As preparations continue for CLEAR’s 2007 annual conference in Atlanta, I can’t help but reflect on what has already been an eventful year for this organization. CLEAR’s Board of Directors just recently returned from an excellent strategic planning session in Lexington, Kentucky. That meeting focused on continuing the growth in membership and services that has served this organization and the regulatory community so well these past 27 years. We also marked the retirement of Pam Brinegar, who served as CLEAR’s Executive Director for 16 of her 22 years with the organization. Pam’s contribution to CLEAR has been extraordinary and I certainly recognize that the strength and stability we enjoy today is a big part of the legacy she leaves us. As a token of the esteem in which she is held, Pam was awarded the title CLEAR Executive Director Emeritus and was presented with an engraved vase to mark this honor. Also attending the meeting was CLEAR’s new Executive Director, Adam Parfitt, whose enthusiasm and exciting ideas for the future were very much in evidence. I enjoy working with Adam in this new role and know CLEAR can look forward to a bright new era. 

This month sees CLEAR offering a tailored Executive Leadership Program for Regulators in Toronto, the Board Member Training Program in Washington, D.C., and two NCIT Basic Programs for investigators and inspectors in Fort Myers, Florida. Where once there were quiet months, today CLEAR provides programming options throughout the year and demand continues to increase for these valued offerings. Each program will also be provided during CLEAR’s annual conference in Atlanta, so if you are not familiar with the programs, I invite you to attend and see what you have been missing. But hurry…. there are registration limits to the programs and they routinely fill up!

Promoting Regulatory Excellence is both CLEAR’s conference theme and a principle that runs throughout the organization. Evidently this has struck a chord with you, as we are seeing strong demand for the conference, and the room block at the Westin Peachtree Plaza is quickly filling up. I am pleased to announce that Alan Deutschman, one of America’s leading authorities on change and innovation, will challenge conference attendees in Atlanta. Alan, whose most recent publication is Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life, will speak at the opening session and focus our minds on the importance of receiving openly the wealth of information on offer. CLEAR’s conference is one of the regulatory highlights of the year and I look forward to seeing you there. 

Before signing off, I wanted to draw your attention to two new products:

I hope you find both offerings useful, and your input is always welcome on these and any of CLEAR’s resources. Feel free to contact CLEAR via e-mail or telephone at (859) 269-1289.

Finally, I do want to pay tribute to a constant source of strength for this organization: its volunteer committees and board members. CLEAR is fortunate to have such talent and dedication to draw upon year after year, and volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization. Each year CLEAR asks for your commitment to committee and board service and this year is no different. When you receive your conference registration confirmation, and when you attend the Atlanta meeting, you will be provided a committee participation form.  I encourage your participation in this extraordinary organization. I have relished the networking and learning opportunities that committee work provides, as well as the opportunity to serve. Similarly, I ask you to consider service on CLEAR’s Board of Directors, as well as the position of 2007-8 President-Elect, nominations for both of which close on Friday, June 29. 

I hope to see you in Atlanta and to hear from you in the meantime.