As we prepare for # 51, let us be thankful for our opportunities to serve our communities and this great state of Georgia. As a professional organization, we believe it is important that we recognize and discuss the issues that affect our organization. Hopefully, this executive board has planted seeds that will likely have long - term benefits for our profession. This executive board has been diligent in accomplishing tasks such as providing sponsorship for meals at Top Gun, and Executive Command, as well as visits with the Basic Probation Officers Training classes. The Georgia Probation Association must continue to evolve toward accomplishing new goals, yet we must keep our eyes focused on probation’s most important mission of "protecting the public."

Our summer conference will offer all attendees the opportunities to network with colleagues on a statewide basis. Also, be sure to introduce yourself to others you may not know. The knowledge gained and shared from meeting others is invaluable. Many times these meetings help individuals establish contacts throughout all areas of the state.

The recognition of outstanding employees brings credit upon the importance of our profession. Please remember if someone has played a positive role in your career development, then share your appreciation with them. Our individual responsibilities are many, however our workplaces can only improve when we encourage one another.

Finally, we must continue to recognize the importance of our profession. If our commitment endures with our probation profession, this great state of Georgia will be safer for our families and citizens.

As always, I hope that each of you will invite a fellow employee to join with us and become a part of our success as being one of the oldest professional associations in the nation.

                                                                    See you all at Jekyll Island,

                                                                                    Robin