President's Farewell Message

Hello, VALL members! 

I am looking forward to seeing you at the Spring Meeting at the UVA School of Law in a few days. But before then, I just want to take this time to say a few words about what is coming up for VALL this year:

VALL Strategic Plan

The executive board has officially approved the VALL Strategic Plan. A copy of the five-year plan is now available at our wiki’s “About VALL” page (http://vall.pbworks.com/w/page/7198013/About%20VALL). And also under the About VALL tab on VALLTalk. Big thanks to the Strategic Planning Committee for all of its hard work in putting the plan together!

VALL at AALL 2015

For those of you going to AALL in Philadelphia in July, be on the lookout for information on our annual VALL lunch at the AALL annual meeting. It’s always a good time during the national conference to get together with fellow VALL members for a bite and break some bread.

Joint VALL-VLA Fall Meeting

The joint VALL-VLA Fall Meeting is scheduled to take place October 21-23 at the Richmond Marriott. There is still time to send the Program Committee a proposal. Go to https://vla.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=form_185506 to submit your proposal. The deadline for submissions is April 15.

As more information about the Fall Meeting becomes available (programs, registration, fees, etc.) we will be sure to let you know.

Farewell

Since my term as president is shortly coming to an end, this will be my “farewell” message. I can’t believe how quickly the past two years have flown by! I remember getting the call from Evelyn Campbell (Chair of the Nominating Committee at the time) like it was yesterday, asking if I wanted to serve VALL as vice president/president elect. It has truly been a great ride these past couple of years.

To my colleagues in the executive board - Stephanie, Chris, Linda, Patty, Andrew, Amy and Evelyn: Thank you for your support and hard work in helping make VALL run so smoothly and efficiently. To all our committee chairs and members: thank you for your willingness to serve above and beyond the call of duty. All of you helped make my job that much easier!

Finally, to VALL members: thank you for your membership and participation in the association. VALL does not thrive without all of your dedication and volunteerism. Without you, our association would not be as strong and healthy as it currently is.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you as president during the past year. It has truly been a pleasure. Moving forward, I have the utmost faith in Stephanie Miller and Patty Petroccione as they take over as president and vice president/president elect, respectively. With their leadership, I know VALL will continue to be an active and successful association.

Here is to an even bigger 2015-2016 year for VALL!

Best regards,

Ben Almoite