From the President's Desk . . .

I would, personally, like to thank the members of our Executive Committee for all their input. Special thanks to Jan Degenshein, Degenshein Architects, for his insights and observations. And, most especially, kudos to Steve Powell, Co-oper8 Marketing Group, our designer. I think Steve would concur, we shared a terrific learning experience, each pushing the other to new levels. It was a great eight-month effort. Thanks, Steve.

Dylan Skriloff is making an impact with his contributions to our new On-Line Newsletter. If you haven't gotten into the habit, yet, of checking this out each week -- START. Every Wednesday, you can log onto www.rocklandbusiness.org and get information not available in any Rockland media outlet. We have run stories on RBA activities and events that cannot be found elsewhere. And, we've been running a series on the new drive to enact Living Wage legislation in Rockland. This initiative could have devastating effects on our business community and our county and the RBA Newsletter is the only place where you can get the information you need to combat this effort.

This year's Annual Celebrity Dinner, with Eliot Spitzer, promises to be the biggest in our history. Already, we have over 100 reservations. Provident Bank is our Presenting Sponsor. All Bright Electric, Mirant, The Journal News/Rockland Business World and Good Samaritan Hospital are our other major sponsors. Thanks to all of you.

And, we're ahead of schedule for this year's EXPO Boutique. RJ Staffing, The Journal News/Rockland Business World, United Water and Good Samaritan Hospital were early sign-ons as Sponsors and 15 other members have chosen their booths.

Thanks to a great EXPO Committee:

• Steve Eschbacher, Suddath Relocation Systems
• Peter Flierl, Head Start of Rockland
• Pat Latona, Rockland Graduate Campus of LIU
• Chris Michon, Coldwell Banker
• Fran Reinstein, metrofsbo.net
• Maria Rodd, Casablanca
• Bob Salmon, H&S Sales and Consultants
• Steve Powell, Co-oper8 Marketing Group
• Mike Weitzman, GMAC Mortgage
• Bonnie Werk, Commerce Bank.

I trust everyone is having a great summer. Marilyn and I leave on Monday (8/15) for a week in the Adirondack Wilderness Area. We're going to attempt the High Peaks of the Dix Range. Hey, some guys my age buy sports cars.

— Al Samuels