Much of my commitment to the AIA, locally through the BSA, and nationally, has focused on outreach and communication, to both our members and the public. Within the AIA, we need open and continuous communication with our Components, CACE, and collaterals, and we need to recognize there are many strengths in the AIA - best realized through chapters, states, and regions. Today we need to look first at our relationships with the components, support their efforts, and learn from their success. As budgets tighten, and we look for ways to reduce the size and cost of National operations, enhancing our collaborations with Components will be our strongest option.