As I write this article it is May 28, 2011, the start of Memorial Day Weekend and a few days away from the start of Hurricane Season.  As we enjoy and celebrate this Memorial Day please remember the soldiers that made it possible and their families; when you see a Veteran or Soldier thank them for their service.  Let us all salute them!

It has been an active year so far, are those signs of what is to come this summer and fall?  It started with the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and has continued with the Midwest being pounded by Tornados and the Mississippi showing its wrath with the river and its tributaries at record flood levels.  Many of you are finally working after what has seemed to be a never ending slow period.  Hopefully you are getting plenty of claims and not working just to pay your home away from home bills. Keep up the good work and be safe, we know you are working while many of your friends and family are home and cannot be with you.  There is no holiday weekend while you are on storm, just work! Go get em!

In the last article I mentioned   we were on a membership drive and asked for your help.  We have made it easier to join the organization by modifying the bylaws so that members don't have to wait a year for enrollment.  Please join with me in thanking the new members and those who made it possible for them to join.  Help us to continue to bring in new members.  This month is dues month, if you have not paid your dues, now it the time to do so.  The board and membership committee with be making personal phone calls this month to past members to request they reconsider NACA and current members who have not paid their dues.

You will also recall that in the last newsletter I requested articles for future Newsletters; we would like your photos and stories from the road.  Please keep them coming. 

The convention for 2012 "NACA, A Sure Bet" is shaping up.  We have over 20 vendors committed to the show so far, there are 50 spaces available.  We expect to fill those quickly and will assign spaces based on a first come first serve basis.  Lori has the details.  The convention site is also a sure bet, the room rate is the best in years and the meeting space is first rate.  We want to encourage everyone who is coming to sign up early and to mention it to others that might be interested. 

The 2011 Hurricane season starts next week.  I have a feeling this will be the year, it is predicted to be an active one, but that seems to be the scenario every year.  So be prepared to make yourself lucky!  Get your training, update your hardware and software, have reliable transportation, be professional.  Good Luck!

See you in Vegas!

Warren Aplin

Your 2011 president

waplin@aplinpeer.com