Welcome to the 2009-2010 ISES Dallas year. I can’t believe we are already one month into the new year. This past month has been very busy for the new board. Six days after being sworn-in your Board of Directors gathered at Garrett Creek Ranch for our Annual Board Retreat. At the retreat we went over our overall goals for the chapter, each committee’s goals, set our working budget and came up with many ideas to help our chapter maintain its growth and stability during these economic times. We were home for a week and then it was off to San Francisco to attend ISES EventWorld^®.

Several of our board members attended the ISES Leadership meetings where they shared with and garnered new ideas from other chapter leaders around the world. More of our members joined us for the remainder of the week. Since returning, several committees have already met, or are meeting soon where some of the new ideas will be discussed and implemented.

As I stated in my acceptance speech, I would like to continue our “Grow ISES thru ISES” program. We all know how great ISES and ISES Dallas in particular is, as most of you reading this are members. For those who are not yet a member, but are thinking about it, think no longer. Join and you too will reap the benefits of great educational and networking opportunities while working with professionals who follow a high code of ethics. Who knows, you may meet the client/vendor/planner of your dreams -- a great many TEAMS have been formed through ISES. Last year we had tremendous involvement from our membership (93%). This involvement was everything from sponsorship or joining a committee to attendance at a meeting. I hope we can continue this trend.

I am looking forward to serving as your President and working not only with the board, but with each of you as well. If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the ISES Dallas Chapter or ISES International in general, they are always welcome.

Now let’s have a WONDERFUL year!!!!

Raye-Dawn Acheson CSEP

2009-2010 ISES Dallas President