On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of you for making the first half of 2011 one of the most successful periods in NAFA history. I am humbled by the honor of taking the reins of this Association during such a tumultuous but exciting time. No other industry association compares for the benefits its members receive from affiliation, particularly for networking and education, and we at NAFA continue to work diligently to expand the rewards our members receive. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to outgoing President Mary Schwartz for her tireless efforts on behalf of NAFA. Mary, as well as the other past presidents, particularly Keith Graham and Michael Amalfitano, have contributed endless hours of time and energy to making NAFA what it is today. I am grateful for their friendship and advice and I hope that I can contribute to their great legacy. This May, we feted NAFA's 40th anniversary with an incredible celebration in Florida. A record-breaking 263 attendees representing 130 companies participated in the conference, and over two dozen industry leaders shared their expertise with the NAFA audience. It was a remarkable week of education, networking and entertainment in the Florida sunshine. I would like to extend a special thanks to all of the distinguished speakers for their time and energy, and to our eighteen sponsor companies who make events like these possible. I am thrilled to announce that next April, our 41st Annual Conference & ASA Seminar will be held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in historic Savannah, Georgia. Complete conference information, sponsorship opportunities and registration will be available this fall. As NAFA continues to grow and expand its role as the industry's premier member association, we must be cognizant of the many challenges that are facing the industry today. We can not lose sight of the fact that each of our business' depend on a thriving and healthy economy and that each new "user fee", overreaching regulation or even verbal barrages from politicians can have dire consequences. That's why I feel that it is extraordinarily important to continue to strengthen our ties with the other aviation "alphabet" organizations. The importance of standing united can not be overemphasized. We will also be working to continue to grow NAFA's membership. We are unveiling new "NAFA Networking" events for 2011 and 2012, increasing our industry involvement and advocacy on behalf of our members, and increasing member involvement within the Association. This year's NAFA Networking events include member receptions at NBAA, AOPA, and in 2012, our first ever international reception at EBACE - all in addition to our annual conference. To our members, I would like to say particular thanks for your unwavering support NAFA throughout the past few years. If there are issues that you wish to discuss or concerns you may have, please feel free to contact me. My direct line is (508) 363-1727. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I look forward to everyone's active involvement in the Association and hope to see you all at our numerous NAFA Networking events over the coming year. Sincerely, Robert Howe
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