In November, in Dallas, the Open Door announced Grace Gentry’s decision to step aside from her long held role as President. We all knew it was coming, but the actual passing of the torch seemed unreal until that moment. Consider how much Grace’s personality, fervor and rollodex have shaped the profile of the Open Door. Consider also that she is the last of the original founders of the Open Door still active on the board today (although take a look at what the inspirational Mr. Waksman is up to on page 6 of the Winter 2003 issue of the newsletter!). And consider the shifting playing field of the American knowledge worker overshadowed by a ballooning trade deficit.

It’s odd, but this moment in the history of our industry is one that will go down as the time when America either reasserts our intention to create and nurture the best place on earth to live through OPPORTUNITY, or accepts a new role of diminishing expectations. I don’t want to get too Gettysburg on you, but we, are gathered on the battlefield of a historic conflict. We are competing with countries who know that education and training - and a revved up workforce - will enable them to take advantage of the opportunities we have created. We have certainly lost a few battles in the past (steel and manufacturing to name two), but, having learned what can happen, we should know that we must address this now. We must educate and train and create the best, the most dedicated and creative, workforce possible.