Welcome to almost Spring!  I think many of us across the country thought spring was here as I heard weather reports  last week from members serving on committees of 60 – 80s temperatures!  Sunday, we had rain that quickly turned to snow. I  saw some of the biggest, fattest snowflakes of my life!  They looked like huge cotton balls floating around!  So, hopefully this last blast of winter will end soon and we can stop dreaming about all the wonderful spring activities we like to do and start doing them! 

Spring also brings about NCHN’s new fiscal year. This is the last official eNews edition of 2013!  NCHN’s new year starts May 1^st.  This year we start off with our Annual Educational Conference in June, instead of ending the year with the conference.  This will be an exciting beginning to 2014!  I hope you are planning to be with us in St. Louis for the 2014 NCHN Annual Educational Conference, “Your Gateway to Innovation, Leadership, and Collaboration!”  Please take a few minutes today to register and make your room reservations. 

Also with the beginning of a new fiscal year, we  have some annual tasks to take care of, such as 2014 Dues Assessments; the bi-annual Network Leader Salary and Benefit Survey; and election of Directors.  You should have already received your notice for dues assessment and the Salary Survey.  I encourage you to complete both this week and check that off your list!   If you have not received, please let Christy know.

Directors are usually elected  at the Annual Membership Meeting in April.  But, as the Annual Membership Meeting will be in June this year, we will be holding the elections electronically.  Watch your email boxes at the end of the week for your ballot and voting instructions! 

Also, we will be seeking members to serve on 2014 Committees, so watch for that call.  Serving on a committee is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your peers, keep up with the weather across the nation, and serve your Association! 

As, NCHN’s 2013 fiscal year comes to an end, we thank you for your commitment to your Association, for the sharing of your expertise, talents and time!  We looking forward to continuing our work in 2014 and having each one of you become more active in your Association!