On behalf of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association, I am pleased to invite you to our upcoming Annual Meeting, at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. There is so much to offer by way of the substantive program and social program. There are many highlights, and I will outline some in this letter, but please do peruse your brochure. We will be joined by a large contingent of judges, both Federal and State, and they are graciously participating in our programs in large numbers. Thanks to your Executive Committee, and to the Annual Meeting Committee, with chair Curtis Ott, co-chairs Wendy Keefer, Ron Wray, Hugh Buyck, this promises to be a meeting to remember.

We will be graced by the Honorable Matthew Perry, addressing the group as to his personal memories and participation in the Civil Rights Movement. We will also enjoy a Federal Judges Panel, during which our moderator will take us through issues of import to the Federal Bench and practitioners. I commend to you as well our Panel on Civility, an issue which has been embraced wholeheartedly by our members and our judiciary.

Pamela Roberts, a fellow member and currently the American Bar Association Chair for the Commission on Women in the Profession, will moderate a panel of judges and attorneys on Women in the Law. Former United States Secretary of Education, Richard "Dick" Riley will address the group on the transition of presidential administrations, which shall be quite timely given that we will be on the heels, literally, of the election of our new President.

There are many other substantive topics, but lest you think we have forgotten our leisure time, we will have many activities from which you can choose. We will have the golf tournament at the Golf Club of Amelia Island. We have backwater fishing, a horse drawn carriage historical tour of Fernandina, horse back riding and a special wine tasting. On Friday evening, we will have an Oyster Roast and Low Country Dinner, and on Saturday, our sit down dinner accompanied by music from the "Atlanta Rhythm and Groove."

This letter is by no means inclusive, either as to the substantive portion or the social aspects of our meeting. We will have our hospitality suite, open to all. The hotel offers a remarkable spa and other activities. However, I commend you to the beach itself since, as my grandfather always promised, you will find that the ocean has many curative qualities. Enjoy a walk on the beach and take in the air. On behalf of the SCDTAA, I look forward to enjoying your company during what promises to be a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely yours,

Donna S. Givens
President South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association