1997 was a bumper year for LISA, with rapidly growing membership, higher Forum attendance, the IATT Workshop and publication of the OSCAR TMX Container Standard. During the Executive Round Table held in Geneva in December, many positive noises could be heard about the Association, which has clearly established itself as the premier voice of the localization industry. This is both encouraging and in keeping with its Charter.

However, critical noises were also to be heard in Geneva and elsewhere, prompting the Administration and ExCom to put together an ambitious plan for 1998 to broaden and improve its service offering (see Michael Anobile’s Director’s Letter for initial details).

Three new ExCom members also took office. Roger Jeanty of International Communications - one of the last true-blue, independent localization entrepreneurs - will replace Jaap van der Meer of AlpNet, whose new Presidential duties prevent him from continuing. I would like to thank Jaap for his many contributions to the Association, and hope that he will continue to be as prolific and critical as in the past. Claude Pesquet of Digital Equipment Corporation, the second new ExCom member, will allow us to profit from his many years’ experience as a senior manager. Last but most certainly not least, we welcome Arturo Quintero, localization pioneer in Eastern Europe, who offers an interesting blend of strategic vision and hands-on management.

In addition to Ken Bergenthal of Cheyenne, who left the ExCom in September and whose experience in Asia was very valuable, a key member is leaving after a full two-year term: Theodora Landgren. Knowing Theodora, she will continue to be a catalyst, and we are in-debted to her for her contributions.

The newly elected members of the ExCom are firmly behind LISA, and will work hard towards implementing our strategic plan. In doing so, we would like to hear from you, the membership who elected us, as to whether we are doing a good, fair, or downright lousy job. To facilitate direct communication, we have instituted an e-mail alias at the lisa.org Website: .

We look forward to hearing from you.

Finally, the ExCom would like to thank the LISA Administration for its tireless effort in delivering services to the membership. With solid teamwork in 1998, we will be able to meet many of the ambitious goals that have been set for the Association and which the Director addresses in his column. I, for one, am looking forward to the ride.