It is my pleasure to report that we are having another good year at CLEAR. Following a successful annual conference in September, we have scheduled additional basic and specialized training programs, a board member training, and an executive leadership program. As CLEAR’s programs continue to expand, its Board of Directors prepares to take another look at our operational plan. This review will ensure that the plan continues to serve us well as a guiding document for the next few years.

In preparation for this process, I am inviting the membership to review CLEAR’s 2005-2009 Organizational Plan and send any comments to staff who will share them with the board. Our goal is to finalize any changes to the document during the board’s annual June meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.

Certainly one of the areas of great current interest is CLEAR’s growing international participation, which adds so much to our organization. For years, our core membership was primarily Canadian and US agencies, organizations and individuals. Recent years brought member participation from Australia, England, Ireland, Mexico and New Zealand. One of the goals I plan to pursue this year is holding a CLEAR-sponsored meeting somewhere other than North America. CLEAR welcomed its first Canadian member twenty years ago and, since 1994, has regularly held meetings and training programs in Canada as well as the US. It’s time we took CLEAR to our newest members, rather than expecting them to always visit us. Staff is currently exploring options for placing an offering in the British Isles, perhaps as early as next year.

Another interest I have is developing a small monograph on lobbying modeled after CLEAR’s perennial favorite Questions A Legislator Should Ask. Questions provided a guideline that is still used for determining when it is appropriate to regulate a profession. You are probably aware that ethics reform involving lobbyists was an issue in several states during the past legislative session and promises to engage even more states next year. CLEAR’s contribution to this discussion could be a succinct guide on ethical lobbying. I’d be interested in your comments on this proposed project.

The invitation to participate on CLEAR’s committees and special interest groups remains open. If you would like to sign up for this rewarding service, please let me know. CLEAR’s midyear business meetings are January 4-6, 2007 in Austin, Texas. There’s still time to make arrangements to attend.

Please remember that this is your organization and I am here to try and make it as useful to your needs as is possible. I’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime, all the best for a great holiday season and a wonderful new year. I hope to see you in Austin.