JARS v59n2 - From The President

From The President
Mike Stewart
Sandy, Oregon

It has been an extreme honor for me to have served the last two years as the ARS President. It has been a very busy, enjoyable, and eventful two years.

I must thank the many committee members and officers who have worked to help solve several important issues that have needed attention during this time.

The implementation of the dues increase was an important step to help solve the budget needs of the Society. I thank the membership for understanding this important need and helping solve this problem. Our Endowment Policies were in much need of review and corrections needed to be made. New policies are nearing completion. With current and future digitizing of our publications, much effort was needed to understand copyright policy processes. This work continues through the Editorial Committee and Journal office. Our new (only two years) Digital Archives Committee has accomplished so much. The ARS Website and plant database have come a long way. The Society can be very proud of what the public sees on our website. I started my term as President with Dee Daneri as our Executive Director. Upon her retirement we embarked on the process of hiring our new Executive Director Laura Grant. Dee was exceptional at her job and Laura continues in that fine tradition. I congratulate and thank the Board of Directors for approaching these and many other issues with an open mind and a spirit of friendly and productive debate.

I leave my post with the satisfaction that the Society is on a very firm foundation, and that the new leadership is well equipped to continue in new and exciting directions. My best wishes and every confidence go to our new President Dr. Leonard Miller.