Message from the Chair
There are many perks to serving as MAC Chair: the weekly manicures, limousine rides to and from work, and the stock options, just to name a few. My favorite one is the chance to work closely with the MAC Board, Committee Chairs, and members to make MAC an organization that serves you.
Another favorite perk is the sneak peek I get of the Annual Meeting planning. I can tell you this: it’s going to be another amazing MAC meeting. Morgantown, WV is a wonderful location: our hotel, the Waterfront Place, is a modern, well appointed facility, with, oh yes, free Wi-Fi! Who could ask for more? How about a scenic location, right on the Monongahela River? Or the convenient access to restaurants and shopping? And don’t forget the program: read on for details about the exciting speakers, classes, and other program activities the Annual Meeting and Professional Development teams have lined up.
We’ll once again have our popular contributed paper and poster sessions. Speaking of these events, there’s still time for you to participate: why not be a speaker or poster presenter? The deadline for submitting abstracts for posters and papers is June 16, 2008, and our MAC Posters and Papers Mentor Program (http://www.cbil.vcu.edu/mac/pd/poster_paper_mentor.html) is standing by to help you put a final polish on your submission.
Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars now for MAC 2008: October 20 – 22! I’m looking forward to seeing you in Morgantown!
In addition to the annual meeting planning, the MAC Board and Committees have been working hard on other projects. The Board, Committee Chairs, and Committee members met in April 2008 in Charlottesville and we discussed a number of issues. For full meeting minutes, see the MAC Web site. Here are a few highlights:
Our vendors support MAC in many ways, including exhibiting at our meetings. Some have requested access to meeting registration information (address lists). Should we provide this information (giving attendees the ability to opt out)? Stay tuned for more discussion on this issue.
The Financial Planning Special Committee continues to meet and discuss recommendations on how to best manage our reserves. We’ve had wonderful financial management from past Treasurers and want to know the best way to preserve our financial health!
We’re already looking down the road to 2009! We’ll meet with our colleagues from the north for another joint meeting. The New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia Chapters will host the meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Stay tuned for further details and opportunities to help with the planning efforts.
Thanks to all MAC members who serve our organization in so many ways. Continue to watch MAC Messages and MACMLA-L (our official e-mail list) for more news and announcements. And feel free to contact me at any time with your thoughts about MAC.
Andrea Horne
2007/2008 MAC Chair
horne@virginia.edu