[David Earls]

Greetings all,

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly a year since we all met in Vermont - and will be meeting again in Chicago in just a few weeks. I know you all join me in thanking Natalie Barraclough for her hard work in getting this meeting organized.

I'm working on the agenda for the meeting. We will be doing the normal things - Minutes, President's Report, Treasurer's Report, Investment Report. We have at least one by-law alteration to discuss and consider, and we have an exciting new program to announce.

My question to all of you is simple: is there an item you would like to see us add to the agenda? While new items can be brought up in the New Business section of the meeting, if there are items which would require preparation to address, it's better to know about them in advance.

We'll also be selecting a location for the 2016 meeting, so if any of you have a place you'd like to meet, be prepared to discuss it with the group in the meeting.

One last thing. Chicago is a more formal location than Vermont, so I'm asking each of you to come to the meeting dressed business casual. That means no t-shirts, shorts, blue jeans, sundresses, tank tops, flip-flops, etc. Nobody has to wear a tie or high heels, we just want the meeting to be held in a business-like manner. So, dress shirt, long pants, shoes, socks, office-appropriate blouses or dresses and slacks or skirts. Dressing business casual helps to set the proper tone.

I'd appreciate a reply from each of you indicating whether you'll be there - I know some just can't make it - 

I look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago.

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David Earls