APPA has just closed its books on another solid and successful fiscal year. Besides completing the yearly audit and reflecting on the financial side of APPA's operations, it is also time to reflect on the technological and member services advances that have been made over the last year. Some of these advances affect member services such as the new membership cards and increased technological accessibility via the Internet, while some advances are broader in scope, affecting a targeted group of facilities professionals such as those at historically black colleges and universities.

Membership cards are a relatively new benefit for members. This is the second year that membership cards will be sent to all paid members. Besides listing APPA's contact information including mail and Internet addresses, phone, fax, and e-mail, it also lists the member identification number. This number is necessary to access the online member directory: www.appa.org/membership/directory. This online 24-hour service has also been available to members for one year now, and offers members more accessibility to their information for reporting changes of address as well as title and university or company updates.

Also, an Avis rental car savings card will be enclosed in the membership card mailing. Avis is the official rental car company for APPA. This is a new membership benefit offered for the first time this year. If you need any additional discount cards, please let us know.

On a recruitment note, APPA will increase its commitment to historically black colleges and univerisities (HBCUs) in a big way. Last year, APPA and the Southeastern region (SRAPPA) encouraged the involvement of HBCUs in APPA; all HBCUs not currently members were sent promotional information about APPA and were offered a discounted membership rate for the first year. While recruitment increased only slightly, the message was getting out to a specific segmented group of facility professionals.

In April, APPA offered HBCUs the opportunity to join the association at no cost to them. The leadership of APPA feels that strongly about increasing the participation of HBCUs. While the majority of historically black colleges and universities are in the Southeastern region, all regions are in unison about making this offer. By making this invitation, it is APPA's hope to galvanize more minority leadership, increase attendance at the annual conference, and make an impact on issues directly affecting HBCUs.

By now all members should have received their copy of the 1999-2000 Membership Directory and Resource Guide. Members can purchase additional copies for only $45. Payment can be made by check or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express). Purchase order numbers will also be accepted. If interested, contact Cotrenia Aytch by e-mailing cotrenia@appa.org.

The 2000-2001 Membership Directory and Resource Guide will be issued in the fall, bringing the directory back on schedule. The delay of the past issue was due to having a new company produce the directory and programming the directory specifications using the new membership database. Your patience during this transition is appreciated; we hope these changes have improved the readability and usability of the directory.

As most of you know, invoices have been sent out. If you have not received one or need a duplicate copy, please call me at 703-684-1446 ext. 232 or Maxine Mauldin-Chappell at ext. 227. By returning your invoice with payment you demonstrate your continued support of APPA and the facilities profession. We rely on strength in numbers to promote recognition of the profession. Your dues keeps us strong, enabling us to provide you with services and benefits that will make your membership in APPA the most fulfilling to you.