18 January 2012

From The President

Hello! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year with family and friends.

Please pass the word to all about the upcoming Trade Show February 25th, 2012. Jackie has again done a superlative job of setting up this year’s show. Everyone will be extremely happy. Mike, your new Education Chairman, has setup many outstanding classes for everyone to enjoy.

A note to everyone, please make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure we mee our room quota at the hotel. If you make your reservation by other means (Expedia, Hotwire, etc), please let Debbie or I know. They still count towards the association room totals.

The following individuals have had surgery since our last meeting, Arnold had surgery on his foot and Dewey (Pat) Busse had surgery on his eye. Please keep them in your prayers for a speedy recovery. If I missed anyone I’m sorry, please remember to let Debbie or I know when a member is ill or hurt. Then we can inform everyone of their status.

Next, thank you to all members for your continuing effort to make everyone welcome. I have had nothing but positive feedback for guest and members.

I would like to remind everyone that we are always in need of instructors. If you are interested in teaching a class, please volunteer (remember instructors receive the same credit hours as the students). If you feel uncomfortable getting in front of a class the first time; one of our current instructors may be willing to help you. If you would like to volunteer or have any ideas for a class, let Mike, or me know.

I’d like to thank all members that attended the last business meeting. This was the best turnout we have had in a long time. Attendance for the last meeting was 88. Remember, please attend the business meeting, let’s keep the attendance numbers up, besides it’s your association, get involved! Also, you may win the door prize if you attend.

For those who did not make the last meeting, the membership voted to increase dues to $220 per year. I’d like to explain why this is necessary. With the continuing increase of costs of providing free classes and operating expenses, the board of directors brought the proposal to the membership meeting and explained the circumstances facing the association. The proposal was then voted on by the membership and approved. Remember, even though it seems like a lot, classes are free! If you are a member of ALOA or SAVTA your membership does not include any free classes, every class costs you.

Remember membership dues ($220) are due in February so send them in if you preregister, or call and pay with a credit card. If you preregister and pay dues ahead of time, you will not have to wait in line at the registration desk. If you plan on attending the banquet, the cost is $25.00 per person, please include this also. I invite everyone to hang around and attend; everyone always has a good time.
Also remember you must keep your registration receipt paperwork with you at all times.
Coffee will only be available early morning on Friday and Saturday.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in February. If you need to contact me please do so by email: locksafeman@yahoo.com and I will respond in the evening when I get home. If you do not have email or if it is an emergency you may call my cell phone 252-422-4292.

Ralph Fuller
President