Mahatma Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." The Officers and Board Members have literally taken this to heart by kicking off 2008 with an intensive, off site two-day planning retreat held in Temecula, California.

And, what a planning session it was! I believe the results of this exercise will see the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California (FTA) better serve the needs of its membership by quickly meeting the challenges and opportunities of today’s ever-changing global trade environment.

For example, while the government boasts of support for expanding international trade, elected officials repeatedly push for numerous port fees, advocate 100% cargo inspection and other measures that impede trade. Some of the most devastating impacts may likely come from state and local elected representatives. Even ports that operate as landlords seem motivated to control who may have the privilege to do business based on their business model rather than setting common standards and letting free enterprise prevail. Some actions make one wonder if social engineering may be at play.

Who would have imagined just a few years ago that the major west coast gateway ports would experience no growth? But that is today’s reality and it is a compelling reason our members need and deserve a robust and dynamic Foreign Trade Association and in this regard we will move expeditiously to provide the trade community with enhanced support.

Some of the measures being taken include:

· An enhanced and more comprehensive Foreign Trader. Perhaps you have noticed the new look?

· Completely revamped committee structure –
o Marketing Co-Chairs: Joanne Suess-Davis & Matthew Fairshter
o Communications Co-Chairs: Dennis Heck & Daniel Benoit
o Advocacy Co-Chairs: Joe Cox & Dilip Keswani
o Programs Co-Chairs: Steve Pasienski & Tom Gould
o Education Co-Chairs: Erik Smithweiss & Bruce Leeds
o Signature Events Co-Chairs: Caroline Brown & Craig Pinkerton
o Membership Co-Chairs: Toby Rose Mallen & Lee King 

And, you, the membership can help. I ask that each of you seriously contemplate getting directly involved in one of these committees.

· Join our new Speakers’ Bureau. We are an Association of top experts and many in and outside of the trade community would love to hear from us.
· Feel passionate about an issue? Express it by joining one of our committees.
· Feel an area may not be properly covered? Suggestions are always welcomed!
· Join our Editorial Bank. Share your expertise through editorial comments in the Foreign Trader or the industry press
· Invite friends, colleagues and clients to our expanded monthly programs.

2008 promises to be an exciting, yet challenging year. Please join your FTA executives & board members in making it a banner year for Foreign Trade!

Hud Warren
2008 President