Dear Colleagues:

Composing this letter during the summer field season, I am aware that NCB may not be your foremost priority at this time. But, the reality is that your response to this letter can, and will, impact the future of NCB-ESA and how well this organization serves you and the profession of entomology. NCB-ESA has a grand tradition, but its future is our responsibility. In recent years, we have experienced declining attendance at our Branch meetings. Many members seldom or never attend. Let's reverse this trend. Resolve to do your part to make the Des Moines meeting the success we all desire by:

• Submit a paper or poster, proposing program additions, and above all encouragecolleagues to attend.
• Nominate friends and colleagues for deserved rewards.
• Participate in Branch activities, volunteer to stand for election or to serve on appointed committees.

My experience is that NCB-ESA members rarely decline requests to serve the Branch, but because most are so busy, or perhaps modest, there is a seeming reluctance to volunteer. Continued vitality of the Branch is dependent upon expanding member participation. Encourage participation of students and others new to the profession of entomology in branch activities.

Now is the time to submit your suggestions for 1999 program enhancements. Program Chair, Bill Hutchison (hutch002@tc.umn.edu) invites your input. We all know that NCB-ESA meeting programs have the reputation of being commodity oriented. That is a valid assessment; we have reason to be proud of the strength of our programming in agricultural entomology. But, if your interests have been underrepresented in our programming, help us work to change that. Our goal is to enhance content diversity and make Branch meetings vital for all members.

The beautiful Des Moines Marriott, in the heart of Iowa's capital city, will be our 1999 meeting site. Local arrangements co-chairs, Donald Lewis, Tom Baker and Rae Wojdylo, are working hard to make this our best meeting ever. Check our web site for a look at what Des Moines has to offer. Persons with special space or scheduling needs are encouraged to contact Local Arrangements Co-chair, Donald Lewis (drlewis@iastate.edu).

The 1994 NCB-ESA Strategic Plan has been posted on our web page. We invite you to review that document and offer input. You will find a questionnaire and form for submission of comments provided. The ad hoc committee, aka "Council of Elders," chaired by Larry Larson, is updating this document for November submission to the NCB-ESA Executive meeting. We anticipate that this document will serve as a blueprint to guide Branch programming and activities well into the next century. Please, share your thoughts with us.

Sincerely,

Ted Radcliffe, President
North Central Branch, ESA