Anchorage, Alaska August 15-18, 2006

Message from the President:

I’m so excited to be hosting this year’s conference! For one thing, it is in my field office area, so I get to show off some of the work I do. For another thing, it’s in my native state, and in Alaska’s biggest Native village – Anchorage! And lastly, it’s the first time ever that two NRCS employee associations will meet jointly; and we’re excited to embark on that journey with the Asian Pacific Islander Organization.

Take a good look at the agenda this year – we’ve changed things around a little to include some really in-depth training during the afternoons, and with some NEDC courses before and after the conference. This is also the first time NEDC is coordinating its efforts with those of employee associations. I hope that after taking a look at the agenda, you print off a registration form right away, get your supervisor’s and state’s approval, and send it in. The poster presentations are a good way to share work you’ve done and inspire other NRCS employees from around the country.

I took a little time to write my personal favorite things to do in and around Anchorage and Herb Webb took some time putting together all the information you need to know if you’re planning on coming early or staying late. I really hope you can see some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and experience the freshest and most nutritious salmon you’ll ever taste!

At www.puffinpass.com AIANEA and APIO 2006 Conference attendees can receive discounted tours and other deals through Alaska's best tour company, Alaska Heritage Tours. They are an Alaska Native owned company and truly have the best quality packages in Alaska! Just use my login and password and it verifies that you are my guest and may receive the discounts. Member ID: 20062349 and Password: AIANEA

-Crystal Leonetti