As we approach the end of another very productive year and the Holiday Season, we  would like to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication. Last week at the “Day of Connection” Conference we watched the videos that were prepared by Public Broadcasting to highlight the commitment, dedication, and impact of Outreach staff across the state. We sat there with great pride as extension program after extension program was highlighted because of their significant impact on our citizens. We felt humbled and great pride at the dedication each of you have to quality programming.

As we end the year, we are in the process of reframing extension for the next century. This process has only two goals: 1) to improve our organization, and 2) to make each of our jobs more enjoyable and satisfying. This is our organization, all of ours, and we are all here to serve the needs of our stakeholders. Our role, along with the rest of the Extension Leadership Team, is to help all members of the Extension family define an organization that will continue to be valued and effective for at least another century. We have a very good organization that approaches excellent. Let's work together in the coming year to define and implement changes that will take us from very good to excellent. We know change can be scary because there are lots of unknowns, but we know tomorrow will demand new approaches if we are to have a second century as successful as our first.

Take time for yourself, family and friends, and have a great Holiday Season and New Year!

Daney and Dennis