President's Letter

March 2008

As your President, I would like to thank each of you that helped make our Winter Meeting in Hot Springs a success. We had 339 veterinarian, 97 technicians/staff, 15 ASU Beebe Vet Tech students, 36 vendors in attendance. Our state continues to have one of the highest attendance rates of any state continuing education meeting. Please thank your vendors when they visit in your clinic and remind them of our attendance record.

For those of you that do not know me, I am Norette Underwood, LSU 82. I have lived my entire life in Harrisburg, Arkansas in my family home. I tell people I left for 10 years to get educated, then returned home. I felt that the state of Arkansas had helped pay for my education and I needed to give back to my state. I have spent the last 22 years married to Don Nolen, who yes brought his dog into my clinic one day to see the new lady veterinarian. I have owned and operated Trumann Animal clinic for 24 years. I still have staff members that were there in the beginning, when I had 1 employee and now have 6 full time and 4 part time. I have been active in our association and many other civic organizations most of these 24 years. Donald and I have no 2 legged children, just 4 legged. I enjoy photography, motorcycles and competitive sporting clay shooting.

My main goal for the up coming year is to get our membership more involved with the Association. I would like to get our young veterinarians excited about getting involved both locally and state wide. The Association is yours and without your input and participation it is difficult for us to grow. Talk with that veterinary student, spouse or new graduate about how important your state association and auxiliary is to their profession. Get involved. Encourage your spouse to get involved with the Auxiliary. We are here to serve you. Let us know what the association needs to do for you. But more importantly ask yourself what you can do to benefit the association!

Those of you that attended the banquet on Saturday night had a rare treat. Seeing Mike Beard and I in chicken hats singing on stage. John Irwin was our speaker with Hilarity Therapy. His message was to put laughter and fun into your everyday life. We were all moved to tears by the heartwarming presentation of Pet of the Year. Peggy Woody was honored by Auxillary President Lisa Turner for her many years of dedicated service to the Auxiliary. The big treat of the evening was to see Mike Liles given the honor of Veterinarian of the year. He has been a very integral part of the Association serving as our Treasurer for many years. Congratulations Mike. The winter meeting was a great success. The meetings were well attended and all vendor space was sold.

I would like to thank Maggie for the wonderful operation of our association. With out you we would not be as successful as we are. Thank you for a job well done.
Last but not least, I would like to thank Mike Beard in his guidance to help me prepare for the job of President. I had numerous questions and he patiently answered them all.

I am here for the members of the association. I will give the job of President my best and serve with honesty and professionalism.

Norette L. Underwood

P.S. Mark your calendars for the summer meeting August 1-3 at Sam’s Town in Tunica. A golf tournament and river boat cruise are planned along with great C.E. I know Dave Blount has a wonderful meeting planned.

Executive Director's Message

March 2008

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.    –Raymond Linguist

2008 has gotten off to a great start!! Dr. Norette Underwood put together a fantastic Winter Meeting. Hot Springs is always a great location to meet. The Winter Meeting had an excellent turn out!! (See Presidents Message for specifics). Dr. Mike Liles was named Veterinarian of the Year. A well deserved honor for him. Since I have been involved with the association, which is over five years now, Dr. Liles has never missed a Board Meeting, Winter Meeting, or Summer Meeting. He is also involved with SWVS. He is dedicated to the veterinarian profession and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association. Congratulations Dr. Liles!!!!!

I have to give thanks to Dr. Mike Beard for the excellent leadership of the association he provided over the last year. It was a pleasure to work with him. He served the association well. As the ranks changed hands at the Winter Meeting, Dr. Norette Underwood was installed as President for 2008. She is the first female President the association has had. We are all very proud of her. I look forward to the upcoming year. I know she takes this role very seriously and will do an excellent job for the association.

Please mark your calendars for the 2008 Summer Meeting August 1-3. Dr. David Blount has put together a great program. It will be at Sam’s Town Casino in Tunica, MS. Bring your family and plan to have a great time!!

Until Next Time!

Fondly,
Maggie Milligan