Pesidents Web site message   Welcome to the BCI web page.  As the oldest global bonsai organization we have made major strides this past year to upgrade our presence on the world-wide web.  Please visit our site often – we will be offering lots of evolving content.  Our new expanded member’s only section will contain lots of great information for BCI members including articles in languages other than English:  a good reason to join BCI.   As for joining BCI, our membership page (click on the link on the top of this page) lists ways to join but let me highlight a new option – electronic membership.  Since you are seeing this on the web, you already have an appreciation for the power and ubiquity of the web.  Our e-member option gives you BCI membership for only $19US a year. It will grant you all the benefits of membership and access to the electronic version of our improved magazine but no paper copy. It’s a true bargain for those comfortable with e-reading.     Other BCI membership benefits include access to our conventions and BCI trips to exciting global destinations, BCI sponsored competitions, ability to be listed on the BCI artists register and a chance to enjoy the fellowship of like-minded enthusiasts. The collective BCI membership represents a major force in the global bonsai scene and by joining BCI you can help us promote the wonderful art of bonsai and stone appreciation.   BCI can only succeed if its members give it is support.  If you would like to help BCI promote the art of bonsai and stone appreciation please get involved.  For example, BCI is seriously considering adding multilingual content to its offerings. If you are fluent in a language other than English and would like help, please let us know. We welcome any language support but are especially interested in Chinese and Spanish.   Another way that all members can help out is with the BCI Fund raising campaign.  The ideas and programs we have can only reach fruition if we can cover the costs.  We welcome Life Members but we gratefully will accept any donation you care to make.     I you have an idea for BCI please send myself or any other BCI board member a note.  We would love to hear your thoughts.   Regards,   Rob Kempinski President  - BCI