GCAGS 2005 Convention Update

To all GCAGS2005 Convention Speakers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Attendees:
The GCAGS Headquarters, GCAGS 2005 Convention Committee, and the GCAGS 2006 Convention Committee have been working the best we can to develop a hurricane cancellation plan.  Two catastrophic hurricanes have scattered the committee members all over the country and many have lost homes and/or offices.  Communications are sporadic and, as of today, we do not have access to our bank account nor have we even been able to reach the New Orleans Geological Society office to obtain important GCAGS paperwork and checks. Our hearts and prayers go out to those in the geologic community who had major damages in this catastrophe.
Our current thoughts are:
1.      To make CDs and Hardcopies of the Transactions: We were ready to go to press before Hurricane Katrina and our technical program is still of great value, even if not verbally presented.  Transactions CDs and hardcopy books will be available through the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), Austin, Texas. http://www.beg.utexas.edu/mainweb/publications/gcagscatalog.htm
2.      Registration Fees for Attendee/Exhibitors: We are working closely with our insurance company to make certain we do what is right and fair with all due expediency. Please be patient.
3.      Authors of Papers: We encourage authors to submit their papers to GCAGS 2006 in Lafayette, and also at other geologic conferences. The intent is to allow full publication of the papers for the geologic community. See GCAGS2006.com for Call for Papers.
4.      Transactions Hardcopies: will be distributed to by mail to those who pre-ordered them via on-line registration.
5.      Additional Transactions CDs and Hardcopies: will be made available for purchase through the GCAGS bookstore at the BEG in Austin.                                                                  6.      Sponsors: Will also be notified with due expediency.
The GCAGS’ main source of income is through Convention proceeds.  We provide a forum for Geoscientists to learn, share and exchange new technical information at the Gulf Coast regional level.  The GCAGS also provides scholarships to deserving students involved in Gulf Coast research. Please consider attending, submitting papers, and for corporations,  future company sponsorship at the Lafayette GCAGS Convention in 2006. 
Visit GCAGS2006.com for details.
We will be able to provide further information in the coming weeks. 
Thank you for your patience.
Jim Zotkiewicz
General Chairman GCAGS2005
Tom Bergeon
President GCAGS2005