Dear Colleagues:

This is my first communication as your FDA 2007-2008 President. I was installed at the Administrative Council meeting on October 20,2007 by my good friend and colleague Darlene Moppert, member of Broward County Dietetic Association and Past President of FDA. The installation ceremony could only have been better if all of you were in attendance. Darlene presented me with a magic wand to use during my presidency. My Presidential theme and the Orlando location inspired her to draw from one of the most imaginative leaders in history; Walt Disney. Quotes from Disney inspired all of us at the meeting.

There are my issues confronting our association. Let me share with you what I think are the most important issues.

My Belief is that the greatest challenge facing our association deals with the three R's.
Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition.


Let us Imagine the impact each on these areas of the future:

?Recruitment:
Increasing membership will yield a stronger and financially sound association.

?Retention:
Providing our association members good value and services for their membership dues can help guarantee continual renewal.

?Recognition:
Our association must be recognized by the consumers and other health professionals as the "Nutrition Expert." Insurance companies must recognize that nutrition services by RD/LD are the most effective in regard to cost and outcomes due to our specialized education in the science of nutrition. Legislators and other power brokers must also become acquainted with our services and the power of our membership. When talking with colleagues or lay persons regarding our profession it surprises me that the public doesn't really know who we are. The public knows what personal trainers do. Health coaches are the next new trend. We need to brand ourselves, our profession.
I challenge all our members to each day undertake one task to promote the Registered Dietitian/Licensed Dietitian. Recruit a new member to ADA and ensure FDA becomes stronger. Promote FDA to your colleagues, attend local meetings, promote our services which ensure our financial stability.
Imagine and Believe with me that we can Achieve these goals ensuring a strong association, A healthier Florida with every consumer demanding their own Dietitian and a financially sound future for all of us.


This is a summary of what FDA's Administrative Council and Board of Directors have been doing:
Our first BOD/AC meeting was held on Oct 19 and 20th in Orlando. During this meeting the BOD/AC drafted their goals and activities for the coming year. The AC/BOD agreed that membership and recruitment will be a key focus of the next year along with developing a strong marketing program for FDA's members and services.

Toni Martin as Chair of Membership and Past President of FDA single handedly sent out a membership letter to 800 of our colleagues in the state they have opted out of ADA membership. This hurts FDA's bottom line since FDA gets a rebate on each member that joins ADA. FDA relies on these rebates and the money goes to operating your association.

Molly Gladding as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and Past President of FDA provided the BOD/AC with a comprehensive presentation on strategic planning. She is responsible for helping us stay focused on the Mission, Vision and Values of FDA. If you can not locate your copy of the strategic plan given out at the Marco Island meeting it will be available on FDA's website in the near future.

Peggy O'Neill Chair of District President's had organized a District Task force along with John Wills to identify problems in the districts with recruitment of members and especially leaders. If you have any ideas you would like to share with Peggy and John please feel free to email them at FDA.

Special thanks to Holly Adams Treasurer of the Florida Dietetic Association our unsung hero that dedicates countless hours to the budget and the financial reports.

Maureen Gardner as Chair of the Nominating Committee is hard at work already looking for our next President elect and other positions. Please remember this is not an exclusive club. If you have a desire to lead your profession, then jump in and place your name in nomination. Do you have a colleague that is a born leader give them a push and submit their name? The nominating committee is accepting nominations for the FDA ballot, contact Maureen Gardner at gardnerm@moffitt.usf.edu Get involved!

Remember you can always attend an Administrative Council meeting to see your association at work.

Members making a difference around the state:
Every month I would like to highlight some of our wonderful colleagues and what they are doing to benefit all of us. If you would like to be highlighted or have a colleague you would like to highlight please submit to me on the 20th of the month for my President's update.
Our Legislative Consultant Sandy Woodruff RD and Past President of FDA and Chris Stapell FDA's Executive Director and Past President of FDA are always hard at work and since the last report they actually meet with Governor's Crist's staff on October 4,2007. The meeting was a great success. Sandy and Chris put together an impressive marketing packet on us, what we do, where we do it and who benefits. Through Chris and Sandy's hard work and excellent communicative skills we now have a relationship with the Gov. office. Thank you Sandy and Chris!

Gayle Dietz member of the Miami Dietetic Association and Past President of FDA represented us at the Sept 29th State Employee Wellness Council meeting. Not only does Gayle take time out of her busy schedule to travel to these meetings held all over the state but she represents us with style. Her contributions to the Employee Wellness Council promote nutrition services for consumers by RD/LD's. Thank you Gayle.

Nadine Pazder member of the Pinellas Dietetic Association and President elect of FDA represented us at the Governor's Physical Fitness Health and Nutrition Subcommittee meeting on October 12,2007. Nadine was generous to take a day off from work for us to attend this meeting to provide public commentary. FDA wanted the Committee to understand the role of RD/LD's in planning nutrition programs and providing nutrition services. For some reason, Nadine's form was missing so she was not called for public commentary. This did not stop Nadine as she marched over to the Chair of the Committee and reported her displeasure. She was told to email her comments to the Council members. Thank you Nadine.

I represented you at the Physical Fitness Health and Nutrition Subcommittee meeting on 10/12 in Fort Lauderdale. It was an exciting meeting chaired by the Florida Surgeon General. Since I was an invited guest I could not speak unless directed to do so. Those of you who know me do know that was difficult to say the least. Nonetheless I was able to contribute important facts on Childhood Obesity.

FDA "NEW" Services
FDA is proud to offer new services. As a member the BOD hopes you will promote our new services to help keep FDA strong.
Is your company in need of comprehensive Spanish Education materials? FDA 's Diet Manual Editor Dr. Catherine Christie and Past President of FDA and her editorial staff have developed another fine product to help you with counseling. Spanish patient education materials are now available for purchase; visit the Florida Diet Manual for the order form.
Do you have friends in other states that want to keep abreast of what's going on in Florida or would like access to our membership benefits? FDA is pleased to announce the Second Affiliate program; spread the word to friends who would like to join. The cost is nominal.

Upcoming Events:

The November Focus will highlight FDA's participation at FNCE. FDA was so proud of all its members that made substantial contributions to the success of FNCE.
The place to be this July will be in my hometown Boca Raton. I expect registration for this event will set an all time record. I hope all my South Florida colleagues will come out to the Boca Raton Resort and Club and greet our visiting colleagues from all over the state. FDA annual meeting will be held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club July 19 -22nd
Do you have a product you would like to exhibit or do you know a vendor that would like to highlight their product. Contact headquarters there are still a few booths available. The exhibit hall for the 2008 meeting is almost full.

Quotes from our Colleagues:
Lastly, I would like to close with a thought from one of our colleagues. We do not have to look further than our own wonderful group of professionals for inspiration and motivation. I would like to share with you an eye opening comment from our President-elect Nadine Pazder. Nadine and I were having a discussion regarding encroachment of another group of health professionals into our area. Nadine had come across an article of Pharmacists providing MNT. Of course I was outraged and said something all of us probably say on a regular basis and that was "What is ADA doing about this?" and Nadine said to me "Who is ADA Lucille?" Good question Who is ADA, Who is FDA? It's you, me, Nadine, and all the rest of the members in our state working hard each day to make a difference in the lives of all the persons you serve. Thank you Nadine for keeping my eye on the ball.
Notice that all FDA's Past Presidents stay active in the Association! Once you volunteer you are hooked. Take control of your profession volunteer your time.

Respectively submitted,
Lucille Beseler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE