The members of the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) faced 3 major challenges during the 2001-02 presidential term of Sammie Dickson. The 1st challenge was the unprecedented spread of West Nile virus (WN) across the eastern half of the USA. Second, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, caused a shift away from the spread of WN investigations to a patriotic effort to control terrorism. The terrorist attacks had a rippling effect through the U.S. economy. This downturn in the economy has forced some changes in the way AMCA will plan its Annual Meetings. Third, legislative issues on a national scale have forced AMCA members to become proactive on legislation that affects the way public health is protected in this country.