 This convention will be difficult to top. Reluctantly, we must say “farewell" to
Phil Hudson as he slowly moves off the board.
Phil will hold the position of Past President next year. I have had the pleasure
of serving with Phil during the merger of our two regional associations.
He did an outstanding job to ensure a smooth transition to the CRA. On behalf
of the board of directors, we wish Phil well and look forward to seeing both
Phil and Mary at future conventions.
 The 2004 Convention & Trade
Show will be remembered for many things. The educational programs were
outstanding and attended by a record number of people.
Steven Strooh and Pat Gremillion are to be commended for putting together topical
programming that all attendees enjoyed.
 The
Trade Show floor contained 50 display booths offering everything from
digital equipment & software to paper suppliers and electronic plan
rooms. Truly a pleasant place to network and shop for products & services.
Many thanks to Jeff Sproat, Connie Maxwell & Richard Scott for
coordinating the Trade Show tasks and working closely with our respected
vendors.
 Knowing that all work
and no play makes for a boring convention we kicked off the convention
with a golf outing at Castle Hills Golf Course. Over 30 attendees and
vendors enjoyed the “scramble " event. Jim Inzeo did a great
job in choosing the course and organizing the players and sponsors. Later
that evening we toured Southfork Ranch, the place of the 1980's T.V show
Dallas; after a barbeque dinner, we enjoyed our own personal rodeo.
|
 Friday's Trade Show
was followed by our annual Charity Auction. Once again, John Gross,
our auctioneer helped us raise a record $4105. benefiting Muscular
Dystrophy. A special thanks to John and Carolyn Gross, our auction
accountant, and everyone who donated items or bid on items at the auction!
 On
Saturday, we enjoyed the President’s Dinner and Casino Night.
It was the perfect end to a busy convention. Special thanks to OCÉ Imaging
Supplies for being a Corporate Sponsor. Let’s not forget to mention
the hospitality room, Kevin O'Hea did yo-mans work to make sure we
were comfortable and well hydrated. Helping Kevin with this task were
two guest host companies KIP America and Universal Blueprint Co. It
was a great place to unwind and get to know more of our fellow members.
 So, what's the secret
to a successful convention? Is it the location? Educational programs
and quality vendors? How about dedicated members and board of directors?
Yes, it's all that but our Executive Administrator, Shirley Zawoyski,
holds it all together. Shirley is very dedicated to the CRA and she
makes sure everything is planned and properly executed come convention
time. Thanks again Shirley for all you help!
We
now focus on the year ahead. It will be a special year for it is the
50th Anniversary of our organization, a truly remarkable milestone.
The CRA is blessed with active members that are thirsty for knowledge.
Your board of directors is committed to providing that knowledge that
will help you with your ever-changing business.
I hope you will join
us for the 2005 Convention & Trade Show at Marriott's Lincolnshire
Resort located just 20 minutes north of Chicago's O’Hare Airport.
It promises to be a memorable event.
More Photos
Chuck Wingard
2005 President
|
