It is a thrill to serve the Pennsylvania Communication Association as vice-president and I couldn't be more enthused to have all of you come to "my neck of the woods" -- Penn State Lehigh Valley -- for the conference this year. Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Lehigh Vally, and the Lehigh Valley campus is situated among forty beautiful rolling acres that were once home to a beautiful apple orchard. A Dessert and Coffee Bar during the poster session will kick off the conference on Friday Night in the Atrium at Lehigh Valley Campus. Gourmet Goodies and Poster Provocations!  Join Us!

This year's theme--Communication Praxis in Multiple Spheres" has me thinking about some of the past Pennsylvania scholars who would marvel at the advances in technology. I remember Dr. Richard Gregg enthusiastically showing me Amazon.com once when I visited him in his Penn State office. I think he would enjoy thinking about social networking and webcams and the explosion of political blogging. As communication scholars I think it is our mission to keep the best of the traditions of our discipline, while bravely harnessing the new ways of teaching, learning and researching with technology.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the conference. Unlike previous years, this conference extends to Sunday and I have composed a list of area places of worship, should you decide to stay in the Lehigh Valley area on Sunday and attend a service. I want you to be comfortable, so please let me know if you have any special needs or concerns. It is my goal for this conference to be memorable, productive and positive.

I think PCA is poised in our 69th year to be better than ever. Afterall, when we think about this presidential election -- 69 isn't too old; in no other "state" is this "communication" story possible and we are all "in to win" when we participate fully in all the riches our state communication association has to offer.Thanks for your participation! I am looking forward to seeing you!

Warm wishes, Nichola D. "Nikki" Gutgold

UPDATED June 1, 2008