25th Anniversary Conference in Branson
Our 25th conference has ended and we turn our thoughts to 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. But before we close the books on Branson I would like to look back on the conference. We first have to thank Stacy Armstrong, Rand Swanigan, David Cissell and Danny Woods for the fantastic job they did as the local arrangements committee. We appreciate the willingness on the part of MoDOT for allowing them to serve in this capacity. MoDOT also assisted with many other resources. They came to Branson in January for our planning sessions and hit the ground running with ideas and assistance. David Cornett, President, and Tsutomu Imamura, Program Chair, gave us the leadership to make this conference one of the best. Tsutomu will now become our president for 2008-2009. Rand Swanigan will become Vice President and program chairman. Dr. John Byrd will fill the role of Treasurer and Mitch Blair will become our newest member of the Board of Directors.
There were many outstanding presentations made during our educational sessions. A lot of time and effort was put into the development of these sessions in order for the membership to get the latest update in the vegetation management practices. What can you say about our exhibitors? They continue to support NRVMA with their sponsorship and time, to insure our members get the latest in products and technology. We could not exist without our valued exhibitors.
A lot of ideas were shared with me about future conferences. I will look at each one with the thought of how would they would better enhance our meetings. I will share these ideas with the board and see if we can implement those that will make our conferences stronger.
Again, thanks to all that had a part in the planning process and to those that attended the conference. I know you had a great time in Branson.
A huge thank you goes out to our Past Presidents that attended and especially the founder of this great association Turney Hernandez.
Yours truly,
John Reynolds
