News & Events

Good morning, and thank you for that very warm welcome.

When I spoke to you last year, I was giddy with the excitement rampant in the industry. I told you about the accomplishments of North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) and suggested ways you could promote passion in your young professionals. And I return impressed and grateful for the way many of you responded. NA-YGN’s membership has exploded in one year to over 1,900 active and alumni members. We also added seven chapters for a total of 33 local sections. Our annual workshop that concluded earlier this week was attended by about 150 young professionals from all over the industry. And I can tell you, they’re pumped!

And much of that enthusiasm is due directly to your leadership and support.

So, I’m still excited, but I also have reason to be a bit more pragmatic—uh oh, that comes with age, right?

Last year I left you with a quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead, who said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has."

And we are proving this idea every day.

But it’s going to require more than a small group to take the incredible promise we’re promoting and make it reality. In fact, it’s going to take a rather large army and resources that I’m not quite convinced will be there when we want them. It is some of those concerns that I bring to you today.

What do you think when you hear me mention the year 2015?