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AALAS is pleased to announce that cowboy poet Baxter Black has accepted an invitation to serve as keynote speaker at the Opening General Session at the AALAS National Meeting in Seattle in October. Black, who has appeared on the "Johnny Carson Show," and written 12 books, is the author of the most widely syndicated agricultural column in the country "On the Edge of Common Sense."

He also hosts a radio show that is broadcasted on more than 200 radio stations across North America.

Since 1982, he has been spreading his unique style of poetry in the national spotlight and has become the best-selling cowboy poet in the world. Black is also no stranger to the world of animal science; he was a practicing veterinarian at one point in his long and varied career.

Black's speech promises to be an entertaining kickoff to what is shaping up to be the best National Meeting yet!

During its July 13, 2003 Summer Session, the AALAS Board of Trustees will consider the following motion: Effective with the 2004 national AALAS election, change the current Vice President-Elect and Secretary/Treasurer election system from majority to plurality vote.

"Plurality" is defined as the number of votes cast for a winning candidate, if this number is less than a majority but more than that cast for any other candidate.

According to the AALAS Bylaws (02-24-02): Article XI - Amendments, the Board of Trustees may amend these Bylaws by a two-thirds vote at any face-to-face meeting at which a quorum is present.

Proposed Bylaws Amendments are presented by or through a member of the Board of Trustees. Notice of proposed Bylaws changes shall be promulgated to the membership a minimum of 30 days before the BOT meeting at which the changes are to be considered.

Notification may be by the posting of proposed amendments on the AALAS web site after publication of a prominent notice distributed to the membership of their availability for review.

After the tremendous success of the rat and mouse posters, AALAS is in the final stages of developing a rabbit poster. The poster, designed by Gheorghe M. Constantinescu, DVM, PhD, Drhc, will be available in time for the National Meeting in Seattle. Dr. Constantinescu teaches anatomy in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His research emphasis is functional and clinical anatomy. Dr. Constantinescu is also a medical illustrator. Books he has written and illustrated include Clinical Dissection Guide for Large Animals, Guide to Regional Ruminant Anatomy Based on the Dissection of the Goat, and Clinical Anatomy for Small Animal Practitioners.

Technicians and researchers will greatly benefit from the poster's high academic and anatomical detail. The full-color poster will be 28" x 40" and will feature a complete rabbit skeleton, gastrointestinal system, heart and circulatory system, male urogenital system, female urogenital system, cervicothoracic structures, and ear vessels.

For information on ordering the rat and mouse posters, visit the AALAS bookstore at http://www.aalas.org/Bookstore/member-non-member_choice.htm, and be sure to come by the Bookstore at the National Meeting to check out the new rabbit poster!

As associations go, AALAS is downright unusual. According to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), most often members of any given association are a pretty homogenous group. For example, they share the same trade or a specific interest, such as associations for operating room nurses or cat fanciers. In AALAS' case, our members represent all aspects of the lab animal science fieldfrom the allied trades (providers of animals, products, or services), to those who deal directly with animal care and use (caregivers, managers, veterinarians, researchers), to those involved in regulation (administrators, government agencies, accreditation bodies, or IACUC members), to those working in education and training, plus those who fit into a number of miscellaneous categories. Though diverse, we're united by a common mission, to advance responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals.

Not only are we diverse, but we're big (over 11,000 members) and growing. AALAS offers an impressive array of programs, services, meetings, publications, and products to meet the needs of our varied members. Who puts all this together? We get it done with the combined efforts of our member volunteers and the national office staff.

In May I had the pleasure of working at the national office in Memphis, alongside the staff members who manage the day to day nuts and bolts of running our association. Well, okay, I was probably more effective at disrupting their work, than I was at getting work done, but they were very pleasant about it! The office staff, too, is a diverse group, managing all the tasks from answering the phones, to stocking the warehouse and mailing out products, to working on the new computer system, to keeping the list-servs and web pages working, to planning the logistics for our meetings, to working with our 22+ volunteer committees, to arranging our publications. What is most impressive, is that for an active association like AALAS, we have an office staff of only 30 people. By ASAE norms, we can be proud of having an efficient, effective operation.

Next time you have the opportunity to interact with someone from the national office, take a second to reflect on what an amazing staff this is, able to meet so well the needs of our uniquely diverse membership. And beyond being efficient, as I learned today, even when their work is disrupted, they're a pretty pleasant lot to work with.

One of AALAS' well kept secrets is its online buyer's guide. Go to www.aalas.org and click on the "Buyer's Guide" link to search for products and services. You can search for companies by name, city, state, zip code, or even e-mail address.

When searching, you'll be able to take advantage of a categorized pulldown menu of product and service listings to help expedite your search.

Example categories includes "Animal Model Suppliers," "Animal Housing Suppliers," "Contract Research Services," "Facility Design & Construction," "Laboratory & Surgical Equipment & Supplies," and "Veterinary Equipment & Supplies."

Education is the heart of AALAS. The association has a long and rich history of providing leading edge educational products and programs, and this year is no exception.

The National Meeting Program Committee was faced with the task of selecting workshops, platform sessions, and seminars from a record-breaking number of submissions. The resulting program has "something for everyone" with the biggest problem being the difficulty in choosing what sessions to attend.

The Educational Resources Committee just wrapped up their meeting with recommendations for new programs and products, including the new rabbit anatomy poster that will challenge the learner and make learning fun.

The newly revised Regulatory Workbook is at the final editing stage, enhanced with chapter summaries and new sections. The Scientific Advisory Committee is providing guidance to the development of a The Researcher's Quick Reference Guide on the Mouse which will be unveiled at the National Meeting in Seattle.

The On-Line Learning Committee is polishing the new AALAS Learning Library that will debut in June.

The ILAM Sub Committee to Evaluate the ILAM Curriculum spent a marathon weekend (I know -- I was there) reviewing the total ILAM experience, including the curriculum, instructors, learning methods, and processes. They are now making recommendations to the Board of Directors in July on how to take this great program to the next level.

The Certification Review Board will meet later this spring, as will the Ad Hoc Technician Recognition and Awareness Committee that is synthesizing ways to enhance the recognition of certification.

In tandem with the national educational offerings, many branches and districts are in the midst of holding annual meetings. I have had the privilege of attending several of the branch and district meetings and know from this sampling of the rich and diverse education provided at the local level through the efforts of our dedicated and talented branch leaders.

The 2003 Conference of the Laboratory Animal Welfare Training Exchange (LAWTE) will offer sessions to enhance knowledge in training programs for lab animal professionals.

LAWTE national conferences are, in addition, a valuable networking opportunity in the training field for trainers, training coordinators, IACUC administrators, facility managers, and veterinarians. Highlights of this year's LAWTE Conference will include tips and skills in training methodologies, approaches for the development of training programs, and tools for teaching ethics and sensitivity toward animals.

At the 2003 conference, LAWTE will also host the renowned ARENA IACUC 101 Workshop. This conference will provide a double benefit to anyone participating in their research facility's IACUC and the laboratory animal welfare training program.

Trainers, don't miss the lab animal welfare training event of the year! Plan on attending the LAWTE 2003 Conference in Tucson, Arizona, August 6-8, 2003. For registration information, visit www.lawte.org.

The AALAS Technician Certification Registry is a voluntary program to document your ongoing professional development as an AALAS-certified technician at the ALAT, LAT, or LATG level. Inclusion in the Registry is one of the most sought-after and exclusive designations in the field of laboratory animal science.

Gail Heidbrink, RLATG and president of Britz- Heidbrink, Inc., says that the Registry is the only way to make a public statement to future employers that you are participating in continuing education and are up to date in your training.

"Unless you have an 'R' in front of your title, employers have no way of knowing you have acquired new skills and training in our rapidly changing field," Gail says.

There are two ways to become a part of the Registry -- upon certification if you are an AALAS member or by submitting CEUs and a Registry fee if you are already certified and are an AALAS member. When you become certified (at any AALAS level), you are automatically entered into the Registry for a two-year period at no charge. If you are a current Registry participant and you become certified at a higher level of AALAS certification, you will automatically become registered at no charge (for two years). You will also assume the Registry requirements for that higher level.

The Certification and Registry Board (CRB) is preparing for a busy June. At the upcoming midyear meeting, the CRB will continue their efforts of preparing new exam questions for the 2004 versions of the technician certification exams. The CRB will also conduct their annual audit of the certification program and will reinstate an annual audit of the Registry program. The CRB will meet in Memphis June 67.

These program audits focus on an examination of submitted applications for completeness and accuracy. The committee will also review correspondence from candidates in these programs. These audits are aimed at supporting the highest standards in these programs as a means of enhancing the status of certified and registered laboratory animal technicians.

Frequently Asked Registry Questions

Q. Will my membership renewal and my Registry renewal be due at the same time?
A. Not necessarily. Your AALAS membership dues are paid annually and are renewed 12 months from the time you become a member. Certification Registry renewal is every two years, beginning with the expiration date on your Registry certificate. Renewal notices will be sent out by the AALAS Office for both of these renewals.

Q. My national membership has lapsed. Am I still in the Registry?
A. No. You must be a current AALAS member at the national level to remain in the Registry.

Q. I forgot to pay my Registry fee on time. Am I still in the Registry?
A. No. You must be current on your Registry fees to remain in the Registry.

Q. I sent in my Registry fee and CEUs late. Will I still be listed in the AALAS list of Registry participants?
A. Yes. Because the list of Registry participants is now on the AALAS web site, it will be kept up to-date. Whenever you renew your Registry status, your name will be included in the next update of the online list of Registry participants.

Q. AALAS used to list Registry participants in the AALAS Reference Directory. Has this changed?
A. No. Registry participants are still listed in the Reference Directory. An updated list of Registry participants is also available online at the AALAS web site (www.aalas.org). Click on "Certification" (top frame) and follow the links (left frame) to "Registry Participants." You must be an AALAS national member to view the Registry list.

Q. Do the in-house training programs I am required to attend at work count toward Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the Registry?
A. Yes. You may apply these training sessions toward your CEU requirement as long as these are related to your job or the laboratory animal science field.

Q. If I have been dropped from the Registry, what do I have to do to get reinstated?
A. That depends on the reason why you were dropped. If you were dropped for letting your national membership lapse, you will need to pay your national membership dues. If you were dropped for not submitting the required CEUs and Registry fee, you must submit both of these to become reinstated in the Registry.

Volunteers are still needed to serve as facilitators for the National Meeting in Seattle. This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to take part in the meeting, but are hesitant to speak in public. Facilitating does not require a major commitment and facilitators can work at seminars, round-tables, workshops, platform sessions, special topic lectures, or the Learning Resource Center (LRC). Generally, facilitators perform these functions that require no specific skills.

If you are interested in volunteering to serve as a facilitator at the 2003 National Meeting, simply go online to www.aalas.org and click on Download, then Forms, then Facilitators. Another way to volunteer is to send an e-mail to letty.medina@abbott.com. If you want to volunteer for a specific topic or session, we do this on a first-come, first-serve basis so get your application forms in early.

Although your assistance is greatly appreciated, registration to the National Meeting is not waived; however, your name does go into a drawing for a free registration to next year's meeting. So, volunteer today and take part in the 2003 AALAS National Meeting!

Know someone in your branch who would make a great future AALAS leader? Give them the tools they need to succeed. Nominate him or her for the fifth annual Leadership Academy, to be held October 1112 at the AALAS National Meeting in Seattle.

The Leadership Academy is a training seminar geared toward preparing attendees for leadership positions at the branch and national levels. It is open to one representative from each branch at no cost to the individuals. A variety of talks will be presented by former, current, and future committee chairs, trustees, treasurers, presidents, and current members of the AALAS staff.

Talks will include information on AALAS and the Foundation, tips on how to function as a board or committee member, and guidance in dealing with the media and public relations. There will also be plenty of opportunity for students to mingle with AALAS leadership and fellow students on an informal basis, including a social on Saturday afternoon and a luncheon on Sunday.

All Academy candidates must be nominated by his or her branch. You may nominate one primary and one alternate name to fill vacancies created by branches that do not send candidate nominations. Please register soon, as the number of attendees is limited. For more information, please contact Carolyn Simonton at the AALAS office at carolyn.simonton@aalas.org or (901) 754-8620.

In AALAS' first strategic planning session in 1987, one of the primary goals the membership expressed was to increase public education about the importance of laboratory animal care and use. As succeeding leaders of the organization looked for ways to enhance this outreach to the public, it became apparent that, not only were the ideas for such an effort lacking, but the resources both in people and finances, were not there either. If money and 'manpower' were to address this goal of our membership, other membership services would suffer or the dues structure would need to increase. By separating this goal into a closely allied, but separate Foundation mission, we could directly address the issue without the requirement that the Foundation's day-to-day efforts be managed through the AALAS Board of Trustees. The membership could then indicate, through their donations rather than through dues assessments, just how significant they think the role of public education is for our professional organization in the future; our major commercial contributors and membership donors would know that the dollars they donate go toward public outreach not other membership services; and members who think that educating the public about the importance of good laboratory animal care and appropriate use of experimental animals need not worry that their professional membership dues are being misdirected from various services.

It is true that back in the 90s AALAS did create service innovative posters and programs designed to promote education about our careers and the appropriate care and use of animals; however, today as these pieces and programs are revised and renewed, it is no longer your membership dues supporting their production; rather, it is a tax deductible donation to the Foundation. Today because of its separation from AALAS, the Foundation can more freely give grants to biomedical research associations, AALAS branches, individuals, and the support groups that are promoting the education of the public about the importance of you and your career to the advancement of science. How much we do is now directly up to you!

Everyone recognizes how important Technician Branch Representatives are, so why not nominate yours for the TBR Recognition Award? Act fast, because the July 1, 2003 deadline is quickly approaching.

Every year the Committee on Technician Awareness and Development (CTAD) rewards up to three of its hardest-working TBRs who meet the following criteria:

Winners receive a free AALAS National Meeting registration, plus an additional $150 in travel funds for each selected TBR. Nominations are accepted from any AALAS branch member, a member of the AALAS branch's board of directors, or the district's CTAD representative.

One of the benefits of membership in National AALAS is the opportunity to vote for the organization's leadership. This is your chance to play a role in helping elect the men and women who will guide this organization. Members will begin receiving ballots in June so be on the lookout and get your voice heard. Your vote is important to the organization. Let's make this year the highest voter turnout yet! In addition to voting for vice president-elect, secretary/treasurer, and a variety of district positions, voters will also decide whether to amend Article III of the AALAS Constitution so that it reads the same as AALAS' mission statement.

Remember, it is very important to follow the instructions on the ballot. Ballots must be postmarked within 30 days of the postmark date, and those cast incorrectly will not be counted. Your ballot will come with a self-addressed envelope to Hogard Business Services, in which you are to mail your completed ballot.

Ballots will be counted confidentially by an independent election service company, and the results announced at the 2003 National Meeting in Seattle in October.

Vice President-Elect
Ron Orta
Mark Suckow

Secretary/Treasurer
Jack Hessler
Ralph Hornickel

District 1 Alternate Trustee
Scott Perkins
Scott Mischler

District 2
Leo Yanas
Michael Garrison

District 3
Debra Lust
Donna Goldsteen

District 3 Alternate Trustee
Cynthia Horner
Gwen Fitzgerald

District 4
Darrell Hoskins
Dexter Wilson

District 5
Lisa Steuerwald
Michelle Tussing

District 7 Alternate Trustee
Jeff Carraway
Brian Gillman

District 8
Gary Millen
Cheryl Pater

The Laboratory Animal Regulatory Workbook, an excellent book to use as a study aid in preparation for the certification exams, is getting new material and a new look. An ERC Subcommittee headed by Jon Reuter has been hard at work developing summaries of each publication covered in the workbook. They are also writing new sections which cover the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training and the 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. Look for this new edition at the National Meeting!

AALAS in Action is a bimonthly publication that serves as a communication vehicle for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Authorization to photocopy portions of AALAS in Action for personal or internal use is granted by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Photocopying for purposes of resale or outside distribution is prohibited unless written approval is obtained from the AALAS Director of Communications & Marketing. AALAS is a nonprofit, educational association comprised of more than 11,000 members from the United States and abroad. The AALAS office is located at 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125-8538. (901) 754-8620. Fax: (901) 753-0046. E-mail: info@aalas.org. World-Wide Web: http://www.aalas.org.

The AALAS Learning Library (ALL) is a new online learning platform that features courses in a variety of subjects related to lab animal science.

With 24/7 access via your web browser, ALL meets training needs of researchers, technicians, animal facility managers and directors, IACUC members, and other personnel involved with the care and use of laboratory animals.

You or your group can be up and learning in the AALAS Learning Library (ALL) in just minutes by following these simple enrollment steps:

ANN TOURIGNY TURNER, PhD, CAE, Executive Director
AMY SAULS, Executive Assistant
FRAN POTTER, Receptionist
JOE FRASER, General Services Specialist
MEENAKSHI UPPALA, Information Technology Intern

Member Services
JUDY GRISAMORE, Associate Executive Director; Director, Member Services
JILL WORLEY, Community Services Coordinator
CAROLYN CAMPBELLl, Branch Services Specialist
BEVERLY OSING, Membership Coordinator
SHERYL DUNCAN, Development Specialist
LINDA HILLS, Membership Assistant

Meetings & Financial Services
Betty Cartwright, Director, Meetings & Financial Services
Jenny Ferloni, Manager, Financial Services
Carolyn Simonton, Educational Meetings Coordinator
Sylvia Ryan, Financial Services Assistant

Professional Development & Education
NICOLE DUFFEE, DVM, PhD, Director, Professional Development & Education
SALLY WESTLAKE, Certification Manager
CRISTI MANN, Certification & Registry Specialist
Pam Grabeel, MA, Education Coordinator
MARTI WHITE, Certification & Registry Specialist

Communications & Marketing
CHRIS LYONS, Director, Communications & Marketing
JOHN FARRAR, Manager, Communications & Marketing
NICOLE PARDUA, MA, Communications Coordinator
PAM GRABEEL, MA, Marketing Coordinator
DAVID HOUSTON, Electronic Media Specialist
PHYLLIS ROBINSON, Editorial Specialist
OMNESE CAMPBELL, MFA, Graphic Design Specialist
CAROL HUDOCK, Communications Assistant

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