Dear Conventioneers:
I want to welcome everyone to the 53rd annual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind here in exciting Las Vegas, Nevada. I am looking forward to presiding over my first convention as president of ACB, and to talking with so many members and guests from across the country and, in fact, from around the world.
The theme of the 2014 convention is "ACB: The Real Deal." This is a great theme for this year's convention because we are in the city that knows about dealing cards and ACB can proudly claim some “real deal” victories and achievements in our advocacy in recent months. You will hear much more about our successes during what should be our busiest and most information-packed convention ever.
Every ACB convention relies on dozens of volunteers who work to make this event possible. I want to personally thank the members of the Convention Committee, ably chaired by Janet Dickelman; the Convention Program Committee, and the Nevada Host Committee for their efforts. I know my fellow ACB board members also wish to express their appreciation to everyone who assisted in putting together this convention. Likewise, let me acknowledge the work of our outstanding Arlington, Virginia and Minneapolis staff. You are all terrific!
Finally, a very special welcome to those of you attending the ACB convention for the first time. This will be my first convention as the President of the American Council of the Blind and I want to make this an especially memorable and fun experience for you. We want you to come back in 2015!
From Brian and me, have a great convention and stop and say “Hello” when you see us dashing by during the week.
Best Wishes,
Kim Charlson, ACB President