Looking Forward:  When I became the IATC President, I chose as my motto, "Building Torch for the Future."

    That future will be the main topic of the upcoming Winter Retreat of the IATC Board of Directors. The world around us continues to change demographically, politically, technically, and culturally; our Winter Retreat will focus on that evolving world.  If successful, this will be a first step in the development of a Torch-wide strategic plan.
 
    At the retreat, we will look at our universe of concern: the present and future demographics of Torch, member and local club support, our website, communications and publications, new and enhanced member services, local club and membership development and—most importantly—the developing of a clearer view of a viable Torch and what it will take to meet the challenges of tomorrow.  President-Elect Norine Haas has agreed to lead the discussion and help us all create a road map for the future. 

    With our partner, The Torch Foundation, we will continue to find new and better ways to return value to our membership. Please share your ideas for our Winter Retreat and regular monthly teleconferences with your Regional Director, or call or email Norine or me.

2014 Annual Meeting and Convention:  The Annual Meeting is where the business of Torch is conducted.  Torch Clubs should designate their delegates to the convention as soon as possible.
 
    The Board of Directors plan an early website posting of a draft 2014-2015 budget and other items that require membership approval at the annual meeting.  Delegates should have sufficient time to discuss the draft budget and any proposed action with local club members before they vote at the annual meeting.

    I expect there will also be important changes to the bylaws to consider.  The host club is working hard to make the 2014 convention a memorable event, and a registration form can be found in the back of this issue of The Torch. 

    The Torch Magazine: The fall edition of The Torch incorporated a number of important changes.  Many members have applauded those changes, and I believe that we are at the beginning of a success story for an even better magazine. 

J.C. Owens from the Boulder Torch Club writes, "The fall edition of The Torch magazine is one of the best issues I have ever seen, really excellent articles, a very good selection of topics, and very well written.  Keep up the good work!"

    This winter issue has tuned up the changes that have already been made in the fall edition. Communications Committee Chairperson Jim Coppinger and his committee recently had a teleconference with his committee to review the changes and plan others. The Torch is a first class periodical, and you should read it cover to cover.  It’s good!

    With the fall edition, Dr. George Conklin has launched an online version of the magazine that can be read at <www.thetorchmagazine.org>.  George plans additional modifications to the journal and has supported efforts to make both the print and online edition of The Torch compatible with both academic and publication standards.  Our Communications Committee, under the leadership of Jim Coppinger, continues to provide a fountain of ideas and support for our editor Dr. Paul Scott Stanfield.  I am very pleased.

Charles E. Carlson
IATC President
esccec@gmail.com