AOS MEMBERSHIP NEWS Board of Directors Help Grow AOS Through ‘Visions Workshop’ Jordan J. Balvich, DMD, FAGD, DAOS AOS President Your Board of Directors recently concluded a “Visions Workshop” where we built a roadmap for the next three years for our Society. Although facing a terrific loss with the sudden retire- ment of Dr. Gerety this past year, we reacted quickly by adjusting our teaching schedule and refocusing our marketing strategy. The results dramatically exceeded expectations leav- ing the AOS in solid financial condition and membership on the rise. While “Big Bob” remains the heart, soul and spirit of this association, we are entering a new era with confidence. Our three-year roadmap includes plans for identifying and devel- oping new speakers for our courses, the development of creative mentoring tools using internet technology, continued growth of our superb clinical journal, and the continuing focus on growing and improving our Annual Meeting. At the heart of our growth is the most important strength we have.......our members. With a committed volunteer Board, and a hard working professional staff, the needs of our members remain the core of any “Visions Plan” we develop. TOGETHER we will move GP orthodontics to the next “Mountain Top”! Jordan Balvich, DMD, FAGD, DAOS Fun & Education Wrapped Together Houston, Texas will be the site for the 2010 AOS Annual Meeting from October 28-31. Come prepared to enjoy the unique personality of one of the world’s largest cities, renew acquaintances and learn a bit more about orthodontics along the way. Accommodations this year will be at the Hotel Intercontinental, a four- diamond hotel, just one block from the famous Galleria, with its world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. Pamper yourself a little while here! As usual, we have an outstanding spouse/guest program incorporated into this year’s meeting. Come one day early and unwind at Wildcat Golf Course on Wednesday. Indoor courts await the tennis buffs on Thursday at the West- heimer Indoor Tennis & Fitness Club. On Friday, take a tour of the late Miss Ima Hogg’s estate, followed by lunch at the very southern Ouisie’s Table, a Hous- ton landmark. Get downright artistic in the afternoon at Pinot & Picasso, where you can create your very own master- piece and take it with you when you leave! Also, you have a unique opportu- nity to celebrate our country’s proud history of space exploration with a visit to Space Center Houston on Sunday. Use computers to simulate retrieving a satel- lite, learn how astronauts function in space, touch a moon rock and try on space helmets in this hands-on educa- tional facility designed by Disney! But, let’s not forget about the reason for our annual meeting. We have some highly informational and some highly motivational speakers in store for you this year, too. Lecturers scheduled include: Dr. Leonard Carapezza, who has over 30 years of clinical experience in pediatric orthodontics and is a Senior Certified Instructor for both the AOS and IAO; Dr. Gil Carney, a nationally recognized expert in occlusion and treatment involving TMJ disorders; Dr. Michael Williams, a leader in the field of orthodontics and dentofa- cial orthopedics who has lectured exten- sively in North America, Spain and the Dominican Republic. In an AOS first, Dr. Pablo Echarri, a popular international lecturer with over 25 years of clinical orthodontic experience, will offer his lecture, “How to Get the Maximum Benefit Out of Self-Ligating Brackets With the CSW Technique,” in both English and Spanish! Dr. Echarri, whose private practice and education center is in Barcelona, Spain, has authored 10 books and written more than 90 arti- cles for orthodontic journals around the globe. To start your Friday and Saturday off in the right direction, we've invited two positively dynamic speakers with messages designed to motivate ALL atten- dees. In his high-energy message, Ruben Gonzalez, a four-time Winter Olympics competitor, will inspire you to unlock your full potential in order to achieve your personal and professional goals. And you’ve never heard anyone like Christine Cashen! We all possess what we need to succeed. In her talk, “Get What You Want With What You’ve Got,” Christine uses humor to demon- strate how to get the absolute best out of the skills you already possess. Start your day off smiling! In the meantime, you can visit these sites for more information: www.houston.intercontinental.com www.galleriahouston.com www.wildcatgolfclub.com www.westheimerindoor.com www.ouisiestable.com www.mfah.org/bayoubend www.pinotandpicasso.com www.christinecashen.com www.thelugeman.com www.orthodontics.com www.orthodontics.com May/June 2010 49