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Dear ALATA Membership,

Greetings!  I certainly hope that this finds everyone doing well.  I realize that we are well into 2008 but I would like to wish everyone a prosperous new year.  I certainly hope that everyone had a safe and happy holiday season and that you were able to enjoy time with family and friends.  I know that the fall usually lends itself to be a very busy and hectic time for all and the holiday season is a welcomed time for “rest”.

With that being said I would like to update everyone on what has been happening in ALATA by first recapping the 1st ALATA Town Hall Meeting in Sheffield, Alabama that was held on November 7th.  I am excited to report that we had a great turn-out for the first time.  I believe that it was a beneficial meeting and those that attended seemed pleased.  It excited me to meet colleagues that I have not met in the past, but it also makes me look forward to the future as these attendees had expressed their interest in becoming involved with the association.  This response is what I hoped for in planning these Town Hall Meetings.  Continue to look for e-blasts for future dates and locations.  We hope that we will be able to schedule these meetings throughout the state this spring.

As you all know if you have been keeping up with the NATA, our national Hit the Hill Campaign is fast approaching in February; and we will again have representatives from the state traveling to Washington, D.C. in hopes of capturing the attention of our state leaders.  After attending the State Regulatory Conference in Omaha, Nebraska this past July, I realize how important it is to become familiar with state leaders.  With that in mind, I wish to invite everyone to become involved in ALATA’s Hit the Hill campaign.  At our recent Executive Council meeting, it was decided that it was time to place a visit again to our state capitol to make our presence known.  Please continue to look for dates, times and events as we solidify our plans.

I realize that it may not seem that much has happened by way of “actions” in the state regarding third party reimbursement, athletic trainers in the secondary school setting, and other issues of concern to our profession.  However, I have also realized in my short time as president that things don’t happen quickly for a reason and that foundations must be laid before we make major strides.  I would just like to assure each and every one of you that we as an Executive Council are laying the foundation to begin those strides.  Therefore, I just urge you to continue to be patient and get involved in any way possible.  I thank each of you for your hard work, your dedication to the profession,  and if there is anything that the association could ever do for you please do not hesitate to contact any of your officers.

Sincerely,
Heloise Belarmino Jones

As ALATA and its leadership continue to evolve, we have the opportunity for another member to step up and serve.  With Bryan Combs assuming the position of Vice President, his previous position as non officer member to Executive Council must be filled.  Nominations should go to Leah Taylor by 2/15/08.    Once nominations have been reviewed, ALATA will send out an e-blast with the ballot.  Please look for the election ballot to follow or visit www.alata.org for information on how to cast your vote.  If you know of someone who would like to serve, or if you yourself would like the opportunity, please contact Leah at athletictrainers@bellsouth.net. 

My name is Bryan Combs and I will be serving as your Vice-President of the Alabama Athletic Trainers Association for the next two years.  I am very excited to get started helping our profession grow and expand over the coming years.  One of my main roles is helping to organize and run our state meeting.  Over the last few years it has been very successful and I expect to continue that tradition.

Please join the Alabama Athletic Trainers Association for the annual meeting at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on May 16-18, 2008.  We have several excellent presenters who will provide a quality educational experience.  We will be providing the opportunity to obtain 16 total continuing educational credits.

The registration fee will be $100 for early registration (by May 1st) and $130 for late and on-site registration.  This price is for ALATA and Non-ALATA members.  For $100 you get 16 quality continuing education credits.  Room rates start at $134 plus tax and must be reserved by April 15, 2008.  The last day to early register is May 1st, 2008 for the ALATA Meeting.  *Remember April 17 is the cutoff date to get discounted room rates so please reserve your room prior to this date.

We hope that you will join us for a good time and the most economical educational opportunity on the coast.  All of this information will be posted on our website, www.alata.org, soon.

Sincerely,
Bryan Combs
Vice President

Please stay tuned……

ALATA will be scheduling an Alabama Hit the Hill Campaign tentatively in early April to bring our voice to the capital.  No specific dates have been determined yet as we are looking at the most advantageous time sessions will be underway. To say thank you to those who participate, any active general ALATA members willing to assist in this campaign will be eligible for a 50% discount off of Early Registration for the 2008 ALATA Annual Meeting.  Stay tuned to www.alata.org and the upcoming e-blasts for more information.  If you need addition information, please contact Karen at strauks@auburn.edu.

Don’t forget to register for the SEATA Annual Meeting, Feb. 28-March 2, 2008.  Visit www.seata.org to register before Feb. 15.  Hotel reservations should be made by Feb.5 at http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/bnacs.  Both deadlines are drawing near!