November, 2009
Dear NESO Members:
NESO’s 88th Annual Session is officially history. Over 320 orthodontists, and over 400 staff members took in 2 ½ days of Continuing Education, 90+ exhibits, receptions, great food, shopping and all that New York City had to offer. By all accounts, it was a great meeting and I am sorry if you missed it.
I am truly honored and humbled to be elected as NESO’s President for 2009-2010. Following in the footsteps of such leaders as Drs. Mike Rennert, Perry Opin, and Ray George, Sr., among many others is truly daunting. If it wasn’t for the support of a truly dedicated and committed Executive Committee and Board, one would probably crack under the pressure.
We, in the orthodontic profession, are truly blessed and sometimes forget how good we have things. Even in tough times, we are far more fortunate than most others. In some small way, if I can give back a little to a profession that has given me so many gifts, then I am a lucky person. That is why I have been involved in organized orthodontics for so many years. To badly paraphrase a famous US President…I ask not what the profession can do for me but rather what I can do for the Profession. I hope you will think about this when your Component Director calls upon you to help out on a committee or task force. NESO recognizes that you are all busy people with diverse interests and, as such, try to keep the time commitments short. Hopefully you will consider lending a hand the next time you are approached.
Please know that I am always available for you. Contact me by e-mail lerickso@dal.ca or by phone at 902-835-6531.
Lee Erickson
2009 NESO President