PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, March, 2013

As we continue into the new year, the chapter continues to grow and several chapter projects are moving forward to enhance our goals and objectives. There was a good turnout at the February chapter in Greensboro and 41 new applicants were approved by the board and membership, bringing the chapter membership to 892 members. I would encourage members to attend the business meetings and become active in chapter business. We continue to look for new opportunities and ideas from the membership. Your feedback and ideas are vital to the board members and committee chairs in order for our chapter to be successful in its endeavors. 

There are several important items to bring to your attention. Our own Bill Marshall is a candidate for the International Board of Directors. On April 4th, voting will begin online for the 2013 elections and end at noon on May 7th prior to the annual general meeting in Orlando. Members who hold a current membership in the International Association are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Go to the International website to vote and see the results of the election, which will be posted on May 7th. We need representation in the International and this is our opportunity for Bill Marshall to represent North Carolina.

This is a reminder to chapter members that the deadline for scholarship applications is March 31, 2013. At this time, only one scholarship application has been submitted. Additional information can be found on the chapter website or you can contact Renee Mullis, Scholarship Chair by email or phone 828-294-2226, for additional information.

The Burlington Conference will be held the week of May 6-10, 2013 at the Ramada Inn. The training committee is working to finalize the training schedule, please make plans to attend. The Board of Directors will meet at 8:00 am and the business meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, May 6th, prior to the start of the conference. Brochures will be mailed soon.

Our August meeting will be held during the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in Raleigh in August. We will be working with the Expo staff to schedule our meeting on a different day than the NC Fire Marshal’s Association meeting so that fire marshals and their staff can attend our chapter meeting. More details will be forthcoming.

The Myrtle Beach Conference will be the week of October 14 – 18, 2013 in Myrtle Beach. Additional information will be distributed by email and posted in the training opportunities section on the website on all of these training opportunities as they become available.

As always, the success of this chapter depends on member’s participation. This is your chapter and every member has the opportunity to be active in chapter business. If you have ideas, concerns or want to volunteer to help with chapter activities, please contact me or one of the board members.

Mike Tapp
President