I have to agree with Ellen here, at the formation of NALTEA, I had the great pleasure of meeting Robert and Slade for the first time.  Two of the most honourable and kind gentlemen I have had the pleasure of meeting. 
I have had the privalage of speaking with Robert several times by the phone and a few times in person subsiquent to the original conference, and my opinion of him has only grown.  We are all very fortunate that Robert and Slade have put this forum together, and allowed us to communicate in a way we never had before.  I hope to meet many of you at the NALTEA conference in Dallas in January.  I know that it is asking a lot to take the weekend away from work, and to spend the money to travel, but this is our chance to give back to this community and contribute to the future of our industry.  The folks that came here to Columbus inspired me, and I think we have a chance to really further our common goals in Dallas in January.
Doug