Dear Members and Fellow Alumni,

The start of a New Year always brings change, and 2010 will certainly be interesting after a tumultuous 2009.  The economy appears to be stabilizing, but the unemployment rate continues to creep up, and the outlook for business growth is uncertain.  The new Administration will be starting its second year facing a stinging loss of control of the Senate and a growing populist revolt against the current direction of Congress.

In the face of these events, the Club strives to bring you events and activities that are interesting  and relevant to your current lives.  We kick off our first event of 2010 with a luncheon at the picturesque River Club, where Harvard University graduate Clay Tousey III, Esq., of Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball, will share the latest updates on the Federal estate tax, which as of January 1st is repealed until 2011 then returns to 2002 levels (ouch!)  Members enjoy a discounted rate for this event...join today at a pro rata fee for the rest of this year and reserve your space by January 27th!

Then, in March we are planning another luncheon with tax and accounting CPAs from Deloitte, who will discuss current corporate and individual tax issues...just in time for tax season!

The highly successful and popular Virtual Learning Series (VLS) teleconference calls with HBS professors and other distinguished guests will continue in 2010, covering a wide variety of currently relevant topics to HBS alumni.  Check out the upcoming calls on January 19th, February 8th, and March 10th.  All VLS events are free to Club members!  If you miss a call, you can download and listen to live recordings at the VLS archive here.

In order to put forward a great calendar of events, we need the support of our local Alumni.  I hope you will consider becoming a Member for the remainder of our 2009-2010 fiscal year and come to several of our events...it will be a worthwhile and rewarding experience!

Regards,

John R. Marshall, President
HBS Club of Jacksonville