2007 The year Ahead

I work for the Association for Geographic Information known as the AGI.

Quoting from our website, this is who we are -
'The AGI exists to represent the interests of the UK's geographic information (GI) industry; a wide-ranging group of public and private sector organisations, suppliers of GI software, hardware, data and services, consultants, academics and interested individuals. The AGI, by way of its unique membership forum, brings together this previously disparate GI community to share ideas on best practice, experience and innovation, and offers access to unparalleled networking opportunities with significant business benefits.'

I really believe passionately about the relevance of the AGI especially in today's expanding world of GI. But because we are a membership-based organisation, we depend on membership subscriptions for our financial viability. We have to set subscriptions at a rate which is commensurate with the benefits that we offer.

As the Chief Financial Officer, it is my job to maintain our finances and to try to balance income and expenditure. That is quite a challenge for us. In past years we have increased our investment in membership services and benefits. We must now make ourselves known to all practitioners in the world of geography to ensure that we have a large and vibrant membership base. I believe that we are a unique and important resource for all in the world of Geography whether they are large commercial enterprises, government bodies, health authorities, mapping organisations or individuals.

2007 is a critical and exciting year for us. We will be moving into new premises in April, we have a new Director starting in February, we have a new format of Annual Conference in September and we have a talented and committed team of 7 staff in the Head Office.

If anyone who is reading this is interested in Geography, please look at our website. And if you are not a member already, please think about joining us. We offer courses, events, seminars, conferences, website benefits, information and professional development. And parties! The more members we have the more we can do together. Please come on board. You will be made very welcome.

And I hope you will follow this blog. This will be my take on the year as it unfolds, written from a personal point of view but hopefully of interest to others. It will not be a technical blog - my knowledge of Geography is not sufficient for that. It will be as honest as I can be. I dare say it will reveal frustrations as well,I hope, as achievements. I am learning about the world of geography and I look forward to sharing that learning process.