ASIAN SEED • 32 Dedicated Seed Industry Leaders Ensure the Success of APSA Executive Excellence By Heidi Gallant APSA Executive Director I am always astounded by the devotion of an executive com- mittee or a board of directors who volunteer to serve an orga- nization. In addition to working full time jobs, taking care of families and personal needs, they are willing to give freely of their time and energy to better an association for the common good of their industries. The tenures for many of APSA’s Executive Committee members are up later this year, which will leave a num- ber of vacancies for dedicat- ed seed industry executives. I would like to take this opportunity to give you some information about what the EC of APSA does for the associ- ation. The people who do this job rarely tell you about their contributions, so please allow me to offer you some insight. Firstly, the EC meets in person three times per year – twice at the venue of the Asian Seed Congress, both before and following the big event. The third meeting takes place in the spring. APSA covers the travel costs of the EC for the spring meet- ing only. We expect that they will attend ASC at their own cost, but we do waive their delegate fee. In addition to the three annual in-person meetings, the EC is required to respond to regular requests for ad- vice from the Secretariat. For example, all new members are put to the whole EC for approval before they are wel- comed into the association. The EC represents the mem- bers of APSA. The members cannot all be asked for their advice. Therefore, the EC is expected to act and advise on behalf of members to the best of their ability as seed industry professionals representing a certain country or territory. The EC does a very crucial job on behalf of APSA mem- bers. They are responsible for setting the main focus of the APSA strategy; they review proposals for Congress host countries and they approve the budgets and activity of the Special Interest Groups and Standing Committees. Other important associa- tion matters may require their attention. Lately, for exam- ple, they have determined the action plan to see APSA registered as an international association in Thailand. APSA has changed a lot under the present EC manage- ment. Thanks to their blessing and direction, APSA has accom- plished a great deal in a short amount of time. We’ve implemented new standards, developed a new website, created a new mem- bership directory, piloted new events and investigated new partnerships with external stakeholders. All of this prog- ress would not be possible without the determined and dedicated leadership that is a centerpiece of APSA. If you would like more infor- mation on becoming a part of this essential body, please do not hesitate to contact the APSA Director or a current EC member for advice. APSA's Executive Committee, which meets in-person three times a year, comprises dedicated and respected industry leaders from throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and world, who represent both the public and private sectors. ASIAN SEED • 32 Dedicated Seed Industry Leaders Ensure the Success of APSA Executive Excellence By Heidi Gallant APSA Executive Director I am always astounded by the devotion of Executive Commit- tees or a board of directors who volunteer to serve an organi- zation. In addition to working their full time jobs, taking care of their families and their personal needs, they are willing to give freely of their time and energy to better an association for the common good of their industry. The tenures for many of APSA’s Executive Committee members are up later this year, which will leave a num- ber of vacancies for dedicat- ed seed industry executives. To complement the reasons to come an EC member that Brenda outlined, I would also like to take this opportunity to give you some information about what the EC of APSA does for the association. The people who do this job rarely tell you about their contribu- tions, so please allow me to offer you some insight. Firstly, the EC meets in person three times per year – twice at the venue of the Asian Seed Congress, both before and following the big event. The third meeting takes place in the Spring. APSA covers the travel costs of the EC for the Spring meeting only. We expect that they will attend ASC at their own cost, but we do waive their delegate fee. In addition to the three annual in-person meetings, the EC is required to respond to regular requests for ad- vice from the Secretariat. For example, all new members are put to the whole EC for approval before they are wel- comed into the association. The EC represents the mem- bers of APSA. The members cannot all be asked for their advice. Therefore, the EC is expected to act and advise on behalf of members to the best of their ability as seed industry professionals representing a certain country or territory. The EC does a very crucial job on behalf of APSA mem- bers. They are responsible for setting the main focus of the APSA strategy; they review proposals for Congress host countries and they approve the budgets and activity of the Special Interest Groups and Standing Committees. And there may be other im- portant association matters that require their attention. Lately, for example, they have determined the action plan to see APSA registered as international asso- ciation in Thailand. APSA has changed a lot under the present EC manage- ment. Thanks to their blessing and direction, APSA has accom- plished a great deal in a short amount of time. We’ve implemented new standards, developed a new website, created a new mem- bership directory, piloted new events and investigated new partnerships with external stakeholders. All of this prog- ress would not be possible without the determined and dedicated leadership that is a centerpiece of APSA. If you would like more infor- mation on becoming a part of this essential body, please do not hesitate to contact the APSA Director or a current EC member for advice. APSA's Executive Committee, which meets in-person three four a year, comprises dedicated and respected industry leaders from throughout the Asia-Pacific region and world who represent both the public and private sectors.