As we head into a New Year, I want to thank you and all our staff and volunteers for your dedication, commitment, and the many contributions you've made this past year in our work with the citizens of New Hampshire. You can take great pride upon the completion of another year of Cooperative Extension work as we have achieved numerous program accomplishments.

We look forward to a new year that will bring with it a revitalized strategic plan in alignment with UNH's Academic Plan that will guide Cooperative Extension for the next five years. We are pleased to be affiliated with the Office of Academic Affairs and look forward to collaborative efforts with Provost and Executive Vice President Bruce Mallory, the Provost's staff, the Deans Council, and the many units that comprise UNH. We continue to gain recognition and value for our role as the primary outreach unit of the University of New Hampshire.

We welcomed new faces and changing roles in Extension this past year. Darrel Covell, former wildlife specialist was selected for the position of program leader for forestry and wildlife. Matt Tarr takes on the role of wildlife specialist in the New Year. Shane Bradt joined Extension as the new geospatial specialist.

Lisa Townson assumed responsibilities for program development and evaluation. Barbara Wright is now focusing on instructional design as part of staff development. Also new on campus is 4-H specialist Trent Schriefer. In the counties, we welcomed Extension Educators Sue Cagle to Belknap, Michael Koski to Hillsborough, Steve Roberge to Cheshire, Wendy Scribner to Carroll, and Program Associate Heather Carter to Coos. We also welcomed new administrative professionals Jamie Sherwood (Pettee Hall), Dari Ward (Kingman Farm), Mary West (Merrimack), Holly McKinney (Hillsborough) and Teresa Locke (Grafton County).

An historic event took place on September 25, 2006, with each of the 10 counties represented by legislators, county commissioners and university officials signing a renewed six year commitment to UNH Cooperative Extension through a Memorandum of Understanding between county government and the USNH Board of Trustees. We also look forward to continuing the County Conversations in 2007 as we continue to promote UNH as an engaged institution with New Hampshire citizens.

Again, I reiterate my admiration for your dedication to our mission and willingness to invest the effort necessary to make a difference. I continue to be proud to lead an organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of so many New Hampshire citizens. Given the strong political and public support for UNH Cooperative Extension, I'm confident we will remain a strong outreach system making impacts important to New Hampshire people.

I extend warmest wishes to you and your family for an enjoyable and restful holiday season. I wish you a happy 2007 and much personal and professional fulfillment.