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Dear Board of Directors,

Thank you for making our first-ever Board Strategy Retreat such a success. It was an incredible 36 hours. I am very grateful that so many of you made it a priority to join us. The discussions were extremely helpful to me and my colleagues, and your suggestions will be of tremendous value as we implement our game plan. I am only sorry a few of you were stuck in New York by the "Blizzard."

I hope that you found the outside speakers informative, including the sobering discussion with General Rodriguez from AFRICOM - and of course, the inspiring lunch with General Colin Powell. I found Neil Newhouse and Geoff Garin's insights useful as we continue shaping our message, and I'd like to thank Michael Gerson, Ann Lewis and Brian Hook for leading our conversation on Election 2016. I particularly appreciated the strategy guidance from Wednesday's breakout sessions.

Immediate Steps:


1. Opinion Research. I will be in touch about our research plans. We will certainly want your input as we explore potential re-branding of our message.


2. Africa Trips. I will keep you posted about our March and April trips. Hopefully they will both come together quickly.


3. Budget Rollout. As we discussed, the President's budget request comes out on Monday.

* We will release several products: a press statement; a full analysis (more than some of you want, but a very valuable tool for the Hill); a short follow-up blog framing our message; and a social media campaign.

* Behind the scenes, we will be working to minimize any negative comments from the GOP on this portion of the budget.

* We have scheduled a webinar with our members; a conference call for our military leaders with Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom; and a call with our State Leaders with former Representatives Martin Frost and Tom Davis, who just co-authored a book on the Partisan Divide.

* We will host a salon dinner with Deputy Secretary Higginbottom later in February and hold our first Lobby Day focused on visiting with the 60+ freshmen on February 12. If you can attend the Freshmen Lobby Day, please let Tod Preston know (tpreston@usglc.org<mailto:tpreston@usglc.org>).


4. Twitter. If you are on Twitter, please follow us @USGLC and send a tweet about joining us at the meeting. Here are some examples; photos to accompany them are attached:

* Lunch with fellow members of @USGLC<https://twitter.com/USGLC> board and General Colin Powell. Many insights into national security challenges.

* @USGLC<https://twitter.com/USGLC> discussed global challenges with @USAFRICOM<https://twitter.com/USAFRICOM> commander Gen. David Rodriguez & how development, diplomacy help


5. Key Dates. Mark your calendar:

* USGLC Tribute Dinner: June 17, 2015

* USGLC State Leaders Conference: June 16-17, 2015 (Bring your State Leaders to DC)

* Next Board Meeting: May 12, 2015


I have attached an electronic copy of the bios and contact list for both Boards and the senior staff. Here is a link to Secretary Kerry's speech at Davos<http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2015/01/236254.htm> that Sarah Sewall discussed. I am on a flight to Seattle, where I will have a chance to visit with our friends at the Gates Foundation (though my family - crazy Patriots fans - is very upset I am entering "enemy territory" just days before the Super Bowl). I look forward to sharing with our friends in Seattle the energy, talent and commitment of our Boards.

I thank you for your support and for the confidence you have in our combined effort to make a difference in the world while advancing America's interests. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Liz
Liz Schrayer | President & CEO |USGLC