My exciting year as your Chairman will shortly be coming to a close. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the IAPHC for their input and advice throughout this year. We would not have had the successful year we did, without it. I would also like to personally thank Past International Chairmen Tom Blanchard and Ray Rafalowski for their invaluable input. Thank you also to our headquarters staff. Kevin, Lesley, Mike and Kathy always do an outstanding job and have made my job as chairman easier.

 During this past year I’ve had the opportunity to travel over 20,000 miles while visiting fellow craftsmen in many clubs and districts throughout North America. For that, I am the richer. It was the experience of a lifetime. The only disappointment I have, is not visiting more clubs and districts. The one common thread I’ve noticed throughout the IAPHC is that we are all family. We are concerned about the welfare and success of each other and this is what distinguishes us from other international organizations. We truly care not only about our industry and our association, but also about each other.

 When I used the theme, "Lighting the Path to the Future", in my inauguration speech last August, at the Albuquerque Convention, I had no idea  at the time what a success the Visioning Process would be.  With the visioning team in place and working, we have addressed the continuation process of the IAPHC's ability to exist and flourish in the future. I can’t begin to say how proud I am of those members who have participated on the visioning team. Their dedication and foresight is beyond belief. The visioning process will be ongoing and will take time to complete, but I feel that we are well on our way to Lighting the Path to OUR Future.

 Thank you one and all, for making my year as Chairman of the IAPHC such a memorable one.  I wish the new Governors, Chairs and Executive Officers, who make up the International Board of Governors, all the best for continued success in the future.  Congratulations to all Club Presidents, Bulletin Editors and board members on their continued dedication.  You ARE the International. Together, we ARE the IAPHC.