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Knightly Newsletter |
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Having just got back from attending the Blue Knights International Convention in Billings, Montana and then sliding down to the combined Southwest and West Coast Conference meeting in Grand Junction, Colorado, I am a little pressed for time so I will keep this corner short and sweet. If you ever get the opportunity to ride in a group through any part of this great nation and the ride leader is Tom Slaughter, you are going to have an enjoyable and scenic ride. The ride is well spaced between gas and food stops. The areas you will be riding through not only will keep your eyes open, but your camera clicker moving. I am currently writing up an article on our group ride which I may space between two issues. The article will document our travels and with the receipt of some of the photos that were snapped hopefully put you on that motorcycle you dream of and ride along with our group as you read it. At the International Convention, my first day was mainly being in attendance for the Board of Governors meeting, The General Membership meeting, the Executive Board Meeting and then an unannounced Appeals hearing. This was my last official act as the Southwest Conference International Representative. It was also determined that I was now running unopposed in my bid for International Secretary as my opponent failed to comply with filing guidelines. So come January 1st, 2011, I will be the International Secretary for the Blue Knights. Though my name is on the ballot unopposed there are other offices that are up for grabs with two or more candidates. Last voting session the Southwest Conference of over 860 members only accounted for 9% of its members voting. Less than 80 members voted. This is your organization, get involved, and VOTE! At the Southwest – West Coast Conference Combined meeting we were lucky enough to have most of the International Officers and candidates available to introduce themselves and to give their goals and much of the same items discussed at Billings were reiterated at the General Membership meeting. The 2011 International Convention will be returning to Virginia Beach, our SWC meeting will be in Prescott, Arizona. Your new Southwest Conference Board was voted in they are Guy O’Connor Chairman/International Rep.; Rick Parsons Vice Chairman East; Glenn Carpenter Vice Chairman West; Treasurer Tom Slaughter; and Chris Capshaw Sr., Secretary. I feel that this is a strong working board and pledge my support to the new board. Lastly, I am proud to have been able to serve you as the Southwest Conference Chairman & International Representative. It was a learning experience which had many twists and turns and not always a smooth road to go down. I have always liked challenge and to this I say thank you for your support. I would be amiss if I did not mention the Safety Officer Program. No surprises here, I have been for this concept since it first started with an International Safety Officer, Eric Mines being appointed. I was instrumental in appointing Richard Bennett as the SWC Safety Officer and with assistance have been able to get nearly 90% of the SWC Chapters to appoint Safety Officers, and Richard; you have done me proud, at the International Convention Richard received commendation for his service as the SWC Safety Officer. I am sorry, not so short after all. Like I said there is a lot happening, lets enjoy it while we can, but let it be done safely.
Ride With Pride,
Jack |