

Good news - It looks like we are going to have a great conference program (Paul provides a brief peek in his President's message). Mike has promised a report for the next issue of the ACN and says to be watching your mail-box for the conference brochure - it should arrive sometime in March. Mabel and the Host Committee are lining up a full slate of social activities for the conference. Be sure to read her article in this issue of the ACN for more details.

Good news - IPMAAC is trying to provide the information and services you want and need. In order to do this we need to know what you want. To obtain this information we are sending a memberships survey out with the ACN. Please take a few minutes to complete and return it. To make things simple, you can even complete the survey on-line at IPMAAC's home page (http://www.ipmaac.org/).

Bad news - (or sad news) the realities are that a lot of you won't take the time to complete and return the survey. Some of you may even complete the survey but never get around to sending it in. Folks, this is a volunteer organization -- your organization! It must have your support and effort to continue. So take a few minutes to complete and return the survey. Yes, I know you are busy, but you aren't so busy that the few minutes required to answer the survey are going to wreck your whole day. We want and need the information that only you can provide. To quote an old Jim Johnson article (and Nike) just do it!

Bad news - Most of the country seems to be having bad weather (cold, rain, snow, etc.). Sorry!

Good news - Central Florida is having unseasonably warm weather (sunny skies, temperature in the mid to upper 70's - even the low 80's) Sorry!

As always, we look forward to hearing from you in the near (very near) future!