[Madison]

I never thought I'd see the day when people would be anything but excited by growth of the program.

Microsoft's support allows us to have a regional event in Seattle for the first time since 2003 and will give us the leverage we need to grow FIRST programs throughout the region. Prior to 2008, FIRST teams in Seattle had to travel about 200 miles to compete in Portland, OR and that the next closest regional event was in Davis, CA -- 750 miles away. Considering other regions of the United States with similar regional event distribution and how FIRST growth has stagnated there -- Iowa, the Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana -- you might understand that it's been difficult to encourage the creation of new teams in the region in a way that demonstrates the efficacy and success of the program.

With two events in the region, we now have the same opportunities to compete and find "success" -- in the form of trophies and banners as immediately identifiable symbols within our culture -- as many other FIRST teams and we're excited for the potential new interest and support that will bring. Further, it's simply cheaper for teams to participate when they do not have to travel and house dozens of people for the opportunity to compete.

In all of this, remember that Microsoft's support of FIRST is not new. My team has proudly listed Microsoft as a sponsor since 2000 and the company has provided software to hundreds of other teams in the Kit of Parts. Sponsoring a regional event -- and earning the naming rights to an event does not come cheap -- is a logical evolution of their involvement and a demonstration of their continued support for the program.

I don't work for Microsoft, but I'm obviously invested in their involvement in FIRST since the existence of my team depends on the support of the company's employees and its support of the program. We're all excited for 2008 and hope that at least some of y'all can get over your intense dislike for the man and make the trip up to see us here in Seattle.