I am just now returning to the office, having spent 3 days in Austin, Texas, attending the South Central SAS Users Group (SCSUG) Educational Forum. The conference was a big success, and I could literally feel the energy in the air. Thanks to the dedication of the executive committee, conference chairs, presenters and volunteers, the SAS users in the South Central region were able to learn, network and have fun.

One of those volunteers is this year’s SAS Global Forum conference chair, Debbie Buck. During Opening Session, Debbie took a few minutes to let folks know that she first got involved with SAS users groups by volunteering at SCSUG, and she encouraged everyone to participate. Her words were sincere. This made me think that next to content, the other most important element of a successful SAS users group conference is the people who put them together, who present, and who volunteer.

Thank you Debbie, for taking that first step years ago, to get involved with a SAS users group. Those of us in the SAS users group community appreciate your enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication. I can’t want to see what Debbie has in store for SAS Global Forum 2011!