An old greeting says something like, "May you live in interesting times."  I might adapt that for my own situation at present: "May you be GAHU President during interesting times!"  I was just a trainee in the insurance business when the last big push came for healthcare reform, so I don't vividly remember it.  But by all accounts, this attempt seems to be more far reaching and more of a certainty than ever before.  And I could not be more excited to be your new GAHU President at this exact moment!

One of the most important things we do as an Association is to act as advocates for you (our members) and your clients.  My first act as President was to update my GAHUPAC and HUPAC membership so that I am a monthly contributor to BOTH.  I urge you to do the same, even if it's only $10 a month!  It is through the efforts of those two entities that your voice is heard in Atlanta and in Washington.  And rest assured that your voice is being heard at this moment.  There are many reports that the reform effort is taking a more measured, reasonable approach.  This change is occurring because of the tireless efforts of HUPAC to educate and ask pointed questions of key legislators in Washington.  But we need to turn up the volume, and that's where your $10 (or more!) comes in each month.  If you are not already a contributor, please add your voice to the chorus!  We need you!

My personal focus as President this year will be in three key areas:

1) Media -

I don't believe GAHU has ever had more than three "press-hits" in a given year.  My goal is to change that.  Working with Suzanne Gipalo, our Media Relations chair, we have already had five press-hits published that demonstrate to readers that GAHU members are THE authority of health insurance, reform and the financing of America's healthcare.  Our goal is to maintain such a presence in the press that, when a writer is working on a story that touches healthcare, we are contacted for facts and figures.  This media effort will increase our relevancy and aid in our efforts to ensure that health reform is smart! 

2) Communication

This newsletter is just one communication tool.  The regular updates you get from our Executive Director's office notifying you of events is another tool.  But I want GAHU to be communicating with our members in other ways as well.  Don't be surprised if you get an email or phone call from me or someone on our state Board.  We want and need to hear from you.  Our job is to serve YOU.  One of the best ways to do that is by having real conversations.

3) Stewardship

Finances are tight for every business and individual out there.  GAHU is no different.  One of my simple commitments as your President is to do everything I can to ensure and demonstrate that YOUR dues dollars are being spent to maximum effect.  You will have access to budgets and P&L statements through the GAHU website.  You should be assured that wherever possible, your dues dollar is being stretched to it's maximum.  If you have ever wondered, "What do my dues dollars pay for?" send me an email or call me or anyone else on our Board.  Even more importantly, if you have ideas about how we can save more, we want to hear from you!

We have a lot to accomplish this year.  Again, I couldn't be more excited to be serving you and our Association at this time.  But I can't do it alone.  Even with the fantastic Board we have, I can't help move GAHU toward the lofty goals we have set without you.  I need you. Our Association needs you. 

Will you help us help you?

Blake Watts

President