The following letter from GITA President, Talbot Brooks, appeared in the weekly GITA newsletter update  "GITA News Hub" on Feb. 12, 2013

I am pleased to say that rumors of GITA's demise are much exaggerated! As with the technology we use, change is inevitable. Moving from an organization with a full-time paid staff to one driven principally by volunteers is a complex maneuver requiring the transition of our website, databases, former staff functions and hundreds of other details. Your patience and loyalty to GITA are sincerely appreciated.

With the assistance of SharedGeo and dozens of dedicated volunteers, the GITA Board of Directors has mapped out an ambitious plan for the future that will refocus our efforts and energies from that of a conference-centric model to one which better serves the professional educational needs of our individual and corporate members. Look for new educational content on the website, webinars, opportunities to interact with GITA representation to bodies such as the GIS Certification Institute and National Geospatial Advisory Committee, exciting new research and best practice projects, and professional networking and discovery opportunities.

We will announce more information about these changes as they are unveiled over the coming months — look for fact sheets which will help individual members, corporate members, chapter leadership and the media understand GITA's evolution. In the meantime, volunteers are needed to help with Awards, IT, Membership, Communications, Education, Governance, Finance, Research and Events Committees, including preparations for our 2013 Oil and Gas Conference. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll find a spot for you on the team!

Thanks,

Talbot Brooks,
GITA President