As an Administrative Law Judge for 22 years, I have worked with dozens of interpreters who spoke a multitude of languages and dialects. I've come to appreciate their dedication to such a demanding job. The level of concentration required has to be exhausting. I've often wondered why they keep at it, why they work so hard. It couldn't be just for the money, which is often inadequate. But then I noticed something. I saw that the best interpreters - usually the most in demand - really enjoyed it. It seemed that the better they became, the more satisfaction they derived from the work. Now, as we enter the third millennium, that dedication is finally being rewarded. More and more young men and women are entering the field and - amazingly! - the demand is still growing. How is this possible? It can only be explained by the coming dominance of globalization. MEETING THE NEED FOR COOPERATIVE ACTION Global commerce in the 21st century requires planning. When business and political leaders from around the world talk to each other, they know the importance of communicating clearly. Misunderstanding can be fatal for any enterprise - and this is as true in your local school or hospital or business convention as it is for a summit meeting. Yes, it is a good time to become a professional interpreter. I believe that a new service is needed at this time, one that would give a comprehensive view of the profession as it stands, in all its diversity, but would focus its gaze on the business concerns of the professional interpreter. This service would provide real benefits to interpreters. They would know that the best opportunities could be found there, and clients would know that these same interpreters - "the cream of the crop", if you will - would get first chance to offer their services. Naturally, the success of IG depends on attracting the "cream" of the profession. WHY DO I BELIEVE THAT INTERPRETERS' GROUP WILL ATTRACT THE BEST OF THE PROFESSION? BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT INTERPRETERS' GROUP IS ALL ABOUT To serve you, the Professional Interpreter. and to serve you, the Client. Who will come to associate the name Interpreters' Group with the best interpreters to be found anywhere.