Andrew,
Great thread!
I did the homework assignment that you issued.
In central Texas we have teams that are working to hold our ground, to gain ground, to maintain, and to spread FIRST. We'll get there, I have no doubt. Time, patience, program development, working together, learning from the successes of our peers will pull together and we'll get there. Successes in the states of Rhode Island, Michigan, and the hard work and efforts in Arizona will help fuel the growth.
Thanks Andrew,
Jane
Edit: I read 'central Texas' and thought that may be misleading or confusing for those outside of Texas. Central Texas is a term we use here for those that live central. Texas is such a huge state that we define ourselves this way. It is not exclusive by any means, it just helps us all figure out where we are in the state. Weathermen will says things like, "well, here's what's going on here in central Texas," and then they'll tell us what is going on in the Panhandle or out west or over Houston way. When traveling to meet up with teams from Texas, you cover ground and distance.