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Dear ARS Network:
 ARS is plunging into the new year feet first - full of energy and ready to run. 2005 promises to be an exciting year for ARS. We are uniquely positioned as this country's only action-oriented, grass-tops movement for Regionalism. We have numerous projects and activities lined up for the year, including Gardner Academies in Long Island, Florida, and Northern Kentucky. We will be conducting an R.S.V.P. (Regional Stewardship Visitors Program), taking Philadelphia leaders to Chicago. Two National Forums on Regional Stewardship are scheduled for May (Washington) and November (Louisville), where we will address how collaboration can address economic and social conditions of the region, and how public services can be improved or made more efficient through city/county/regional service sharing, consolidation, and mergers. New monographs are slated for 2005, as is the rollout of RegionLink, the second annual Regional Stewardship Awards, and much much more.
The Board and staff of ARS aim to make 2005 the Year of the Region. With the latest election under our belt, it is time to begin exploring how the Region fits into the national policy picture. Regionalism has not traditionally been part of federal discussions, but this is changing. As Regions themselves are exploring their own future, the federal government is beginning to take note. It is our goal to bring Regionalism to a level that cannot be denied or ignored.
We look forward to working with each of you in 2005 to make our action-oriented network a powerful force driving our economy and society.
Happy New Year!!
George Vradenburg
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