Report from the VASFAA State President
Sherwin Hibbets

On Track for “Going the Distance”! – Comments from the Commonwealth (… of Virginia, that is!)

VASFAA held its Spring 2004 Conference in Virginia Beach, VA on May 2-5 with the theme of “Going the Distance…Keep on Cruisin’”. This is currently the last scheduled “spring” conference for VASFAA. In 2004-2005 VASFAA is moving to one annual “conference” (which happens to be in the spring of 2005). The conference had exceptional participation with 275 attendees. The Conference and Training Committees again did an outstanding job in providing the type of professional experience our members need and expect.

At the conference, the annual election of officers was held. The results of the election for new 2004-2005 Board members are as follows:

President-Elect	Brad Barnett, James Madison University
Treasurer-Elect	Brenda Burke, Virginia Tech
Representative-at-Large	Pat Kelly, William & Mary

We look forward to these individuals’ excellent abilities further enhancing the work of our Association!

Earlier this year, the VASFAA Board voted to include sending the Treasurer or Treasurer-elect to the NASFAA Leadership Conference, along with the President-elect who has historically attended. This move was made to ensure that the Treasurer and Treasurer-elect have exposure to the training provided related to an Association’s finances and accountability for them. Treasurer-elect John Crowley was authorized to go. Although he was not able to attend this year due to timing of the approval and schedules, we anticipate that this step will further capitalize on VASFAA’s leadership record in the future. From all reports, the NASFAA Leadership Conference was again a success, and a worthwhile investment of VASFAA resources in our leadership.

Though at times we do not necessarily classify support staff as leaders, they definitely take a lead role in ensuring our shops run smoothly! The Support Staff Training Committee held two one-day workshops in March and April for support staff with positive results. The topics were Balancing Work and Professional Life, and The Power of Full Engagement.

With the efforts of the Board-appointed task force on Vendor/Sponsor levels and recognition, a new format has been approved which is believed to better recognize our partners’ valuable service and serve the needs of the Association by encouraging ongoing and enhanced financial support of Association activities. This new format goes into effect in the 2004-2005 year.

As previously reported, updates and revision to our Policies and Procedures Manual, our Operations Calendar, and our Strategic Plan are being finalized as this is being written. These upgrades to key components for running a professional organization will provide a solid foundation for Tom Morehouse as he begins his year at the helm of VASFAA. Thanks much to all involved in these projects, especially Randy Craig, Jeanne Holmes, Sharon Clough and Tom!

Meetings, Conferences, etc.
VASFAA Transition Board Retreat	June 2-4, 2004	Peaks of Otter, VA
VASFAA Board Meeting	November 14-15, 2004	Charlottesville, VA
VASFAA Leadership Symposium	November 15-16, 2004	Charlottesville Omni Charlottesville, VA
VASFAA Conference	May 1-4, 2005	Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Center Virginia Beach, VA

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