Use the VLOOKUP function. Name the range of your list of names
(including the column with the letter identifiers) as "NAMES" (or
whatever you like). Then use this formula:

="Dear "&VLOOKUP('data work sheet'!C5,NAMES,2)

Note: by 'naming' your list's range, as you adjust the size of the
list, you don't need to rewrite your formulas that refer to the range.
Just make sure the named range matches your list's range. It also makes
writing the formula easier, as you don't need to reference the sheet
(assuming it is in the same workbook).

Tip: you could also 'name' the cell C5 "CODE" (or whatever), then your
formula would look like:

="Dear "&VLOOKUP(CODE,NAMES,2)


HTH


--
swatsp0p


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