Presidents Six Month Report for July 2008

Dear Board

As we reach the half way mark for 2008, I thought I would send out a report to bring everyone up to speed on what is happening with the WEVA.

1. WEB SITE: First and most exciting to me is the proposal by Alex and Heather Parrish to update our web site and Mohammed and his Web Site Committee voicing approval. We are also "considering" a domain change depending on Board input and legal restraints....note considering. We have so much material to update and being able to link that information to all our association members and all other interested parties will do nothing but enhance the image of WEVA and it's mission and goals.

I would like to thank Ekaterina and Alex for their generous offer to help with the web site...it is very much appreciated.

2. MEMBERSHIP: We have had several new associations join WEVA since Moscow with several others contemplating joining.

This info will be posted on the new web site when final decisions are made the associations. We have put together an updated Power Point that can be utilized by any Board member to present to present Association members or to potential new members. Julie has utilized it for Denmark and neighboring countries and Vince has requested a copy for not only Switzerland but some associations in Germany. I would hope that many of you will take advantage of this PR tool.

Through the encouragement of Kate, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Large Animal (ACVIM-LA) has expressed some interest in helping WEVA with an Intermediate Meeting by sending one of their diplomats to speak.

3. 2009 WEVA Congress: The ABRAVEQ Congress Organizing Committee is moving right along with plans for 2009. When David Hodgson and I were in Sao Paulo in June for the ABRAVEQ Congress, we met with the organizers multiple times. Their Congress had an attendance of over 600 with a very large exhibit area and was very well organized. David Hodgson along with several members of the Brazilian Scientific have started working on the program. David will be asking many members of the Board to participate on the program with Scientific presentations.

On the Monday after the Congress, we took a drive to Guaruja (about a hour's drive from Sao Paulo and the Garulhos International Airport) to inspect the hotel. The Casa Grande Hotel www.casagrandehotel.com.br is a beautiful 5 Star member of "The Leading Hotels of the World". In addition to beautiful grounds and a white beach, it has more than enough meeting and exhibit space. It will be an excellent facility for the Congress and a great place to relax.

4. INTERMEDIATE MEETINGS: Our first Intermediate Meeting for 2008 will held in Bogota, Colombia, August 28-29, with Des, Tim and myself speaking. Our next IM is being discussed with Uruguay for November, 2008. Talks have been initiated with Thailand for early 2009 also. On the way down to Bogota, I will be stopping in Puebla, Mexico for the XXX AMMVEE Congress. They have joined WEVA this year and are very anxious to have WEVA attend their Congress. I will be participating in their opening session with "The Role of WEVA" presentation and presenting another lecture at the Congress. As mentioned earlier David and I attended the ABRAVEQ Congress in Sao Paulo, both presenting lectures plus the WEVA talk. These aren't exactly Intermediate Meetings but what I call "a hybrid"meeting. While maybe straying a little from our mission, I think it important to help our member associations with their Congresses when it is convenient or appropriate on a "one time basis".

5. OTHER ASSOCIATION CONGRESSES: As President of WEVA, I have been ask by the AAEP and BEVA to give "The Role of WEVA" talk as part of their opening sessions. I am very excited about this opprtunity to spead the mission and goals of WEVA. This may also be done at the AVEF and 2009 SIVE Congresses. In July, I will be attending the AAEP Foundation Advisory Committee (member) meeting prior to their summer Focus/ Practice Management Meeting and after a short presentation about WEVA, will be asking the AAEP Foundation for a donation to support WEVA.

Finally, I think WEVA is making great strides in the right direction with a lot of exciting things ahead for us. The past and previous leadership of people like Des, WAZ and Richard plus previous Board member contributions, continuous successful Congresses in places like Sorrento, Buenos Aires, Marrakech and Moscow have all played a role in the direction WEVA in which WEVA is headed.

Let's all keep working hard toward our goals.

Thank all of you for your Board service to date but be prepared for a lot more work in the future.

All the best,

Gary