As fall leaves fill my yard, I stop to think how quickly the year is passing.  Not only has the weather reminded me of these changes, but also the pace at the office has moved from frantic fiscal government year-end to a consistent and steady planning of projects through December.  For many of you reading this e-newsletter, you're in the midst of wrapping up 2009 projects, spending dollars before they disappear and planning 2010 budgets.  For the Atlanta Chapter Board, it's finding the most strategic ways to get our professional and associate members involved in World Workplace 2010 (WWP, the national IFMA conference) being held in Atlanta in October 2010.  For associate members, the Atlanta Chapter will be rolling out a new Sustaining Patron program, with first privileges for EXPO booth discount opportunities, an IFMA Atlanta Central Booth located in the center of the EXPO's Premier Peachtree Street banner aisle reserved for our Atlanta Chapter members.  The new sustaining patrons tiered package program will be rolled out at the Annual Sustaining Patrons Reception.  Those attending will have the first glimpse at the expo floor plan and the available spaces.  The full associate membership will receive details on how to join this elite group that supports the Chapter in the coming weeks. 
 
As many of you know, I've worked my way through the chapter from being a passive member to current president by way of several committees, but I'm most passionate about our community service.  Again this year, our chapter will be providing toys to support our community partners' who offer children's programming and support families which will be struggling this holiday season and, for the first time, tools to support the Atlanta Community Tool Bank.  On behalf of the chapter, I'm asking everyone to please bring an unwrapped toy and/or tool to the December luncheon.   Our young professionals are leading the holiday spirit by charging an entry fee of canned food to their November social with CoreNet.  As an organization we can be proud that we repeatedly show our generosity and community spirit, especially as we go all out in this season of hope, love and charity. 
 
In closing, "Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." (Theodore Roosevelt, 1901).  I would like to wish each one of you the best of happiness during the holiday season and joy throughout the year to come.