William J. Smith,
SIVB President
Fellow SIVB Members,
We should all be in the final stages of planning for the 2011 SIVB Meeting in Raleigh in June. The Program Committee has done an excellent job preparing a Program that will have plenty for everyone. Numerous other committees have been working equally hard to provide a full spectrum of activities for all the attendees. While the scientific sessions and sidebar conversations are the reasons we come together each year, SIVB has always maintained critical investments in educational and student-based initiatives. These initiatives help us expand our influence throughout the scientific community and help secure future growth of the Society. As you are planning your meeting schedule please look for those activities directed toward students and education. I know it is a packed schedule but these will be worth your time.
Many of our colleagues are experiencing travel restrictions. I wish the Society could easily convey the content and energy of the meeting to those that cannot attend. I hope that each of us, who are fortunate enough to be in Raleigh for the meeting, will carry the products of the meeting back to those who were less fortunate this year. Hopefully, we can share some benefits of being at SIVB with them and encourage them to look forward to future meetings.
Lastly, economic, political and environmental events have seriously impacted many of our colleagues and friends over the past year. We must keep them in our thoughts and our prayers. Let us maintain a vigilance toward things that may be beneficial to them in helping to rebuild programs, facilities or careers. If SIVB can serve as a nexus for activities of this nature please contact me, the officers or the SIVB office staff. Members are why this society exists. Let us work together for the growth and development of all our members.
See you in Raleigh!
SIVB Member and President
Bill Smith
