Greetings to all,

Well it has been about two months since our annual meeting and I'm still getting caught up with my regular business and routine.  But I wanted to take the time to express my thanks to all those who made the annual meeting a success.  I found it very educational and not only fun but fulfilling to be with others that share the same professional path.

This year's meeting was very challenging for the organizers.  The Events Committee worked hard to find a fully accessible venue and host hotel.  I think they were very successful. 

The Education Committee had a "dry run" at offering the required continuing education credits we need to maintain our RAS license.  Everyone attending the annual meeting had the opportunity to receive the total 8 hours of required continuing education credits.  However, as we learned from TDLR, the continuing education requirement was postponed until March of 2009.  This year we will know how to better provide the continuing education credits to meet the needs of our members.  And for those needing continuing education credits for other licenses, such as Architects or Engineers, you already have 8 hours of continuing education.

2007 was a year that included many changes for RAS's in the form of the new Administrative Rules and RAS Procedures.  Not only was continuing education added, but the implementation of new forms and business procedures was a challenge.  But by the annual meeting, TRASA Members had settled down and were ready to move forward in 2008.

Committees have already been sharing ideas on the Regional Meetings coming up this summer.  Members have been enthusiastically using the Trasaonline Forums to discuss technical and administrative questions.  We have also been asked to participate in the TDLR Strategic Planning Process by attending a town hall meeting and submitting a response to specific questions posed by TDLR.  I am already inspired by the member participation and enthusiasm.

As President, this year, my goal is to have the Committees work to "streamline the process" in order to execute the activities and programs of TRASA in a more efficient and timely manner. 

Committees should:

1)  Build on past experiences to establish a basic outline or "to do list" including planning schedules, contacts, budgets, and other notes to follow when organizing the repetitious and/or required events;

2)  Set advance timelines using a predetermined calendar of events;

3)  Set a few specific goals to obtain in 2008;

4)  Break down goal tasks into smaller jobs to encourage more members to participate with a little less time required from each individual.

We are already off to a good start.  So keep up your interest and enthusiasm.  Have a great year in 2008.

Teresa L. Darr, President