Welcome to 2008-2009, and ChABSA’s 22nd year as an organization. As your President, I will work with the board members to make this year: a year of vigor, strength, and interaction. With vigor in mind, here are my presidential aspirations for the year:

1. To provide first rate speakers on topics of general interest to our members.
2. The creation of two new chair positions: 1) A New Member Chair, and 2) A Corporate Sponsorship Chair. These individuals will be appointed by the president. The New Member Chair will develop ideas for obtaining new members, and act as the point of contact for new members. The Corporate Sponsorship Chair will serve as the point person for our corporate members and donors, serve on the Symposium Committee as the person in charge of vendor tables and corporate sponsorships, and work with the Board on general sponsorship ideas.
3. The establishment of the ChABSA Blue Book. Starting in 2007-2008, all ChABSA presidents will be required to compile date for inclusion in the Blue Book. This book will provide an annual snapshot of ChABSA’s strength through the years, and will give future presidents a quick and easy guide to assist them in maintaining ChABSA’s vitality. The Blue Book will be completed annually, and record: the financial strength of the organization, overall membership numbers, corporate membership, meeting attendance numbers, and symposium data.
4. Increase social and professional interaction among members. Throughout the year, I will work with the board to increase member attendance at dinner meetings, and bolster social interaction among our members.
5. Reach out to retired and semi-retired members and ensure that even though they may have retired from a vocation in biosafety, they do not retire from our group.

By all accounts, ChABSA is thriving as an organization. But, financial soundness and solid membership numbers aren’t everything. Please work with me to infuse ChABSA with vigor by attending meetings, and introducing yourself and interacting with members during the upcoming year. By working together, we can achieve both a vigorous and successful year.

Melissa Morland, President