This year will surely turn out to be interesting politically with ongoing development of healthcare legislation, EFCA, the Labor Bill, and locally with the upcoming change in City administration. ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter is and will be actively engaged in what is going on. Don't forget that we need you all keeping your eyes and ears open to inform us of issues you know of, so we can act on behalf of the association and you.
Please enroll on ABC's Voter Voice, and support the ABC National PAC, as well as the local Bayou Chapter Merit PAC. Earlier this year, ABC National supported the Repulican candidate in Massachusetts with a $100,000 donation. Our individual involvement is important, but so are our financial contributions.
The New Orleans/Bayou Chapter has a full calendar planned with monthly speaker and educational presentations, as well as our annual social events like the Crawfish Boil, President's Cup Golf Tournament, and Excellence in Construcion Awards Banquet.
Our chapter goals are to further increase member participation and satisfaction, increase community influence & involvement, gain public awareness of our programming efforts both in the political and business arenas, and most importantly, serve as your voice when government policy or laws threaten our businesses and conflict with the Merit Shop philosophy in which we so strongly believe.
The ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter, our Board members, and staff represent you at annual ABC National conferences, starting with the National Convention, which was held in San Diego. Then the Education Conference here in New Orleans, May 5-7, the D.C. Legislative Conference on June 15th, and the National Institute on November 9th in California - so, I encourage you to attend and get involved at the national level.
Angela is your liaison for all these activities, and I ask that you work with her to let your concerns, interests, and/or suggestions be known. We need and encourage your involvement, and look forward to an active and productive year.
I am proud and honored to serve you all as the 2010 Bayou Chapter Chair to the Board of Directors. I follow in the footsteps of many hallowed and influential names in our local industry. Thank you for renewing your own commitment to the ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter through your company's membership, but more importantly, your personal invovlement and support.
This year has gotten off to a great start, and I ask that you continue to help us celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the New Orleans/Bayou Chapter.
Rob Wooderson
2010 Chairman, ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter