The last twelve months have been a time of growth and renewal for CLEAR and it has been a privilege to lead this extraordinary organization during this important year. The accompanying list of activities gives a flavor of the range of work being undertaken by CLEAR, and I thank all those involved with these initiatives, as the CLEAR community truly engages in Promoting Regulatory Excellence. To those not yet involved with CLEAR’s committees, I encourage you to consider becoming so. The next twelve months will offer many opportunities to learn from, and share with, one another as we continue to promote public protection through our work.

I am pleased to note continued growth in CLEAR’s membership, across a variety professions, occupations, and jurisdictions. It is vital that all of us who recognize the value of this organization continue to spread the word about the opportunities it has offered us for professional development, networking, and learning and so ensure CLEAR’s further growth again in the years ahead.

CLEAR’s training programs continue to be in great demand, whether the NCIT or Board Member Training Programs or the newest addition to our offerings, the Executive Leadership Program for Regulators. Introduced for the first time in 2003, the Executive Leadership Program was offered “on the road” for the first and second times, in Denver, Colorado and Toronto this year and is available again at this year’s annual conference. I would like to recognize all those had the foresight to propose and develop this program, as well as those who deliver its valuable content so effectively.

As we gather for our 27^th annual conference, I look forward to our time in Atlanta, both for the invigorating conference sessions and the opportunity to exchange information with valued colleagues from across professions and jurisdictions. I am grateful to CLEAR’s Program Committee members who have prepared such a diverse and stimulating program under the direction of Faye Lemon and Kate Nosbisch.

At the end of this year’s conference, a new President and President-Elect will lead the 2007-2008 board into office. Its composition will be announced during the Friday Awards Luncheon at CLEAR’s conference, and I would like to thank all of the candidates for office for their willingness to invest their time and energies so directly in our association. My appreciation also is extended to Linda Waters, Kristin Hellquist, and Ruby Brice, all of whom are retiring from board service.

I will remain on the board one more year as immediate Past President and look forward to working again with Kate Nosbisch, who becomes CLEAR President following the Atlanta conference.

Please join me in thanking the staff of CLEAR which works with such commitment to meet member needs and to make this organization successful. This will, of course, be the first conference without Pam Brinegar as Executive Director, following her retirement from that position after 16 years. Her legacy is an organization strong, vital, and poised for continued success under Executive Director Adam Parfitt and his new team.