With packaging upon us, I'm sure many of you are looking back and wondering where the time went. Well, your time may have gotten buried by the snow. As we all know, 2010 will go down in history as the year we broke the snow record in our respective region.

In our industry, it is still a busy time. Let's take a look at those popular discussion topics:

1. Year Round Pell - It's upon us and in full swing. I hope you've attended as many sessions at conferences as possible and are more comfortable with the awarding.
2. Net Price Calculator - The topic is up and coming and starting to appear on many conference agendas. The ultimate question, will your institution build your own or will you go out and look for one?
3. Title X - Changes have taken place to the private loan process. Let's hope students complete their self-certification and approval disclosure in a timely manner (less than 30 days).
4. IRS data retrieval - New this year, hopefully this will create more accurate awards.
5. SAFRA and Health Care - Which bill will reach the President's desk first? Or, will budget reconciliation be used in 2010?
6. ECASLA - How many of you are waiting to see what loan program you'll be using in 2010?

As you can see, this is only a sampling of what is keeping each and everyone of us busy in our offices. In Tri-State and EASFAA, the training committees are working hard to provide training on many of these topics. We hope you've been able to take advantage of the trainings offered in your area. If you haven't had the opportunity, we hope you've sent someone else from your office.

Lastly with March upon us, the academic year is winding down and the new awarding cycle will be in full swing before you know it. By the time you read this, new leadership will have been selected and voted on by you and new leadership will take over July 1, a mere three and one-half months away. I thank you again for the opportunity to lead our association. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Federal Relations Committee