The GANS Board has worked hard in 2013 to bring change to the organization and provide more value to its members. Last year’s highlights include the Michael Goodchild presentation, the Nova Scotia Government GIS Strategy presentation, and the Christmas social with the presentation from Gerry Post. However, I think the thing we are most thrilled about in 2013 is the refresh to GANS’s look.

As of December 11th GANS has adopted a new logo, a refreshed website and new promotional material, all of which is in keeping with how GANS is evolving. We are very proud of our new looks and hope it will instill new interest and vigor into the organization. I encourage everyone to take a look at "The New GANS Brand and the Story Behind the Creation" of our new brand.

2013 has seen a healthy increase in both membership and corporate sponsorship and we are determined to continue that momentum into 2014. We have a number of high level goals / activities identified in our workplan for the new year and here are a few of them;

• Re-invigoration of the Private Sector Working Group
• Delivering professional development opportunities to our members
• Participation in the organizing committee of the 2015 Digital Earth Conference

In 2014 we are asking for everyone’s help. We want to build on 2013 and continue to grow and strengthen GANS and we’d like to challenge each member to assist us. Participation is key. We invite you to join one of our Working Groups, invite you to participate in the events that we will be delivering, and encourage you give us suggestions and feedback in 2014. 

Your involvement in GANS can make a difference.

Thank you from the GANS Board,

Eric Melanson
President, GANS