Greetings. As we transition through autumn and into winter, we readily approach our annual meeting in Chicago. This likewise will mark the transition in leadership terms, and will mark a year for which I am grateful to have served as your President, with the privilege of working with some of the most talented leaders in the Periodontal Community. Several of our members were recognized at the AAP meeting in Boston, including: Dr. Ken Krebs for the AAP Distinguished Service Award, Drs. Paul Luepke(Marquette) and Gustavo Avila(U Michigan) for the AAP Foundation Fellowship to the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching & Learning in the Health Professions, Dr. Guizhen Zhang(U Minnesota) for the Chasens Teaching and Research Fellowship, as well as Dr. Jill Bashutski(U Michigan) for the Balint Orban-Clinical Group Award. Congratulations to everyone! While amidst challenging times on many levels, the Midwest Periodontal Community remains strong, in large part due to the quiet confidence, measured disposition and sharp intellect that characterizes the Midwest periodontist. The continued efforts by each of us remain crucial to maintain a strong voice and advance our profession. Furthermore, continued investment in the future of our profession could not be more important at this time. I recently asked my colleague, Dr. Laurie McCauley why she continues to support dental students attending the MSP meeting each year, even with the current economic restraints. She imparted her commitment as a department Chair to build for the future of our profession; inspiring the next cohort of periodontists, as well as developing a greater appreciation of what we do to those who will choose a different path in dentistry. Fortunately, many other examples exist of those making a difference in the MSP. May each of us likewise use our talents in a way to better our profession, and succeed in capitalizing on the next set of challenges and opportunities as they present. One investment with a certain immediate return is attendance at our upcoming 2010 meeting February 26-28 in Chicago. This year promises a program of value for a variety of interests. Sunstar will be supporting our Friday Program this year. Dr. Darnell Kaigler, our Program Chair has put together a solid program with Drs. Guilio, Rasperini and Ken Kornman on Saturday, and Dr. Craig Misch presenting on Sunday morning. Saturday will also feature our Graduate Student Research Forum, with Dr. Dimitris Tatakis as Forum Chair, as well as our ever-popular spouses program for which Drs. Dean Politis and Paul Luepke have been creatively developing. In addition, Dr. Monish Bhola and the Lunch and Learn Committee have put together a nice array of topics and speakers. So much packed into one great weekend! In closing, I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity of serving as the MSP President. It has been a great experience! Also, thank you for your continued support of the MSP and I look forward to seeing you in Chicago. Kind regards, Steve Meraw President, MSP