The Washington Society for Association Excellence (WSAE) Board of Directors voted in September to create a merger task force to explore a potential merger with Associations West (AW, formerly CalSAE). While this was a difficult decision, we are confident that with your participation, we can determine whether this is the right direction for WSAE. This vote signaled the beginning of an evaluation process, not a completed merger. While the legal structure under consideration takes the form of an acquisition, the intent is to unite Washington professionals with a larger regional network—if members ultimately approve.