This message marks the end of my nine-month term as LAMA President and more importantly the end time for me to work on the goals that I had set for the organization. By the time this message is posted on the LAMA Website the 2008 LAMA/ATA Annual Meeting “Planning Today for a Greener Tomorrow: Getting It Right, Now” will be underway in Portland.

Many questioned the selection of Portland as the location for our annual meeting. Hopefully, the over 175 meeting attendees have grown to appreciate the beauty and greenness of Portland, as I did over 20 years ago as a new graduate student. In addition, to the city’s beauty, several other factors were considered for its location. These factors included the support from Oregon Branch Members, a large number of research institutions in and near the city, a modern zoo, lots of microbreweries, natural parks including an expansive rose garden, Powell’s City of Books Store and of course, the famous Moonstruck Chocolates®. On the practical side, the hotel rates and restaurant costs are much lower in Portland vs. other major West Coast Cities that were considered. In all fairness to present the cons regarding selecting Portland as the meeting location, air travel into Portland is not ideal compared to other major west coast cities and we have had significant concerns regarding recent animal rights activities that have targeted Portland Researchers. Hopefully, all of those that had questioned Portland’s selection as the meeting location have had their questions resolved to their satisfaction.

Over the next several months, LAMA will be asking members for the first time for their input on the development of the new five-year strategic plan. I encourage all of you to take a proactive role regardless of your current and future plans to be part of the LAMA Leadership. Providing critical and practical feedback is needed in order for the organization to make the necessary changes in membership services to best serve your professional development needs.

Best wishes on your career goals. I hope that LAMA has assisted you with your professional development and finding colleagues to share your life/work experiences with.

Enjoy the spring weather!

Kim
Kimberly.Edgar@Dartmouth.edu