It is exciting to be taking over the newly created staff role as EMA’s President. When EMA was formed in the Fall of 1996, and began operations in 1997, our goal was simple - provide our members with the best conferences in the industry dedicated to emissions trading. We’ve fulfilled that mission and remain committed to it for the future.

In fact, the EMA Board of Directors has approved two new conference opportunities. In December, EMA will host its first conference in the Caribbean. The conference will focus on CDM project opportunities in Central and South America, and will serve growing membership interest in CDM opportunities in these areas. The conference will also serve a growing list of companies either located, or with operations, in Central or South America.

Also, early March 2003 will be EMA’s first European based meeting. Behind North America, the next largest percentage of EMA membership is from Europe. With the United States out of the Kyoto Protocol for the moment, serving the needs of EMA’s European-based members is something we simply must do. Europe is leading the development of the greenhouse gas markets and EMA will be there to assist our members.

As a part of EMA’s plan to serve a growing European membership, EMA has opened a Brussels-based office. The Brussels office will be EMA’s third, adding to our Milwaukee, Wisconsin Headquarters and our Washington, DC (Bethesda, Maryland) location.

EMA’s Brussels office will be staffed by Natalie Burdenuk, EMA European Membership Coordinator. This office will be used to coordinate EMA’s future European conferences. Discussions have started with EMA’s European members to determine how EMA can better serve their needs. We expect that the discussions will lead to stakeholders meetings later in 2002, with presentation of a formal plan for a European-based EMA entity at the 2003 conference.

Dates on both of the conference opportunities will be finalized and publicized shortly. If you have a desire to be a speaker, a sponsor, or simply want to help organize the programs for these events, please contact me. EMA’s past and future success is due to the direct involvement of its members.

EMA is not a conference house simply trying to make a profit by holding meetings. EMA meetings are priced below market - with agendas designed by members - to serve the needs of members. In fact, based on the reviews you have provided, EMA produces the best conferences in the industry! Your direct involvement in selecting topics, speakers and venues is the reason for that. I often think that if EMA were to adopt a motto, "Members Serving Members" may be the most appropriate.