This year was filled with many new projects. On the accompanying list of activities you will note that we have launched a popular new Webinar series, we have published three Resource Briefs and a report on Licensing Agencies and Emergency Preparedness, and we have updated the Board Member Training Online program.

This has been a banner year for training programs for a record number of investigators and inspectors. One critical initiative nearing completion is a revision of the basic National Certified Investigator/Inspector Training (NCIT) program curriculum. The NCIT Senior Instructors have generously provided their time and expertise to make this revision successful and seamless. I would like especially to recognize Mike Ferjak, Jim Guffey, Donna Mooney, George Saxton, and Amigo Wade for extraordinary service to a program they all believe in enough to ensure that it remains the very best training available for regulatory investigators.  They have contributed so much to these very popular programs.

Promoting Regulatory Excellence to all members of the professional and occupational regulatory community is CLEAR’s hallmark. Everything we do is designed to help our members and others do an exemplary job of public protection through the regulatory process. The Board of Directors recently adopted this three-word tagline as an easy way for us to explain CLEAR’s purpose.  Please promote it whenever you talk about CLEAR.

This year’s conference, Expect the Unexpected: Are We Clearly Prepared?, was designed around readiness and accountability, both constant themes in today’s professional world. Thanks are due to the many program committee members who prepared a diverse offering under the direction of Program Co-Chairs Deborah Worrad and Terry Ausman. Host State Co-Chairs Kate Nosbisch and Faye Lemon took the lead on this year’s plenary sessions and social events, which promise to be excellent.

At the conclusion of the conference, a new President and President-Elect as well as two new board members will take office. Please congratulate our new officers:

President:                                Budd Hetrick, Idaho
President Elect:                        André Gariépy, Montreal
Re-Elected to the Board:            Deborah Worrad, Ontario
Elected to new Board Service:     Caroline MacIsaac-Power, Ontario
                                             Rose McCool, Colorado

I would also like to recognize board members Bonnie Rhea Adams of Virginia and David Montgomery of Nebraska who are retiring from service.

I will remain on the board one more year as immediate Past President and Jayne Bunn, Jim Dunsdon, Kristin Hellquist, Ruby Brice McClain and Kate Nosbisch will also continue their board service. Serving on the board is a worthwhile investment in our association, and I would encourage any of you who are interested to submit your name for nomination next year.

As always, please join me in thanking the dedicated staff of CLEAR who consistently work diligently to meet our members’ needs and to make this organization successful.

It has been an honor serving as your President and I know you will make Budd Hetrick’s term just as enjoyable next year.