The 2004 NAPPS Annual Conference is nearly upon us. Whether you've already registered for this event, or if you've waited until the last minute, this issue of "The Docket Sheet" contains all the information you need to help you get the most out of the Conference & Educational Seminar.
Thanks to the NAPPS administrative staff for the excellent job in getting the conference information to the membership through the monthly supplements and the NAPPS website. The number of registrants is considerably higher for this year's event than in recent years. Of course, this begs the question… "Why?" Is the increased attendance due to the prestigious line-up of speakers who will take part in the Educational Seminar? Perhaps more people are coming because St. Louis, Missouri is fairly easy to travel to, being somewhat centrally located in the U.S.? Maybe it's the expanded Round-table Discussion Groups that people are anxious to attend? Perhaps events such as the East versus West Softball game, Golf, Poker and various sightseeing tours are the big draw? It can't have anything to do with the fact that this year's registration fee is only $50.00, can it? While I'm certain that the correct answer is "all of the above", it makes little difference why so many people have decided to attend. Instead, the important thing is that you do attend and experience this event for yourself. Many people are putting a lot of effort into making this the best Annual Conference and Educational Seminar yet. I hope you will be there to take advantage of it.
I want to thank you, the membership of NAPPS, for allowing me to serve a second term as your President. It has been both an honor and a privilege. Thanks also to the officers and directors that I was so privileged to work with: MaryLee Rustand, Larry Roth, Lee Russell, Ron Ezell, Thomas MacDonald, John Perez and Pete Lazitech. Special thanks to Fred Blum for his advice, guidance and friendship. Thanks to Paul Tamaroff for making a difficult task like Arbitration & Grievance look so easy. Special thanks also to our Administrator, Alan H. Crowe, and the rest of the NAPPS Administrative staff of Gary Crowe, Kelle Martin and Claire Mackey. There are several other people who deserve my thanks for various reasons and I ask their forgiveness in not naming them all here. You know who you are and you know you are appreciated. Finally, thanks to Lee Russell, Jean Randall and Sue Collins for "starting it all off" so many years ago. (They know what I mean!)
