by Cynthia Towers, Convention Coordinator
I hope many of you are making plans to attend the annual presidents’ and board of directors meeting over Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13-16, 2004, in Birmingham, Ala. President Gray will present a packed and productive agenda that is sure to get ACB off to a great start in the new year.
The meetings will take place in both the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) and the Sheraton Birmingham hotel. Although there will also be meetings conducted by other groups in the BJCC during our stay, you are free to explore the center to get a sense of where things are located. Remember, during the summer the general sessions will be in Hall 3, the exhibits in Hall 2 and the ACB Café in Hall 1 — literally steps from one another. During midyear, however, the meetings will be on the third floor. Detailed descriptions are being developed by the Alabama affiliate (the other ACB). I want to thank David and Rhonda Trott and the Alabama gang for all their work thus far. It won’t matter how cold it is in Birmingham this winter, because the Alabama folks are so fired up we won’t need any additional heat!
Berl Colley will be using the time to finalize tours while Mike Smitherman will see the exhibit hall for the first time and begin the process of devising a layout. Margie Donovan will be forthcoming with guide dog relief area information and our information desk will be up and running to assist you as needed. I will be on hand to make sure your meetings are set to your specifications and that the water stations are kept full.
The Alabama affiliate is planning a great Welcome to Alabama bash in the president’s suite on Saturday evening and will be on hand to answer your questions about the surrounding area.
The room rates are the same as for the summer convention: $85 per night, which includes taxes. Please make your reservations as soon as possible. The next closest hotel is about six blocks away and we want everyone in the Sheraton. The number for reservations is (205) 324-5000.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you the happiest of holiday seasons. May 2004 hold only great things for you, your family and for ACB. If I can be of any service to you, please feel free to contact me at (206) 729-9654 (Pacific time) or by e-mail at [email protected].