It is with sincere pleasure that I address today our current and future members for the first time as president of Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc.
I'm anxious to use my professional development in international relations and six years as a W/NP board member to facilitate the efforts of the many talented individuals that make up this incredible organization. I anticipate great achievements for the organization during this time of change and opportunity, and I enthusiastically join the rest of our members in meeting any approaching challenges head-on.
In the year 2003, W/NP welcomed its 38th successful year of international work using our unique people-to-people based approach. Our partnership with Nicaragua remains vital and continues to provide a proven channel for the exchange of ideas, resources, and friendships.
This year, we also welcomed the leadership of Nancy Mischnick as W/NP's new Executive Director. Along with Nancy's considerable experience in business, project direction, and board membership, she also brings her own distinct perspective and boundless energy to the organization. We look forward to working with her to build upon the many successes of our previous administrations.
W/NP took new and bold steps forward in 2003. Our central office has been relocated to provide increased productivity through enhanced working conditions and improved use of space. We've maintained our presence on campus at UW Stevens Point to be afforded continued access to its fertile minds and progressive resources. Visitors are welcome.
We have been happily able to maintain our office in Managua. It is through this asset that we are able to utilize a physical presence in Nicaragua to act as a springboard for our development programs. Importantly, our Managua office also provides us insight and opportunity through the eyes of our Nicaraguan staffers for which there really is no substitute. Back in our Wisconsin office, we have provided much needed security and diversification for our work through two support positions to the Executive Director.
During these days, there are fundamental changes occurring in the landscape of international development. These changes have redefined for W/NP the task of procuring funding from federal sources as the global looking glass is focused elsewhere. Rather than let these changes become discouraging, they have served to renew our call to providing a healthy social and economic climate in our own backyard.
In the face of many changes that we are embracing within W/NP and the world at-large, I intend to maintain a focus during the upcoming year on certain goals basic to the health of any non-profit organization. I will renew efforts to create a fiscally sound and sustainable position for W/NP, and I will work to strengthen our collaborative relationship with our partners in Nicaragua.
Let us build upon the past while managing change to create success.
Martin Havlovic
