Greetings,

As we move toward the 2008 Spring Conference in Sioux Falls, there is lots to do and a lot that is on the table for the Conference and other activities in IAWPSD.

SPRING CONFERENCE: If you will check out the Jan./Feb. Newsletter there are four pages of Spring Conference information (Pages 6, 7, 8, & 9) including two changes to the bylaws that will be voted on and discussed at the business meeting. Also you will notice that if you are going to register for the conference, you have until March 1st to book your room at State Rates and early registration ends on March 10th. If you are not going to attend the conference, be sure and vote through your proxy and the deadline to mail your proxy to Marcia Hultman is April 1st and to deliver the proxy is April 4th.

MEMBERSHIP: If you have not gotten your membership paid for the year, this would be a great time to send your dues to Bonnie Zachman, 111 New York Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 or Tom Meyer at 420 Roosevelt Ave. PO Box 4730 Aberdeen, SD 57402-4730. We are ahead of last year for both new members and renewals and with the conference coming in 2009 and Rich running for International Vice President, we hope to have more members than ever and are shooting for 100 percent renewals.

INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS: Again I just want to stress how happy and proud I am that Rich is running for International Vice President. I think Rich will make a great Vice President and bring all of us in South Dakota closer to the International Association and all of the great things that are happening in our organization. Please look in the Jan./Feb. Newsletter and see the rules for voting and be sure you have your member number. If that number has been misplaced, call the administrative office Toll Free at 1-888-898-9960. Duke is thinking of running a short special edition of the newsletter to meet all of the candidates. I hope you will all vote for Rich but at least be sure you vote and make the difference at the International Level.

FUNDRASING FOR 2009 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN RAPID CITY: There are lots of fundraising efforts underway for 2009: 1) a Bake Sale in Rapid City February 1st, 2) a Rummage Sale at the Rapid City Civic Center on February 9th, 3) Rapid City Subchapter Raffle for a night in Deadwood and dinner for two, a great basket of goodies and money, 4) The statewide Shirt Sale which is being headed up by Fred Dieken in Rapid City, and 5) the Raffle for a Star Quilt provided by the Pierre Subchapter. The Shirts and Star Quilt will be available at the conference so stay in touch with the web site and the newsletter for more information.

2009 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: Work continues on developing the committees for the 2009 International Conference with Bonnie Zachman working with Andy as his Director of Organization. Also work is going forward with Lisa Johnson and Penny Kutz as co-chairs of Program and Local Arrangements respectfully. In addition, Marcia and Andy are working hard on plans for promoting the 2009 International Conference in Rapid City at this year’s International Conference in Richmond, VA this summer. Thanks to all of you for your hard work on behalf of IAWPSD. Thanks also go to the Rapid City CVB for agreeing to Richmond to promote the Conference in Rapid City.

As you can see, there is a lot going on, so please stay tuned to the web page and the Newsletter for more information on these and other happenings.

I hope you are having a great 2008 so far and my wishes that each of you have the greatest year ever. Up-with-IAWPSD.

Shannon