Dear 2007-08 LDA Members,

The 2007-08 LDA Board recently met regarding the status of LDA and determined that the only feasible option is to put LDA “on hold” for the 2008-09 membership year.  Unfortunately, without a president or president-elect this year, LDA cannot function.  We considered reorganizing the board into a committee structure, but this would not be in accordance with ADA and MDA bylaws.

This also means that LDA will not be able to hold the Food & Fitness 5K in 2009.

The good news is that LDA can be revitalized if there is interest in leadership positions in the future.  At this time, the organization is not being dissolved: LDA can be “picked up where we left off” at a future time. 

We appreciate your support of LDA through your membership, meeting attendance, and positive comments. According to recent online survey of RDs in the Lansing area, most RDs believe that LDA offers important benefits such as continuing education and networking opportunities.  

If you paid LDA membership dues for 2008-09, your check will be returned to you. If you have questions in this regard, please e-mail Mary Niester: mniester@umich.edu.

We are planning a social in November in order to provide a networking and CEU opportunity and discuss ways that Lansing area nutrition professionals and students can continue to communicate.  For example, a Blog has been suggested which would be an interactive way for local RDs, dietetic interns and students to stay in touch.

In the meantime, we will continue to communicate via the LDA e-mail list.  Stay tuned for more information about the November social.

Best,

2007-08 LDA Board:

Emily Ostrowski, Immediate Past President

Gail Hagbom, Treasurer

Mary Niester, Secretary/Membership Chair

Karen Giles-Smith, Communications Chair

Amy Hanover, Nominating Committee Chair