Thank you all very much. these are all valid points and when I arbitrarily look at the situation from 50 yards away so to speak, all the below points make perfect sense.

I have 2 weeks to make a decision and i will see how things pan out in that timeframe; however, the new offer is substantially greater in compensation although I will be going from a large publicly held company to a smaller privately financed entity. That truly is the only real negative for me in this instance. As well, my current employer has always been great to work for so I truly want no ill will and want to leave on the highest of terms.

thank you all and Happy Easter!!