From the Cockpit: Welcome back!

As hard as it may be to believe, the summer has come to an end. And if you think your administrative council sipped margaritas and only partied all summer... think again! We worked hard all summer to bring you some amazing value this year. Well... what can I say? Beer and margaritas were also part of the fun!

In addition to planning the 2006-2007 program year, we also held a Meet-n-Greet session, a happy hour, and a few networking lunches. We definitely didn't just sip on margaritas! We had plenty of networking opportunities this summer, and I have enjoyed meeting lots of new faces!

What's in store?

Through a complete volunteer effort, we're bringing you speakers, conference sessions, meetings, and benefits that will make you value your active membership. Here's what you can expect this year:

• Job bank. Our job bank is hopping! Check it out! You can find leads to great positions in the DFW area at http://www.stc-dfw.org/cgi-bin/jbank/Browse.
• Salary Survey. The Membership Committee will ask you to participate in a Salary Survey in early 2007. More information coming soon!
• Online membership directory. You can access the membership directory online at http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/2006_LSC_Directory.pdf. We sent you the password in your welcome packet.
• SIN SIG meetings. SIN (Shy, Inactive, and New) SIG was a success last year, and we're back! Join our series of meetings offered during the networking time at our monthly meetings to learn more about how the community and Society can work for you. This is open to everyone. Visit http://www.stc-dfw.org/pages/sigs_nc.htm for more info.
• Competitions. You can get valuable feedback and awards for your hard work. This is a great way to prove your value to your employer. Visit http://www.stc-dfw.org/pages/comp_main.htm to submit your work or sign up to be a judge.
• Region 5 Conference. We're proud to present the 2006 Region 5 Conference, The 50 Facets of Technical Communication, which is being held in Addison, TX, on Friday, November 3 through Saturday, November 4. Conference attendees can join the community at its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 2.Want to volunteer? Visit http://region5conf.com for more information. Ready to register? Go to http://region5conf.com/Registration.htm.
• Opportunities to celebrate our heritage. The LSC is turning 50 this year! We're going to celebrate all year!
• Opportunities to develop your career. You can develop new skills, expand your network, and add to your portfolio through numerous volunteer opportunities.

Check out http://www.stc-dfw.org for updated information about programs, monthly meetings, competitions, and more. Visit often for the latest news.

Who's behind the scenes?

Next time you see an admin council member, please say "thank you." It takes a lot of work and dedication to create an eventful and meaningful program year. I'm really excited about all the goals we've set out to accomplish this year. The LSC could not have better people behind the scenes!

In particular, I wanted to thank my voting council:

• First Vice President Susie Lynn Fox, who has an incredible program year lined up. Our monthly program meetings start on September 14 with Robert Crump's presentation titled ROI and Measures of Value Added for Technical Communicators. Visit http://www.stc-dfw.org/pages/meet_monthly.htm to register and to find more details.
• Secretary Kristy Nolan, who has our records well under control.
• Treasurer Chris LaPorte, who has our community finances balanced to the penny.
• Parliamentarian Mike Hiatt, who has our community bylaws under careful review and our council meetings in order.
• Immediate Past President Louellen S. Coker, who is working with other community members to develop a new award: The Binion Amerson Leadership Award (BALA). Visit http://www.stc-dfw.org/pages/awards_main.htm for more information.

We hope you enjoy the ride and learn a great deal along the way. Please contact me at prez@stc-dfw.org with any questions. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year.