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President Tracy Albinson, had to have shoulder
surgery the week of the show and was unable to attend.
That catapulted me into the President’s position for the duration
of the conference.
All the credit for keeping everything flowing smoothly
goes to the CRA’s Executive Director, Shirley Zawoyski and the entire
Board of Directors who made it very easy for me.
Together they put on an outstanding conference at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. |
Tracy is recovering well. We all wish her the best and look forward to
seeing her and benefiting from her perspective during the coming year
in her position as Immediate Past President.
Gary Hosking, Hospitality Chairman, did a wonderful job with the Hospitality
Room. Many thanks to the Exhibitors who were Hospitality Sponsors: Dietzgen
a Division of Nashua, Universal Media Solutions and Canon.
On Thursday morning Gary Marquardt, an incoming board member, organized
a great golf tournament at the Baker National Golf Course for about 40
golfers. The course was in wonderful condition, which coupled with a beautiful
fall day, good food and generous prizes, made for an outstanding event.
Thanks to the generous support of the many golf sponsors.
On Thursday night, transportation was provided to the world class Como
Park Conservatory. After meandering through the lush vegetation and beautiful
indoor gardens we enjoyed a delicious dinner. Bryan Thomas, President
of the IRgA brought us up to date on their goals for the upcoming year.
This event was well attended and provided the first of many excellent
networking and connecting opportunities. |
Following
the breakfast buffet on Friday morning, Rick Farrell kicked off the educational
programs with excellent advice for Developing a Strategic Sales Force.
Phil Magenheim of Ideal Systems highlighted an emerging service during
his presentation on 3D: The Next Revolution in Imaging.
Running in parallel with the regular educational sessions Rick Farrell
also had about 17 sales professionals enrolled in his ever popular Selling
Has Nothing to Do with Selling sales workshop. This four hour session
always provides excellent take-away value for the participants. |
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Thanks to Vince Pingel and Sean Roberts, Educational Chairmen, for the
many months of work to bring the attendees an excellent educational program.
Richard Scott , Rick Jelesky and Don Andreason , the CRA Vendors Directors,
coordinated the Friday afternoon trade show which featured 42 display
booths and 37 vendors in a sold out exhibit area. With products and services
ranging from equipment, media, software, supplies, scanners, financial
services, affinity groups and more, there was something on the floor for
everyone. A number of new vendors availed themselves of the opportunity
to present their services to CRA members. |
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On
Friday night we headed into dinner and our annual Charity Auction. Fred
Riddell, Auction Chairman, announced that all proceeds from the 2007 auction
were going to the
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota, which
provides aid and assistance to children and their families to make a child’s
dream come true. |
Furthering what has become a tradition the past few years,
this year we again hit a new record in charitable giving, by raising just
over $15,000. It goes without saying that much of the success of the auction
is due to the unique husband-and-wife team of John and Carolyn Gross.
The sometimes fierce bidding was ably managed and encouraged by our bandana-wearing
auctioneer, while Carolyn kept the finances straight. The generosity of
the CRA members is a credit to our industry. |
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Saturday
morning started with the CRA General Business Meeting. The business meeting
was followed by two educational sessions:
Keeping Your "A" Team: How to Retain Your Best Employees and
Building Blocks for Quality by Human Resource consultant, Sallie
Voyles. |
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Our Saturday, lunch
keynote speaker David St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins, gave
an enlightening Owner’s Perspective on Building a Baseball Stadium.
The CRA is very fortunate
to have the support of the Vendor Community. A special thanks goes to
the Convention Sponsors for their generous financial support of this year’s
convention. |
President
Tracy Albinson, along with the Board of Directors, planned and executed
a fantastic convention and trade show. Executive Director Shirley Zawoyski
kept everything on an even keel in spite of some turbulent moments and
deserves special mention. Along with her, the Board of Directors, who
serve on a volunteer basis, went all-out to ensure that the convention
ran like a well-oiled machine.
On a personal note I want to thank everyone who worked to make this convention
a success and who made it easy to step into Tracy’s very competent
shoes. At least I had practice for the 2008 convention.
Meet me in St Louis!
Steven Strooh
2008 CRA President |
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Please
remember to support and purchase from ALL of the Exhibitors who support the CRA.
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