Countdown to convention

As usual for this time of year, we have transitioned into national convention mode. The NALPA Executive Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. in Room 103, Section C, Level 1 in the Minneapolis Convention Center. The annual business meeting will immediately follow at noon. The awards luncheon is on Monday, Aug. 27, in the Minneapolis Ballroom, Salon A, Second Floor at the Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 S. Marquette Ave. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:10 a.m., following with a small report, taking of office and awards presentation. We are unable to continue meetings on Saturdays due to the number of officers with call-ins.  

Media Contest. Winners of the Media Contest will receive a free lunch during the awards luncheon. We extend our sincere thanks to this year’s Media Contest sponsor – Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association – for sponsoring the awards luncheon and extending this additional benefit to our contestants that reach the pinnacle of media communications.
For everyone else attending the awards luncheon, reservations must be made no later than Aug. 17. We cannot sell luncheon tickets at convention. The price for the luncheon has unfortunately increased and is $50 per person.
With the expected increase of winner attendance, we suggest you make your reservation ASAP.  I really suspect we will again be sold out this year. The lunch will consists of a buffet featuring salad, chicken fajitas, roasted sweet potato, roasted spaghetti squash and apple mango crisp for dessert.  

Membership. Your NALPA membership card is professionally printed and laminated if you paid your dues within the past year. If you are a new member or a late renewal, your membership card is made with a label. While we do not tout continuous membership, this may be a reason why you would want to pay your dues on time every year. Again, the 2019 cards will feature your American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion membership number. During the 2017-2018 membership year we ran out of blank cards and had to resort to cardboard cards for those late in the year. Moral of the story is to pay your dues early! I have heard of several nice perks that are available for those with the NALPA membership card.

Thank you. Finally, this is my last column as NALPA’s executive director. I’m not running away, just focusing more on veterans affairs and rehabilitation work again.

I would like to extend my personal heartfelt thanks to the professional staff at The American Legion National Headquarters – Henry Howard, Holly Soria, Cameran Richardson, Matt Everett, Chris Elliot, Julie Campbell and especially Debra Murrell. You all make NALPA rock!

Thank you as well to my mentor Mike Duggan, the NALPA presidents I have worked with over the years, and the many people who work tirelessly every day to represent NALPA and get the good word out about The American Legion. You are all communicators!

See you in Minneapolis!