Comments from the Chair

October '08 

All Ya'll,

Been behind the power curve in getting a note off to Michele with an update on ISAP events and the upcoming ISAP-IX now scheduled for March 26, 27, 28 in Seattle (actually Everett), Washington. Just back from the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM, myself, and had a wonderful time. Burned lots of electrons, as did fellow ISAP members Larry Grace and John Sepp - who also attended.

As most of you are aware, we've started a monthly electronic newsletter. Called ISnAP, the mission objective is to keep in touch with you and communicate more directly about upcoming events, people, places, and things.
 
This is not to detract at any level from this web site - which retains its central place of importance as a "meeting place" for ISAP members - but it is indicative of your board's desire to be more pro-active in the communication department. Please feel absolutely free to use this web site as well as ISnAP to stay in touch not only with ISAP but also with your fellow photographers.

We are constantly on the look-out for stories to use in both communication tools. Please write either Michele or me with your ideas, suggestions, or photographs. We need 'em.

ISAP-IX is going together slowly but surely. We should have an itinerary together by the middle of December and will be in contact with everyone when everything is chipped in stone. Good news is that the hotel we've committed to, the Holiday Inn Downtown Everett (attn. Kelly Morse; phone 866 700-1188 or direct international 425 339-2000) has offered us a super rate of $99 per room. Feel free to make reservations at your earliest possible convenience. Rooms, as we tell you every year, will be going in a hurry - so don't be left out in the cold.

Hope '08, even in consideration of the economic situation and all the other depressing news, has been a good one for you. Let's keep our fingers crossed that '09 - under the steerage of a new president and a revamped Congress - is a vast improvement over what we've experienced over the past eight years.

Chin up.
Jay