i think we'll begin now. first i'd like to welcome you all and thank everyone for coming, especially at such short notice. i know you are all very busy and it's difficult to take time away from daily tasks for meetings
if anyone at the meeting is new to the group, or if there is a guest speaker, this is the time when introductions should be made. the person in charge of the meeting can introduce the new person, or ask the person to introduce him or herself