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President's Remarks | Journal
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2004 SIVB Student Awards | Meeting Updates
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Points to Ponder | News from the IAPTC&B
| Statement of Ownership
Our society faces a number of challenges in the years ahead, but
in the first months of service as your President, I'm convinced
even more about the vital role the SIVB plays in making a difference
for our profession. If you've ever wandered around a large, impersonal
meeting of other scientific organizations, then you understand the
value of our meeting environment where:
- We welcome students with free meeting registration and a trial,
first-year membership because education is cherished and SIVB
is committed to disseminate information and traditions to the
next generation of leaders;
- We foster personal contacts and the chance to exchange ideas
and innovations without being lost in a crowd, including contacts
for research collaborations, jobs, funding opportunities, investments
and other business relationships, or simply increased knowledge
of the science;
- We encourage volunteer service so that any person desiring to
contribute can participate to strengthen meetings, professional
publications, public policy efforts, and other critical scientific
roles; and
- We still can find time to socialize and have fun, whether it's
shaking a leg on the dance floor at the banquet, joining in the
musical jam session at an evening social event at the annual meeting,
or just enjoying a lively conversation along with a favorite beverage.
However, all of what we manage to piece together requires resources
beyond the sweat equity of volunteers. In keeping the new Board's
pledge to the membership to conserve resources, the first budget
approved under my watch has a projected bottom line in the black,
as will always be the case with my stewardship. The Board will attempt
to maintain and even to improve services while belt tightening,
but each of you can help in our joint effort to stay in the pink
financially.
On behalf of the Board and Officers I'm requesting help specifically
on one or more of the following:
- Please donate items to the silent auction fundraising project
for the annual meeting if possible.
- Kindly renew membership as early as possible and bring another
colleague into the SIVB.
- Please consider just sending in a donation beyond dues and
fees, either through Fund for the Future or just with an unrestricted
gift, because such funds are what allows SIVB to make bolder initiatives
such as providing free attendance for students to the annual meeting.
- The Development Committee has a number of exciting projects,
including a new NSF grant to assist the student initiative, and
they would greatly appreciate extra help (Contact Dave Songstad
at david.d.songstad@monsanto.com
to find out how to be involved.).
- Send me any ideas or suggestions that you might have about
ways to improve the finances (president@sivb.org).
I want to thank each of you who have contributed in the past, both
with service and funds, and your consideration of further giving
is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
David Altman
President, SIVB
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