Document 5Dbw6Vr1j0aOgVm8od7n149m0

DRAFT Welcoming Remarks 2004 Annual Meeting SHS - Asilomar In industry terms, we've taken big steps forward - from planning through project execution and now to being fully operational But being ''fully operational" does not mean that we can relax and wait for the results to come rolling in, we appreciate that there is much still to be done. We all know from experience - some of us better than others - that the path to good science isn't always clear and it's almost never quick. We all recognize that this is a multiyear effort and we are committed to seeing it through. The tranquility of the environment here at Asilomar - without the usual distractions and diversions that most of are used to encountering - made for a very productive and informative meeting last year - something that we hope to replicate again over the next two days. With the help of the staff and counsel of API we have come together around a fairly ambitious program similar in format to our meeting last year. It is our hope that the plenary sessions will provide a useful framework for all of us to share our experiences and seek and receive support in resolving 6 SH ELL-MCCLU RG-059623