Take a look at what IGIS has done! Note there are two parts to the blog, so be sure to catch all of their activity. I love how they have detailed out their partnerships drawing attention not just to the breadth of support that IGIS provides across UC ANR, but also the work of their collaborators. Reading through the two sections gives a nice peek into the work of academics and staff across the state using informatics and geospatial data as part of their Cooperative Extension program. A reader who may not fully understand IGIS leaves with a strong appreciation for the broader impact of IGIS's work.

We know that Cooperative Extension and applied research is all about improving lives across California. There's a new report out intended to get the word out to those across the U.S. who aren't familiar with the public value of Cooperative Extension. The report is limited to only 22 examples of the broader impact of Cooperative Extension work across the U.S. Fortunately, the nutrition program in Alameda County was among the limited number of stories (see page 25). The Alameda County UCCE work in nutrition is one example of how others use our impact stories. Let's hope more CA examples are showcased in the future. We have so many great stories about making a difference to share!

My calendar starts to pick up this week, after what seems to have been a slow recovery from the winter break. We have a strategic plan retreat tomorrow. Later in the week, the County Directors will be in Davis and the REC Directors, Superintendents, and Business Officers the following day. I won't get a chance to see the leadership team while they are in Davis because I head to Chicago on Wednesday morning. I'm sure their meetings will be productive; the agendas look full.

It is hard to believe we are just about 1/12 through 2020. This trip to Chicago is the start of two busy travel months, so it will be good practice for getting back into the airport routine.