WOW, WHAT A GREAT CONVENTION!

Well, for all of those who participated in the H.D.A. convention this September in Chicago, thanks for joining us and making it one of the best conventions ever. Mother Nature certainly did her part by offering some of the nicest September weather we have had here in Chicago in a very long time.

The new format of the convention seemed to work well for all members, especially those who are involved in multiple organizations. With the shortened board meeting, and the condensed two-day schedule, it gave all members more time to take care of other business while participating fully in the H.D.A. meetings.

We started our general membership meeting on Friday morning with a casual gathering for coffee and danish. By the amount of coffee and food consumed, we either had a great time or we were all out too late the night before. The general membership meeting concluded with an open forum that really opened some eyes. I would like to thank all those who contributed with personal information. We are lucky to have so many great business oriented members who are willing to share their experiences and ideas! Then we were off on the yard tours.

We were lucky to have the opportunity to visit two yards this year. I would like to give a special thanks to all the employees and owners of Rayner and Rinn-Scott for allowing us to interrupt their day and for putting on a great lunch. From Rayner, we had a short bus ride over to Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co, where everyone got to see just how much wood you can put in a small box! These yard tours seem to be enjoyed by all who participated. Then we were back to the hotel.

This year H.D.A. had a hospitality suite for all members and their families. The suite was packed with members during the limited open hours. I want to apologize to those who were unaware of the suite on the first day of the convention. Please watch next years convention schedule for the suite hours in Atlanta! The suite gave all members the chance to get away from the floor of NHLA, sit down and relax and share ideas with fellow members, all while having a glass of wine or a beer! It was the first time H.D.A. has tried the suite, and many members commented that they look forward to continuing this new part of the H.D.A. convention.

We then concluded the day with a beautiful dinner cruise on the Odyssey. Mother nature again cooperated with a pleasant evening so everyone could take in the Chicago skyline from the lake.

As always, you can only get out of a convention what you are willing to put in! It was good to see so many new faces in the group this year, and I look forward to their participation in the future.

I would also like to thank all those who participate in the management of the association. So that our membership knows who to thank for the various association functions, the offices are held by the following:

The Executive Committee			The Planning Committee
President 1st V.P. 2nd V.P. Sec/Treas.	Scott Heidler Chip Spellman Patrick Altham Scott Heidler		Nominating Comm. Membership Comm. Convention Plan. Communications Advertising Comm. Rules Comm. Legislative Comm.	Jim Price Patrick Altham Chip Spellman Kim Vollinger Dave Bramlage/ Scott Thomas Ben Forester Jim Howard

I would like to personally thank all of these people, as well as all the other board members who help to keep this association running smoothly.

Now I have to single out one individual and the company he represents for going above and beyond the normal call of membership. At this years' board meeting, the board was struggling to balance the budget. The budget did not have enough money to fully fund an up-grade of the web site, even though the board felt this should be done. When I returned to my office after convention, I was surprised by a donation from PIKE LUMBER for $500.00 to go toward the upgrade of the website. The individual I would like to thank is Jeff Irwin. Even though Jeff is not an active board member of the association, he was present at the board meeting and produced a solution to the budget problem for the web site changes. A SPECIAL THANKS TO PIKE LUMBER COMPANY AND JEFF IRWIN!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season, and look forward to seeing you all again next year in Atlanta.