As we start our journey into 2010, I hope that everyone escaped the budgeting process with enough funding and resources to make this year successful on all technology fronts when elected officials are continually telling us to “Do More with Less”. I believe that meeting that expectation is where membership in GIPAW can play a significant role as it provides:

·         Opportunity to network, with fellow government IT Professionals confronted with similar challenges, at the annual conference in May and fall meeting in September.

·         Exposure to the wealth of expertise and experiences, members within the organization possess.

·         The availability of information resources such as GIPAW’s ListServ, Website and surveys at your finger tips.

Also keep in mind that an annual membership is entity based, allowing multiple staff members access to the aforementioned benefits.

Regarding membership, the Board will be undertaking a major membership drive effort this year. Because of this the membership renewal date has been delayed until June 1st as a membership marketing piece, in addition to the usual membership form, will be included in the annual conference packet.

I would like to welcome our new Board members, Christi Haun from Chippewa County, Mickey Crittenden from Rock County and Tom Miller from Washburn County, in addition to extending my thanks to departing Board members Lynn Grube from Oneida County, Mark Beveridge from the City of Fond Du Lac and Patty Francour from Winnebago County, for their service on the board.

The 2010 GIPAW officers are:

·   Joseph Wenninger              Chairperson

·   Ruth Otto                            Vice-Chairperson

·   Janet Huppert                     Secretary

·   Richard Powell                   Treasurer

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who attended the 2009 GIPAW annual conference held at the Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. Attendance was fantastic, as were the conference sessions especially the message delivered by Dr. Bobby Smith Thursday morning. Mark Beveridge and Dave Hayden did their usual excellent job with the facility arrangements and vendor show. Please take time to thank them for their extra efforts. The 2010 annual conference will be held May 19th – 21st at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. Look for your 2010 conference packet to arrive on your desk the first week of April.

The fall meeting is scheduled for September 15th and 16th. Currently the Board is looking into several different venues for the meeting, so look for updated information to also be included in the conference mailing.

Please send this introductory letter to other government IT personnel who you think might benefit from our organization. Follow up with a phone call and invite them to join us at our annual conference and fall meeting. By increasing the size of our membership I am confident we can only enhance the overall experience with GIPAW for everyone.

If you have any questions, please call or e-mail any member on the board.