2004 President's Report

First I'd like to recognize and say thanks to all those who worked with me and supported me as President and in the preceding years. Thank you to the NCACAA Board of Directors, the committee chairs, and the Northeast District.

I have really enjoyed serving as your president. A lot of things have happened this year - which I've had the pleasure, or in some cases, the challenge of dealing with. We've incorporated specialists into our association. (We found out that Richard Lichtenwalner can hit a softball!) And we have dealt with that "thing" called Galaxy. Maybe the controversy is over - for a few minutes, anyway.

Extension is going through lots of changes and we as agents are having to deal with them. This is not the same Extension Service I joined a little over 13 years ago. We have more computer access (that's supposed to save time), but we also have more paperwork to take up more time. Our clients still come to us, but it may be after they've searched the internet. We have ERS and EMAPS and E-valuation and we are asked to assign a dollar value to all we do.

It is often a challenge to get out of the office and get out in the field, but that is where we need to be. We can't do our jobs without getting out there to see what's going on - to visit with our clients. Over and over we hear that what our clients value most is that one on one contact - what Rett Davis talked about, yesterday - building relationships!

Even though Extension has changed over the years, one thing that hasn't changed is the hard work, dedication, and commitment of Extension agents. You folks out there are the greatest group to work with. Thanks for all you are and all you do. Thanks for your support! And if you'll permit me to get a little "touchy-feely" - "I love you all!"

You're the greatest!

Thank you.

Marjorie Rayburn

NCACAA President 2003-2004