Dear members and supporters,

It is my pleasure to report that bylaw amendments proposed by the Board of Directors passed in a unanimous vote of Great Lakes United membership. This is a strong recognition of your support for our efforts. These changes are an important part of Great Lake United’s efforts to adapt continuously to a changing organizational landscape. They allow us greater flexibility in finding board members with specific skill sets, and reduce some of the barriers that have prevented this from happening in the past. Voter turnout for the one day event was 40% of eligible organizational members.
 
Because these bylaw changes affect the board structure, there have been some changes in this year’s Board of Directors openings. Visit www.glu.org/meeting2010/board for a list of open positions and nomination forms. Nominations are due by November 19. Serving on our Board of Directors is a chance to take a steering hand with the region’s premiere binational coalition.
 
With the bylaw amendments vote now behind us, Great Lakes United turns to its Annual Meeting. A full set of resolutions have been submitted by our member groups and more information will be coming to you shortly on these. Our coalition is strong because of the active engagement of our members, and we look forward to your further participation in the coming weeks.
 
Thank you again for taking part in yesterday's vote, and for your continued engagement with our work. Together, we are making a difference for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
 
Sincerely,

Melanie Napoleon
Lake Michigan Director
Chair of the Bylaws and Nominations Committee of the Great Lakes United Board of Directors