Dear GGF and EGA Members, Today we announced that EGA and GGF have signed a definitive agreement to form an exciting new organization called the "Open Grid Forum" (OGF). Also announced was my appointment as President and CEO of our new organization. I am deeply honored to be leading this effort and wanted to personally welcome each of you to the new organization. With today's announcement, we are now ready to complete the final phase of our merger process. During the summer months, we will be working to complete our integration activities including: * Finalizing the Board of Director and Operational leadership * Transitioning toward a single legal, financial and IT infrastructure * Developing the information that best describes our organizational structure and processes * Welcoming new and existing members to our new membership program and benefits * Developing our 2nd half '06 plans and priorities that deliver tangible results to stakeholders As we complete the integration over the next few months, I need each of you to continue the work that you are doing in support of our mission together. Existing GGF and EGA leaders remain in place to facilitate progress during the integration phase. We will continue all technical work and anticipate little if any disruption to group activities. Group chairs will remain group chairs and groups will remain groups and I will continue to place our emphasis on accelerating results. The merger announcement press release and FAQ are available at www.ogf.org. Information regarding our integration progress will be available throughout the summer so check back often. You can also email me directly at Linesch@ogf.org if you prefer. We are also planning extensive outreach activities and a review of the new organization at our "coming out party" during GridWorld/GGF18, September 11-14, 2006 in Washington D.C. Thanks to all our members for your ongoing support and encouragement! Sincerely, Mark