We are extremely pleased and honored that you have chosen to be a member of LCI and that you are participating in the organization's Annual Meeting. Your attendance, support and participation is appreciated and valued.

The views, opinions and recommendations generated through the seminars, committee sessions and general conversation at these meetings are instrumental in shaping the focus and direction of the elected and employed leadership of LCI.

It is at this meeting that we identify, define, discuss and debate issues that impact both producers of food animals and the industries that are such an important part of the industry.

It is through this meeting and previous Annual Meetings that we learn. Our experience tells us that through conversations, seminars, committee meetings, etc. that:

• The issues requiring the attention of LCI will continue to increase in number and

severity.

• Potential legislation and regulatory actions that could adversely impact producers

and industries involved in food animal production will also grow in number and

seriousness.

• The need for a broad based, grass roots forum to develop a consensus on animal

health/care issues that cut across the livestock industry and nation will not diminish.

 

• The need to assemble and deliver messages about food animal production that are

consistent, realistic, complimentary and positive will increase dramatically in the

years ahead.

• The importance of the food animal industry providing research based scientific

information to ensure that through leaders in the media, educational institutions,

health organizations and public interest groups have a positive informed opinion

of food animal production deserves attention, discussion and effort.

We encourage your continued support and participation as LCI explores beneficial and productive methods to generate realistic outcomes on these and other matters of importance to the industry.

LCI is prepared for the future. Its staff is small in number, but very knowledgeable, experienced, focused and committed. They keep the vision and goals of LCI alive, real and at the forefront of the thinking of the membership and elected leaders. They focus on capabilities, not inabilities -- capacities, not incapacities.

We are fortunate to have such an experienced, knowledgeable and capable board of directors and committee chairpersons to provide a strong sense of purpose. They are innovative, persistent and committed to the mission and objectives of the organization.

We must continuously analyze honestly our own resources, marking the places where we need help, where we can get that help, and who is the person/persons or group to provide it.

It's obvious we are and will continue to be challenged to generate sufficient revenues to fund current and future programs and services. Membership recruitment and acquisition programs, grant and contract programs and efforts to merchandise educational services are in place to address the challenge.

We are challenged to develop and implement methods to utilize organizational resources efficiently. I encourage the membership, the Board and staff to consider actions that enhance rather than stymie growth.

Thank you for contributing so much to LCI and for helping shape the agenda for animal health and care issues for many years.