News and updates from the President of Professional Photographers Association of New England

VPP Convention

2011-04-26T16:26:00.000-04:00

OK, so this took too long. Well, there was just TOO much going on. Vermont was my last state convention and what a great one it was! The Woodstock Inn was gorgeous and the weather was...well, cold!Yup, this is me looking like a nightclub diva! Bob was using his large format FILM camera. I wanted to make it special for him!

As always the print crew work until weeee hours (not!).

Rene and Joan Genest put on a great program AND show. When they got tired they handed the camera to Chris.

Walter VanDuzen also rocked the joint with his intense program!

Gillian loves to have her photo taken!

How cool to be there when the photo Donna took of my parents scored in the 90's!

Oh Don, you are so silly sometimes!

Bob Jenks' Studio is celebrating their 90th anniversary!

Welome on board to the new VPP officers. May the force be with you.

PPAM

2011-04-06T18:47:00.000-04:00

Home town USA. Here we go PPAM! Dan Doke our prez and the whole board did a great job this year. Thanks for being so dedicated to PPAM.

Both NH and MA had Oscar themes at thier awards reception. I think we won with the most original poses with Oscar!

Our never tiring crew in charge. Andy put us all to work. She is a fantastic leader!

PPAM wins the "most on the dance floor" award! Boy we were party-ers that night.

Can't thank everyone enough for all the fun. Dan, thanks for the flowers.

The print homees.

We always have such happy people at registration!

It was really cool to be the PPANE prez at my home state convention. I got treated like a QUEEN! Thanks guys!

NHPPA

2011-04-06T18:28:00.000-04:00

Peggy is always one of the first to arrive!

The print judges...again!

ooo, La La

Fred, will you please go out to my car...

Congrats to Lorraine for getting the National Award! She is such a dedicated member!

What a fantastic print committee! NH gets the gold star from print entries! They had the most!

Even the PPA Prez and his wife came to NHPPA! Don will be at NEIPP's party too! Come join us!

The King of NHPPA!

Kissy Kissy!

Check out the New NHPPA Prez...Jeff and his wife Carole.

Wow, not enough time to do everything! I will now catch up on all my conventions. Have I mentioned how great NHPPA is? I seem to get to go there quite a bit and I have a blast every time!

CTPPA convention

2011-03-16T10:07:00.000-04:00

On to CTPPA!!

Judging again with Ed. Hey, who is PPANE prez here anyway?

What's better than a little wine with freinds?

Ralph, you are one of the craZiest people I know!

Such talent AND brains!

Why go to bed when you can party!

Getting down with Art!

Lynn and Joe steppin' out!

Congrats Jery and Harv. You truely are very giving people and we are all so lucky to have you as part of our world.
From one president to the other...good luck my friend.

The new CTPPA board.

Rhode Island Convention

2011-03-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful visit with Rhode Island! Thanks for treating me like a queen.

Sal is quite an amazing guy!

Phil is Rhode Islands fearless leader and Shawn the brilliant print chairman!

What a great group of photogrphers.

My home for the three days at Rhode Island Convention!

Always the smiling faces at registration. Thanks Gary and Sandra!

MPPA Convention

2011-02-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

My first stop on the PPANE/State convention tour...MAINE!

The MAINE audience was fantastic.

Bruce working hard or is he playing solitaire?The Maine Print Committee was right on the money!

It's not easy to get a merited print let alone one that may score over 90. Beleive it or not, Tom Fallon received TWO 100 scores. Can you imagine? TWO scores of 100 in one case!!!

The hospitality was outstanding. I made some terrific freinds and learned so much!

Check out the two presidents (past and present) gettin' down! Christal and Will you ROCK.

Check out the new MPPA board!

Don't I look like I should be part of the Akers family?

Thanks MAINE for starting my trip off with a bang!

Imaging 2011

2011-01-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

Imaging 2011 was GREAT! I can't believe so much time went by in a split second!
Jen Roggi and I getting over whelmed by all the color! You met the best people on the bus...then again, there was hardly anyone ON the bus!

Hey, so sorry for not posting sooner. There has been so much CHANGE hapening I hadn't had a moment to update this blog. It's been so exciting working with PPANE it's hard to keep my brain from exploding. Randy has designed this really cool website which by now you must have seen. Be sure to sign up for the forum update.
Ed has been busy setting up speakers for our NEW April Conference. The rest of our board have been tieing up loose ends with all the little details. (We all know there are tons of details)
The NEIPP trustees have been getting all the last minute arrangments made for the 50th Anniversary celebration going on all week at NEIPP.
We are all working hard for YOU. We know how important it is to keep us all together and to keep us educated. We (the PPANE board) reaped the benifit of so many others before us donating thier time and energy to keep us informed. It's our turn now. We hope to make you (Past and future board members) all proud of our new direction for PPANE.
Thanks for the honor and privilage you have bestoed on me by electing me your PPANE President.

2010-11-02T19:07:00.000-04:00

Before taking over this blog, our current prez, Nancy Green wanted to give me the chance to wrap up. It has been a profound experience for me to be PPANE’s president. I am so grateful to having a wonderful, supportive board to work with. This extends back to my years coming up the board when I never imagined that someday I’d be holding the gavel. Now, I ask you to give Nancy and the board your encouragement as they work to take PPANE forward, continuing in bringing together our photographic community for great education and fellowship!Ah, this amazing group of people that make up the board. They worked so hard this year and I am so proud to have served with them!

Yep, I'm looking happy! I'm now a past president! I treasure my memories of being president, the wonderful folks I met and got to know better. Now, I look forward to more time to focus on my work and business, oh, and more bike rides! Take it away Nancy!!!!

2010-05-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

The Vermont board in front of the gorgeous Equinox Hotel....oops, I dropped my camera!
Nice antlers Kevin!
Is this how things look if I drink what's in that glass?
Janet's presidential profile.

More VPP-ers getting lit.

I couldn't resist running my fingers through Gillian's hair.
I get my FIRST speaking merit....and for getting to play around with lights and experiment on the Vermonters.
...and here's the folks willing to watch!

More happy faces from a great time at the Equinox!

NEIPP

2010-04-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

(top) Arthur tells of his wonderful plans for the week on the night before the students arrive. Next, here's all the trustees, some ppane board members and instructors, all eagerly anticipating the week ahead. You (viewer) really ought to go to facebook and check out PPANE/NEIPP and see all the photos of our incredible week.

Arthur, you just blew us away!!! NEIPP transformed!! I just know everyone will go home and rave about thier week and the school wide group shot will require a wider lens next year to accomodate everyone who will come.

This old dog sure learned some new tricks this past week from David Beckstead. Put the camera on the ground without looking through the viewfinder, aim it at the sun. I had no idea!!!!!!
"Be in Good Company" had so many layers this week.

We had a lot of fun as well as learning. Other than my eyes being closed in this picture from the toga party, can anyone figure out what else isn't quite right?

Rhode Island convention

2010-03-24T07:45:00.001-04:00

Multi-tasking, registering folks and celebrating a birthday
Rhode Island!...Rhode Island!......

Great show of 20's style!
Lotsa feathers! Must have been dangerous to be a bird in the 20s.

Hmm, digital back avalable?

Please check your "violin" cases at the door.

I had fun dancing with the RI-ers! Worth a sore knee later.

2010-03-09T07:07:00.000-05:00

The MA convention was my first time spending time in Plymouth. The Hotel just a "stones throw" from Plymouth Rock, which is rather underwhelming to actually look at, but very thought provoking to be in it's presence.
To look at that boat and ponder the Pilgrim's landing is quite inspiring too.

I feel like a celeb! Folks want to have me pose with them for pix.

Seco nd convention in a row kicked off with a program by a past PPANE prez , and on blogging even!
Camera turned on convention photographer, Tracy Gilford

Geez, I thought EVERYONE knows the movie "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane"!

Joyce gets help from Jamil at registration

Joyce and I get to be the PPANE/NEIPP experts, any questions Mark?

MA prez , Andy Joliat, posing w/me

Beware MA photographers bearing blue cameras!!

In the company of 6 PPANE past prez'

Connecticut Convention

2010-02-14T16:31:00.001-05:00

Bernie and Rickey kicked off the convention's first program with an awesome presentation

Nancy and Jack Holowitz recieve well deserved honors awarding their long time contribution to our community

Ah Hospitality, Marietta makes sure it's extraordinary!!

Dan emerges after a nasty 2 day bug, eats a whole bowl of soup at the banquet!

New Member lunch, what a great idea! and also with benefit of BOTH Dan and Deborah Tual's appearance.

With posing like this, Doug Gordon had no problem keeping an audience.

Maine Convention, the start of my N.E. tour!

2010-02-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

Ah, the beginning of my New England tour as PPANE prez begins. First stop Hawaii.....uh, I mean Maine.

A whole day dedicated to print judging with no programing to lure us away. I learned a lot. I will never put a big bright orange stroke around an image again!

I was happy to win a court of honor for the category of our of state entries (don't ask how many there were).

I thought the PPANE/NEIPP table looked pretty snazzy, lots of images to look at. I'm glad Steve Lourenco took so many great shots of our convention last September, giving me the opportunity to make a cool banner with them. Thanks Lenzart for printing and shipping it really fast so I'd have it in time!

One of the new friends I made, he is fresh out of college and really eager to learn. Cool to hang out with someone who's just starting, made me feel so smart! Davin, hope we'll see you at NEIPP. You gotta take Doug Box's class.

I missed CT's own Bruce Hutchison give his talk in our state, so glad I had a chance to catch it here. He'll be heading to Afghanistan for a year of active duty, and doing more combat photography. Please keep your head low. We want you to be safe, and come back with more riveting tales for us!

Thanks Maniacs for making my first stop on the tour a really pleasant experience!

PPANE visits Hallmark

2009-06-23T22:15:00.000-04:00

President Elect Tom Hurlbut and myself presented 195 Certificates of Accomplishment, along with 195 PPANE convention passes to Hallmark Institute of Photography graduates. George Rosa, III, president of the school was incredibly welcoming to us. As George introduced us, his praise of PPANE, stepping up and taking a first step to acknowledge these graduates was commendable. He talked of the importance of the Association and urged students to take advantage of PPANE's generous offer. We were able to share with the students what the associations have done for us, what they can do for themselves and the importance of being member.

We are also very excited to provide almost 90 packets to the New England School of Photography. They graciously agreed to mail their students our convention pass, congratulations letter from our President and applications for the student program.

The student program is accepting applications. The volunteers will help set up, help with the committees and help make sure all the members know where all the events are at the new convention location in Nashua, New Hampshire. The students' expenses will be paid for three days and nights through the sponsorships.

8 room slots are available, if anyone wants to apply just download the form from the student page at www.ppane.com and mail to Tom Hurlbut.
Tom Hurlbut
Tomhurlbut1@juno.com
860-487-3800

Look who we ran into at Hallmark! A member of our PPANE family, Rich Barnes. He is the portrait director there and to the students a ROCK STAR!! Thanx Barnesy for making us feel at home!

Executive Director of NEIPP

2009-06-12T17:05:00.000-04:00

The PPANE board is excited to announce the new Executive Director of NEIPP .... Arthur Rainville. Join us in congratulating Arthur in this new adventure with us. Welcome aboard Arthur, we are all excited to work with you.

PPA Headquaters!

2009-06-09T14:08:00.000-04:00

Up up and away!! Here is the view as we landed in Atlanta, GA. The PPANE EC committee has taken on the tasks of the PPANE ED, we felt it important to attend the ED meeting at PPA Headquarters.

This is the official hotel for PPA, just walking distance from the International Tower.

Nancy Green also decided to attend to help in her growth as a EC member and to bring information back to MA.

First night dinner was right around the corner from the hotel with the company ED's from affiliates all around the country. Everyone was VERY gracious to us and made us feel right at home.

We MUST be getting close. I can't even begin to guess how many times I have wrote this address before.

OH OH OH, this is the second part of the PPA address, we must be HOT at this point!

Going with the PPA theme of orange for volunteers, we all packed our orange shirts to wear.

Yep this MUST be the place!

No doubt about it! Here is Marrisa Pitts our official welcome to PPA!!

Marrisa is one of those people you ALWAYS know will be able to help you out and point you in the right direction. We almost didn't recognize her without her orange shirt on!

Nancy and ME with Marissa!

Mark Haskell was there as the Maine ED. Ask him about what it is like to get to get into the PPA headquarters on a Sunday. He has a funny story to share!!

Here are some of the dedicated staff of PPA. They gave up their Sunday to spend it with us sharing some of the keys that have made PPA so successful the last few years.

Look close...PPANE is honored in the boardroom with recognition of our 100th convention. Do you notice only one more affiliate listed longer then US!!

The PPANE board can not thank David Trust enough for the last few years of sharing the leadership training information with us. We as a board are stronger and our association is moving forward again.

Time to head home! Here we are in the subway back to the airport. What an incredible amount of information Nancy and I have to share with New England. Thank you PPA for hosting such an learning experience for leadership and thank you to all the EDs that welcomed Nancy and I!!

Last stop on the Tour De New England

2009-05-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

OK, here it is! The last stop on my New England tour! I now have the bragging rites of 6 states, 6 conventions, NO snow storms AND no speeding tickets!! I'm not sure how many other PPANE presidents can say that. I am happy to be on that list, then on the list that had all the snow storms.

A special thanx to all the photographers that supplied me with the images for the blog ...Crystal Nadeau, Tim Cameron, Bob Akers, John Malboeuf and Art Swenson

NHPPA -66 cases!!

2009-05-01T20:34:00.000-04:00

For a bunch of friends we certainly had 7 different opinions. This is what makes print judging so fair, is that you add us all together and come up with an average. I was in the print room at 8:30 AM and we finished up at 10:30 PM. LONG day, but lots of fun!

As a judge you know going to NH you will see lots and lots of prints. As usual their print cases were up to 66! Way to go NHPPA!! Most cases in NE!!

Do you think we the judges had to many challenges? Ask the print comittee! Did we talked to much? Or get up and looked at every print? In the end we certainly gave the audience something to listen to.

What a ride!

2009-05-01T20:10:00.000-04:00

NHPPA All the Fun we had!

2009-05-01T19:55:00.000-04:00

NHPPA 50th Banquet

2009-05-01T19:00:00.000-04:00

Look at that smile!! Do I look HAPPY? Can you tell it's my last speech for awhile?? NHPPA can be a tough group to do anything serious with, but keeping it short and having them promise to check out all the great speakers for PPANE 2009 at www.PPANE.com

was a big help!
The PPANE Presidents scholarship winners are..
Jeff Lackey- winner
Clair Lemire -1st runner up
Rick English-2nd runner up

I know why NHPPA gets done what they do, look at all these hard working volunteers! WOW, what a great group of dedicated board members. GREAT JOB!!

Another AWESOME National Award presented in New England! What an HONOR to be present as Steve Bedall received the NHPPA National Award. So deserved! Congrats Steve!!!

Judges Choice for NHPPA

2009-05-01T18:46:00.000-04:00

Here I am with Heather Smith from Atlanta, GA. She was presenting PPA Certification - A Crash Course at the NHPPA convention. I just fell in love with one of her images. Heather missed her own state judging to be in NH and thought she would enter her prints here to have the learning experience and to hear some of them judged. I had picked my print at the end of our judging day and needed to sign the ribbon. On the way down the elevator the next morning I had my Judges Choice ribbon with me and noticed Heather's name tag, thinking "I think that is the maker of my pick". And sure enough it was! Heather had some other pet images in the show that were very nice as well. Keep up the AWESOME images Heather!!

My NHPPA Peeps

2009-05-01T18:45:00.000-04:00

I was happy to get a photograph of my NH PPANE peeps! These guys have worked so hard for PPANE this year. Candace as taken more on then any board member out there as VP of Finance, Gene has brought more idea's, more suggestions and the willingness to follow through. He is doing a tip top job on the by laws to boot. Then I have Lorraine who no matter what I ask she is always willing to help. Thank you guys a BUNCH for working so hard for PPANE, it is volunteers like the three of you that makes PPANE what it is!!

NHPPA 2009 Award winning images!

2009-05-01T18:31:00.001-04:00

NHPPA 2009 Group

2009-05-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

What an AWESOME group photo taken by out of state NHPPA friend, Bob Akers! You haven't been to a theme banquet until you attend the NHPPA banquet! They make the full use of a theme better then any where else I have been!

Home SWEET Home, VPP 80 th!

2009-04-24T23:31:00.001-04:00

Home sweet home, well sort of, at least it was only 30 minutes from home! The Vermont Professional Photographers 80th convention was at one of the top 10 Inns in the country, The Equinox.

OH MY GOODNESS, it was just breath taking
to stay and not WORK here! To be able to have our 80th celebration at such a wonderful resort, was just perfect. From start to finish this convention was a TEN. I guess after 80 years, we get it!

Boy was it nice be able to help and enjoy the print competition. I have done a lot of judging this winter and it was nice to be on the other side this weekend. Doing our best to keep up with PPA we utilized the new set up for judging and it was our 3rd year doing digital albums. The coolest report back from Vermont is that our print cases were up 40%, yes 40 %! I hope we see all those cases at PPANE 2009 print show.

Special thank you to all the photographers that supplied me with images for the blog... Chris Beltrami,Lucas deSousa, Walt Erickson, Stina Plant, Wayne S. Tarr, Bernie Littlefield, Rickey Montes and Nancy Green.

Hospitality VPP style!!

2009-04-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

How many conventions have a fire pit for the hospitality room. How AWESOME is this?? We had the best time hanging by the fire, drinking, talking and of course fire side photos!

My offical PPANE President Portrait

2009-04-24T23:07:00.001-04:00

Many of you know at the PPANE trade show there is an official PPANE President portrait displayed. I have been stressing about who to ask, as I have too many close photo friends in NE to choose from.

I was at WPPI having dinner with Helen and it just came to me. She would be in Vermont judging, we both use the same camera, and my family would be right there to pose.

If Helen didn't have enough to do she graciously agreed to do our portrait. The challenge was certainly ahead of her, we are not exactly competition built models.

Brad, Caitlyn, Lola and I are VERY exicted to see our orignal Helen Yancy Image. Thank you Chris Beltrami for helping. I guess we have to wait till September to see Helen's piece of art work!!

The new board

2009-04-24T22:57:00.000-04:00

Look! even the photographers get PAID at the VPP convention. Here is Bernie and Ricky being paid by Wayne to photograph the VPP board. Right??

Let's hope he didn't get paid to WAIT! Why is there ALWAYS one in the crowd???

Mr. Whipple realizing he is becoming a past president, or are those tears of relief?

WOW!! What a GREAT shot Bernie!! If you can make this group look good, you can make any group!!

VPP 80th Banquet

2009-04-24T22:16:00.000-04:00

VPP kept up with tradition and went out of their way to let the PPANE President feel their support, love and pride as the PPANE President was from Vermont. Gillian crowned me "The Empress of PPANE". Not many years back I had crowned Arnie the King, Gillian the Queen and Lizzari the Jester!

I have given a lot of speeches this year and this was a tough one. I have done all I can to spread the word across NE about family, and here I was standing in front of my VPP family. This is where I learned about the importance of bylaws, accountability, loyalty and humor, dependability, even keelness, life long friends and to have fun!

The PPANE Presidents scholarship winner was
Sarah McGarghan
Allan Besbris
Wayne Tarr

It was nice to share this part of my life with Brad's daughter, Caitlyn. Everyone went out of their way to make her feel welcomed and part of our VPP family. She knew many from our Groton camping trips!

The absolute highlight of the VPP banquet was Nancy Green receiving the Vermont National Award. I have seen this award given many many times and Nancy takes the cake for being sincerely honored and surprised!

To know this women is to LOVE her!! Helen thank you so much for being part of VPP 80th convention. I know your travels are extremely busy, and the effort to be at our little state was appreciated by all. WE LOVE YOU!

Helen wasn't the only special women in the house, our very own Anne Jenks... Memere to me. She is the mother of Bob Jenks and one of the most amazing women I have ever met.

Showing off the medal that Matty gave me at his wedding this summer. Matt had 7 of us VPP'rs photograph his and Angela's wedding. That is a different story for a another day. Actually you can read about it on our personal blog at www.thegoodhales.blogspot.com, click on Oct and you will see!

Here I am with a past president of VPP, Sharron Harrington. Sharron and I went through the VPP chairs together. I don't get to see her often and it meant the world to have her at the VPP 80th banquet.

2009 VPP Awards

2009-04-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

VPP 80th convention FUN!

2009-04-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

VPP turns 80

2009-04-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

With all the excitement at the banquet we didn't get our group photo done. So here we are on Tuesday. Many had left but at least we got the core group!
Here is the outgoing and incomming presidents. I remember so many times over the years Janet Miller (Osha back then!) tell us that she would volunteer all we needed her to, but she would NEVER move up in the chairs. I can honestly say I think she is excited to be the VPP president. YOU GO GIRL!!

Look at this...11 of the past presidents posing with the our anniversary cake!

NEIPP's Busy Bees

2009-04-15T02:05:00.001-04:00

Busy bees keep NEIPP buzzing! Sal and the trustee's spend an entire year planning and preparing for the 6 days of events. PPANE is lucky to have so many dedicated people to help fill in the cracks and be the extra hands to help out. Thank you to all that make this special week happen!!

Special thanks to Mike Spiegel for providing the NEIPP candids for the PPANEPrez blog.

NEIPP 2009 has arrived!

2009-04-15T01:54:00.000-04:00

After all the anticipation and planning NEIPP 2009 has arrived! The alumni help check people in and collect dues!

Did you know that the instructors get instructions? No rock goes unturned to make sure a smooth week is had by all.

Here is Diana, the head trustee welcoming everyone to NEIPP 2009!!

I tried to pass my speech over to her, but she didn't want much more to do with the podium then she had to! It was nice to get two more speeches crossed off my long list!

Hot off the press!!

2009-04-15T01:47:00.000-04:00

After all the hoopla, the PPANE 2009-2010 Calendars are in. Sal was in line to buy his at the trade show at NEIPP. There were only 500 produced and we are already down to 350. If you don't want to take your chance waiting till September you can order them from me. $13 if you would like them shipped and $10 if you would like to pick them up in person! Its a great drive to Vermont

A busy week at NEIPP

2009-04-15T01:46:00.000-04:00

Our very own, Ed Pedi!!

2009-04-15T01:20:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like that last half an hour before you speak. Doesn't matter how much you have prepared, there is always that chance that Murphy will show up and SOMETHING won't work!

Ed, will you tell me a story?? I am sure many of you sitting in Ed's lecture Monday night could hear me laughing. I just think Ed is one of the best story tellers going and uses his ability to teach.

Ed, Ann Monteith and me. I was Ann's assistant for her three days at NEIPP and she must have said Ed's name 10 times the next day in class referring to his lecture the night before. I hope the good word of Ed's program gets his name on the national speaking list!!

Ed brought tears to Sal's eyes with his tribute to all the NEIPP instructors that Ed has had through the years.

NEIPP Sea Cruise 2009

2009-04-15T01:09:00.000-04:00

Anchors aweigh!! If the days were not busy enough the trustee's made sure our evenings were full too! Everyone was invited to let loose with their cruse line attire and thoughts of warmer weather. Many got to take home the traditional snap shot with the Captain! Here I am with Captain Sal!!

NEIPP-Banquet

2009-04-15T00:07:00.000-04:00

After a full week of learning, everyone was ready to let their hair down and party up with the orchestra. And in keeping up with tradition we had to thank or even embarrass the instructors. Fun was had by all. I was happy to get in this group photo of the Vermonters that made it to NEIPP.

NEIPP 2009 onto 2010

2009-04-14T23:07:00.000-04:00

Sad to see another year of NEIPP close but comforting to know next year is right around the corner. Below is a list of the course from the last email blast. Take advantage of the payment plan and only have to pay $100 a month!!!

Doug Box ---------------Basic Portraiture / Weddings
Tim Kelly ---------------Fine Art Portraiture
Jennifer Hillenga ------High School Seniors and More
TBA ---------------------Weddings
Darton Drake ----------Inspirational Portraiture
Greg & Lesa Daniel --- Intermediate / Advanced Portraiture
John Woodward ------Mastering the Light & Fine Tuning your Technique
Jane Conner Ziser ---- The Complete Photographic Artist
Bruce Hudson ---------Pricing - Selling - Marketing
Jeremy Sutton ---------Corel Painter
Ed Pedi -----------------Environmental Portraiture / Four Steps to Success

Rhode Island... here we come!

2009-03-03T15:47:00.000-05:00

Another weekend had arrived and that meant it was time to head out to an convention. This week I my travels took me to the Rhode Island convention. My Super Hero, Brad had to work the entire weekend. I was THRILLED when past president Bob Lizzari told me he was planning to go and we made arrangements to carpool. I was a little nervous at first being I am on a lucky streak with the weather and knew that Bob wasn't so lucky when he was PPANE president. I decided it would be worth the adventure traveling with him, as we have many times to board meetings and conventions. Sure enough, another sunny day for travel!

I have seen this sign many times! In fact just about every weekend for 2 years. I am an alumni from Rhode Island School of Photography. I certainly know the drive from Vermont to Rhode Island.

We made it and Bob survived 4 hours in the car with me!!

Many old and new faces!

2009-03-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

PPARI was a lot more laid back for me, because I wasn't judging. Our first official task was to have dinner! We all took the trolley to Sardella's for a wonderful dinner

I was SOOOO exicted to be able to spend time with Heather Ferraro-Shuman and her husband Rob at the PPARI convention. Heather and I went to RISP together. She lives nearby in Narrgansett and spent many nights with us in Providence, becomming an honorary roommate!

We had our own private dinning room! Boy was the food and wine yummy!!

PPARI president, Judith Potter is certainly a HANDS ON kind of president! It was fun to catch up with Judith in person. We have done a lot of emailing while she helped to fill the RI representative for PPANE. I can't thank her enough for sending along Steve Lourenco. He is a gem on the PPANE board.

Look here!! Nancy and Jack Holowitz at another state convention. I told Jack he would be able to give my speech at the banquet, he has heard enough of them!

Thank you a BUNCH to Peter Lapolla for the great candids he shared with me to put on the blog!!

More new PPANE members

2009-03-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

I spent the day on Sunday at the registration area with the PPANE trade show booth talking to PPARI members about PPANE and NEIPP. I am happy to report I have signed up 23 PPANE members, and 11 NEIPP students in my convention travels so far.

One of my favortite things to do in my convention travels is looking at each states history. I belonged to PPARI when I was a student at RISP. I remember a lot of these members 18 years ago!

PPARI banquet night!

2009-02-27T16:32:00.000-05:00

The banquet night had a tropical theme, so the evening dresses and tuxes stayed at home! I think so far I got to see more PPANE past presidents in RI then anywhere. Here is Bob Lizzari and I with Gary Thibeault, both are past presidents. During dinner I sat with Ruth Clegg and a table over from us was Bob DeCaprio, both also past presidents of PPANE and still involved serving on committee's and hosting all star programs.

Speech number 4! It was a walk down memory lane, with my years at RISP and sharing my admiration for a beloved man in RI, Rudy Graziani.

My PPANE president scholarships winner was...
Christine Connell
1st runner up- Manny Deoliveira
2nd runner up- Heather Ferraro

My proof that Bob was having a good time! Don't let him tell you stories otherwise!

It's Jackie Nelson. Jackie and I share a VERY special friend in common. I told Jackie some of my RISP school days stories!

Not only did I get to see an old roommate but I got to share her birthday with her the night of the banquet. Don't worry I made sure everyone else knew it was her birthday too!

Thank you again for the FUN candids that Peter shared with me!

Awards for PPARI

2009-02-26T16:49:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all the award winners in RI! It enjoyed not knowing and the anticipation of who was going to receive and award!

The Winners Are!

Out of State Court of Honor - Sam Chinigo

In State Courts of Honor
Commercial - Al Weems
Wedding - Diane Miller Yeatman
Illustrative - Serena Parente Charlebois
Portrait - Diane Miller Yeatman
Digital - John Lovgren
Master - Serena Parente Charlebois
Student Court - Justin Frink

Fuji Awards
Commercial - Al Weems
Illustrative - Serena Parente Charlebois
Portrait - Serena Parente Charlebois
Digital - Serena Parente Charlebois
Wedding - Diane Miller Yeatman

Kodak Awards
Illustrative - Karen Bernard
Portrait - Serena Parente Charlebois
Digital - Paul Vicario
Wedding - Diane Miller Yeatman

Hallmark Award - Highest Color Portrait - Diane Miller Yeatman

Best of Show - Serena Parente Charlebois

MA makes 3 for 3

2009-02-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

It's official, 3 of 6 state conventions without a snow storm. It was like the good old days with Gillian and I riding together to a meeting or convention. Brad could not leave until he got done work at midnight, and drove thru arriving at 3:30am. I had to judge Saturday morning and needed to leave on Friday. It worked great that Gillian had decided to visit the Massachusetts convention.

How to feel welcomed!!! There was a 16x20 sign that seemed to follow me around all weekend! Honestly , people I had never met before came up and congratulated me on being president and supported all the positive changes they had noticed. I suspect this sign gave a hint of who I was!

A special thank you to Tracy Gilford for the AWESOME coverage with his images of the MA convention. I hope PPANE's photography chair from MA, Barry Okun asked Tracy to help at PPANE!

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Friends far and near

2009-02-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things that sets our profession above many is the camaraderie with our peers, whether from near or far. I was so excited to know that Mary Mannix from Chicago, IL would be at the MA convention.
I had met Mary years ago through Gillian. When I was print chair for PPANE, Mary served as one of the judges. Just one of those bonds and friendships that has grown and grown over the years. What other professions offer such support and loyalty?

Don't forget to thank Tracy Gilford for all the images in the slide shows!!

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Lola steals the show!!

2009-02-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

Here is our GoldenDoodle, Lola! After being away from home so much, when I found out that the Crown Plaza allowed dogs there was no doubt in my mind that she was coming along to her first convention. Brad on the other hand wasn't so sure, being he would be the one to take care of her when I was judging and at the trade show. Lola and her over abundance of personality was a HUGE hit and people were in line to meet her. Here she is at the trade show.
Diana Mirasolo and I at the NEIPP/PPANE booth. 10 members and 6 NEIPP students were signed . I guess Lola gets some credit as the attaction to the booth, who needs chocolate when you have Lola!

Lola even had company to hang out in the room with Ansel Lizzari (Bob's dog). The two of them didn't stop chit chatting with each other. I think he was trying to convince her to be his girlfriend and she had lots of rules to tell him!

PPAM's Group Photo

2009-02-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

I think this is a great tradition doing the group photo every year! Lola was even invited!!

PPAM's Banquet

2009-02-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

Look at ME, you might even think I look comfortable up there! By speech THREE I am getting the hang of it! PPANE Prez NEIPP scholarship winner was Laure Brooks, 1st runner up was Ed Diaz, and John Lewis was the 2nd runner up.

What an honor to pin Mark Spencer with the National Award.

Another great tradition PPAM has is to take a photo of all the National Award recipients that attended that banquet.

After a weekend of judging and promoting PPANE it was nice to let loose on the dance floor!

Judges Choice Ribbon

2009-02-24T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here I am with Christian Anderson, and his image "Into the World". When this image came around the turn table my first thought was of a photographer that I studied in photography school named Eugene Smith. Not that the image is at all the same, but if you read about Eugene Smith even just the title will spark a similarity. If you would like to read more about him, I found this link http://www.photo-seminars.com/Fame/eugesmith.htm and to really see the image go to http://masters-of-photography.com/S/smith/smith_children_walking_full.html

Christian, thank you for bring the memory of Eugene back into my mind. I much enjoyed your image and the journey it took me on!!

Award Night for PPAM

2009-02-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Tug of War for the awards!

Nancy WON!!

WPPI

2009-02-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

I didn't think I was getting enough travel time in so I thought I would add WPPI to the list, LOL! The fact is my dear friends Mark and Jennifer Garber were speakers and needed help selling product. I was only in Vegas for 48 hours. Unfortunately I didn't have my point and shoot in my pocket the whole time and missed taking photos of people like Don Chick, Lorraine and Steve Bedell, Arthur Rainville, Jennifer Hudson, Steve Sedman and Ken Wilson. I am sure I am forgetting many (that is why I usually take photos). Here are the two GOOFS that I did have my camera in my pocket and I caputed Dan Roggi and Richard Kizirian.

Birthday Place of Donna M. Goodhue

2009-02-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

Another AWESOME day to travel! I am two for two on great travel weather for the NE tour!

Yes it is TRUE! Hartford, CT is the birth place of ME!! I never drive through Hartford and not tell ANYONE with me the story. I think I even convinced Tom Hurlbut there was actually a sign. Now there is!!

We made it!! Actually, a relatively short tip. Under 3 hours. I think it was the getting up at 5:30 AM that made it a little longer!

CPPA Judging

2009-02-09T23:00:00.000-05:00

What a FUN panel. Every body from a past PEC chair to a newbie to judging. I really enjoyed the balance. We also found a new friend, Paul Rogers. Nancy and I are convinced he will act like he doesn't know us the next time he sees us!! LOL!

We got to hang out with Roland, he was the JC for print judging. We missed Helen A LOT. Helen feel BETTER soon!!!

It was so much fun judging with Nancy Green at her FIRST judging as an affiliate. Nancy is the latest on the NE list! Congrats Nancy, you worked EXTRA hard for this!!

After all the hard work of judging each judge gets to place a judges choice ribbon on ONE print. It certainly is my favorite part, yet a difficult decision. Many times when you judge there is one print that we may have not even talked about during the judging but it is the one that stays with you. That is "A Piece of My Heart" by Julie Gerace. The print that did it to me. I look forward to Julie reworking this print and entering it at PPANE 09!!

I wish we had one!

2009-02-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Every time I have been to the CPPA convention, I always admire their Presidents wall. Not only do I wish we had one of these for PPANE, I wish we had one for VPP too. It is so fun to look back at the styles of images and history of the presidents.

Here he is, the man of the year! Roland was up on the CT past presidents wall. He has been the face of PPANE for so long, I think some times I forget he came from CT.

CT photographers gather in Cromwell!

2009-02-09T22:30:00.000-05:00

A BIG thank you to Roger Picard for the AWESOME candids that he took and provided me for the PPANEPrez blog.

60 years CPPA

2009-02-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

You couldn't help knowing when and where things were happening! Great signs!!

These gift baskets were an AWESOME idea to help raise money for scholarships. Being that Grace is now on that PPANE committee, I hope this happens at PPANE.

What a great gathering! Nice just to talk and hang out with out speeches, music not too loud and places to sit down. It was the perfect party.

Gillian, Bob and I were in their slide show reflecting the last 60 years. Should have know these would haunt us!

Being the 60th convention there were lots of history to view. If you never had an opportunity to talk to Anne Brignolo about her family studio, you must find her and do so! She has many interesting stories and experiences to share!

NEIPP Trustee, Mike Spiegel and myself at the PPANE/NEIPP trade show booth. We signed up 8 PPANE members and one retired.

Strike a pose!!! Nancy doing her favorite pose of Anne's!

Nancy Green with Anne Brignolo. Nancy just loves Anne and wants to be her when she grows up!!

PPANE EC meeting in CT

2009-02-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

I wish there was a way for all of you to know how hard these 6 people are working for PPANE. They are filling BIG shoes this year as we need to meet more then the normal 4 times a year. Finding out that 3 of the 7 of us were going to be at the CT convention and 2 others lived sort of close and unless we meet at Bernie's house he will always have to travel, LOL! I called a meeting. We got a lot done and have some awesome news! Membership is up 33% from last year at this time! YIPPEE!!

60th CPPA Banquet

2009-02-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

Speech #2 on my New England tour. I shared with the CPPA group how CT is an important part of my life being that I was actually born in Hartford.

The CT winner of the PPANE Presidents $250 dollar scholarship to NEIPP 2010..
Dan Tual
Ken Kells, 1st runner up
Rhanda Gaudio, 2nd runner up

CPPA 60th convention colors were white and silver. Brad and I look like we went to the prom!!

Grace was gracious to invite us to sit at the presidents table. It was an honor to sit with PPA president, Dennis Craft. Dennis was the instructor when I took the affiliate judges class. To this day one of the best classes I have ever taken!!

I shared my cheat notes with him for the installation of officers.

CT FUN

2009-02-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

A BIG thank you to Roger Picard for the AWESOME candids that he took and provided me for the PPANEPrez blog.

Awards CT 2009

2009-02-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all the award winners at the 60th Connecticut Professional Photographers Convention. It was an honor to be a judge and be part of such a wonderful print show.

Road Trip #1... NO STORM

2009-01-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

Brad and I arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport, Maine on Saturday.

I made it to our first New England convention without a snow storm. Maybe a little cold but it was blue skies all the way!! Congratulations to Maine on their 60th convention!

Every one was glad to see me BECAUSE I brought the scoring machine with me.

Alan was VERY happy to see me!

Lots of behind the scenes work going on to be ready. Here is Felice ironing the drapes for the turn table.

Team work getting all set up!!

Maine Print Competition

2009-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Maine panel of judges. It was exciting news that Maine had 11 first time entries and their print cases were up. I hope this sets the tone for the rest of New England. We saw some amazing images. Wait until you see the awards.

We have all seen this set up before!

Print crew working hard!

Rickey behind the scenes.

Bernie are you SURE about that??

The leader of the pack, Alan!

Teaching, sharing and having FUN

2009-01-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

Incomming President Tim handing out the merits and certificate to David and Linda Murray for their program "From Wars to Weddings"

Don Chick enlightening a student with his very informative program on portrait lighting.

Jeff Dachowski shares some insight from the judges point of view at the print critique.

New Friends, Old friends... the fun I had!

2009-01-27T22:10:00.000-05:00

Our first night we ran out for a beer before the president's party and ended up having a great dinner!

President Akers was almost late for his president's welcome party.

Hands off Bernie, he's MINE!!

Mark! you scared us enough coming to the hospitality suite in your PJ's you don't have to CHASE us out!

Laughs were shared by all.

I know we learn just as much sharing here as we do learning in programs.

The ladies were hanging on every word Bob was sharing!

My first NEIPP/PPANE trade show booth set up. All those years doing bridal shows helped!! It was exciting to help to students pick classes for NEIPP and I signed up two new PPANE members

Time for the awards!

2009-01-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Leader of the pack! Bob you did such an amazing job talking up your convention and getting people excited about going. It worked because membership numbers are up, print cases and attendance was up. Great job Bob!!!

These 6 photographers were eligible for the Photographer of the year award!

Print chair, Alan giving the Photographer of the year award to Thomas Fallon. Thomas is a new member to Maine from Texas.

What an HONOR! Paul and Mary Lou Chretien were given a life membership award! All were on their feet applauding for this one!

State speech #1! I got a little distracted, hopefully by #6 I will have it down!!
The winner of the PPANE President $250 NEIPP scholarship is.
LeeAnn LaFleur
Renea Gage, 1st runner up
Paul Chretien, 2nd runner up

The 2009-2010 Maine board of directors that I installed.

The incoming and outgoing presidents passing the merits!

The Maine winners are...

2009-01-27T20:44:00.000-05:00

Memories for a lifetime!

2009-01-27T18:57:00.000-05:00

As president of PPANE one of the best parts about visiting other associations is the members that you get to meet. Being a judge also has its perks, the giving out a judges choice ribbon. In Maine I had the opportunity to meet Melissa in the hospitality suite the night before judging had started. She told me that she had entered a print for the first time and she was a little nervous. I gave her the advice not to enter anything she was emotionally attached to in the beginning. Little did I know.The next day was print judging and that night I found myself sitting with Melissa at the end of the day. I had to ask her how she did, VERY excitedly Melissa told me that her print was going to hang in the show. When I asked her what print was hers, she described a print that I remembered from the first 15 prints we judged. I then asked her the story behind the print knowing from the title there whad to be a story. It turned out it was VERY personal story and she had a definate emotional attachment to her print. I choose to give Melissa my judges choice ribbon. Her storyand print were 100% why we do what we do, it is not about scores, ribbons or money. It is about capturing a moment that forever will be preserved. Melissa, thank you for sharing your story with me!!

What a great way to start my 6 state travels. Maine maybe in my review mirror, but the memories will be with me for a lifetime!

A BIG thank you to Mark Haskell, Alan Boutot and Tim Byrne for the help with images for the blog!

PPA Awards night

2009-01-14T01:27:00.000-05:00

Receiving their Master of Photography
Jeffrey Dachowski, Cr.photog, CPP
Ann Dyer, Cr.photog, CPP
John F. Hill, CPP
Paul Kady
Receiving their Photographic Craftsman
Carolle Dachowski
Charleen Larkin, CPP
Nelson W. Mare, CPP

First congratulations to the newest New England Degree holders. I remember reading the words of the charge and how true they are. I thought I would share that here since so many recipients were unable to attend....

Charge to new PPA degree holders
On behalf of Professional Photographers of America, congratulations on the attainment of this milestone in your chosen profession. Your workmanship has been accepted as representing the highest standards in the stimulating and exciting art of professional photography. You have been accepted as an individual of high character, moral standards, and good citizenship. Your degree is a forward economic step. Whether you are an employee or an entrepreneur, your image is enhanced by this recognition. Your appearance, attitude and manner reflect on our entire profession. This honor cannot be lightly held for it is both a recognition and a responsibility.

The insignia comprises emblem and ribbon- they must never be separated or displayed other then around your neck- a requirement at all photographic events. The parchment and insignia are not trivial attainments. They impose the obligation to maintain your studio and conduct your business and personal activities at the highest possible level- to exemplify unquestionable ethics.

A part of your responsibility is to make your knowledge available to your fellow photographers, practicing professionals and those considering photography as a career as well, regardless of age, race, sex, or creed. Your helping hand today may encourage the top talent of tomorrow, who many someday be leaders in this exciting profession. Masters of Photography, Master Artists, Masters of Electronic Imaging and Photographic Craftsman who have preceded you have accepted this honor with pride and a deep sense of responsibility. It is our earnest charge to you that you accept with that same determination to continue to upgrade this outstanding profession and to perpetuate the honor of this degree for future generations.

Finally, you are now a member of a proud group. Wearing your insignia will conspicuously distinguish you. Wear it with humility- let it be a symbol of your dedication to further serve the profession from which you derive your livelihood- and firmly resolve to keep the image of both the degree and photography bright and shining.

Let's Party at PPA!!

2009-01-13T02:55:00.000-05:00

PPA president, Dennis Craft giving a very emotional speech about his years of being a photographer, board member, husband and father.

Again Ann wowed me with her acceptance speech of the PPA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ann displaying her new degree! Congrats Ann!!

Ann, Carol, and Jeff only SOME of the new degree holders from New England. We tried and tried to find everyone and failed.

John, Tammy, Linda and Ed enjoying the celebration provided by Kodak.

The MA group at the banquet!

CEO of PPA, David Trust taking a photograph of the new president.

Dennis Craft with me at the banquet. I took my affiliated judges class with Dennis. I have the utmost respect for him and his integrity.

Ed hanging with the Ladies. Hey, where is Linda?

The Zemba Brothers!!

Nancy letting some stress out!! If you see Nancy ask her where a drugstore is in Phoenix. You will get a good story with MANY laughs.

Everyone congratulating Ann on her new degree!

Lynn and Jennifer. Lynn it was a treat to spend time with you!! We all missed you MUCH!

It is friendships like these that I have formed from belonging to PPANE. Many know the detour Lynn's life took a few years back and I am sure she will tell you how much her photography family helped her get through the rough times.

I LOVE you ED!! You are such a great person and so much FUN to be around. Congrats on your nomination to be moved up on the PPANE EC board. You will be an excellent addition to this hard working team!

Ed Zemba catching up with Lynn and showing her photos on his itouch. Who do you think took them??

Lynn, Bob and Ed for a family hug!

Sandwich kiss from the Zemba's

Robert Charles Photography team that came to speak at PPA.

Mary likes to hang out with the NE group. She is part of our extended family.

Many of you know this man as the FACE of PPA. This is Al Hopper's last convention as membership chair for PPA. I am convinced we will continue to see his face in the years to come. Al we at PPANE owe you much for you years of dedication to our profession. I know as a EC board member in the last 4 years your advice and willingness to help in leadership training has put us on a better path. Best wishes for your journey ahead and always remember your NE photo family is here for you!!

Ann Geddes

2009-01-13T00:15:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I wasn't a fan of Ann Geddes. In fact I was at the convention a few years ago when she spoke and I chose not to attend then. This year PPA really plugged her being there and I still didn't have it on my list of to do's while there. Seeing 1000 people in line to get tickets, I thought ARE YOU NUTS?? Well it ended up that my friend Mary Mannix had some extra tickets and I went to spend time with her as opposed to going to hear Ann Geddes.

Here is where I was reminded no matter what the lecture is about, there is always something you can learn. Not only did I learn, but was inspired by Ann. Her lecture was heartfelt and humble. Her respect for portrait photographers and her true concern of our profession was touching.

I was glad I was convinced to attend Ann's lecture. It left a lasting impression on me and was certainly the best program I attended at Imaging USA.

My first LOAN!!!

2009-01-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

I have been entering PPA print competition since 1993 and have NEVER missed a year. This year was my FIRST loan. Many years I have gone 4 for 4 and have had many general book prints but NEVER a loan. I was convinced there was some sort of curse on me. Well here it is! My first loan print!!

I am VERY happy to say that my 4 for 4 prints this year were a family portrait, a wedding image, a portrait album and my illustrative punch buggy that was taken at PPA in Texas when we got iced in with my point and shoot camera. This car image is the first I have ever entered that didn't have people in it and wasn't client work.

Here is Nancy with ONE of her MANY loan prints! You GO Girl!!

New England Council Members

2009-01-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

New England PPA Council members were well represented and attended the 2009 meeting. In my 8 years of being on council this is the first time we did a group photo. It was nice to see New England does have some effect with the number of votes.

Ed Pedi checks in Wayne Tarr. Wayne was a proxy vote for Charlie Parker.

CT council members Harvey, Rene, Glen and Marie.

Wayne and I at his first council meeting. He was the proxy vote for Charlie Parker. I think he was impressed with how formal it was.

Alan, Bob, Joe, Paul and Ed.

NH members Skip and Gene with the ME representative Mark.

2009 PPANE Speakers

2009-01-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

I think Nancy ran into almost all her speakers for the PPANE 2009 convention. Nancy found Joan Genest. Joan and Chris Beltrami will be teaching the "How to make a merit print" and judges workshop.

Nancy with Jim Churchill, one of our speaker/judges and Steve Abbott who will also be judging.

Joan showing Rick Avalos some of our New England love! Rick will be judging and speaking at 2009 PPANE convention.

He is EVERYWHERE!

2009-01-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

If you were at PPA and didn't see Ed Pedi, I am not sure you were at the right convention! I made sure I was at his LabPrints presentation being I am a user of LabPrints and an Ed Pedi fan. I was excited to know another NE friend was there John Flaherty, he is an consultant for LabPrints.

Here is John with his wife Tammy! It was great fun to see them, they always have such a friendly welcoming smile!

Just around the corner I ran into my friend Mary T. Mannix working at the Canon booth. Mary was a judge last year at PPANE and was there to present the first Canon Par Excellence award.

Our Friends at PPA

2009-01-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some fun photos of New Englanders at PPA as I traveled around the convention center!

PPA Volunteers from PPANE

2009-01-11T13:11:00.000-05:00

Just like our state and regional associations, PPA DEPENDS on its volunteers. One big difference is the noticeable ORANGE shirts that these volunteers proudly wear. Here is Art Swenson and Skip Foisy .

I don't think I have ever been to PPA and not seen Skip as volunteer! Thank you Skip for all you do there!!!

Here is another famous NE volunteer, Gene Paltrineri from NH. I think I see a theme with the NH members!

Yet another NH member, Tim Cameron. It is nice to have familiar faces to ask for help or get the inside scoop from.

I am not sure if I saw all the PPA volunteers from NE but a BIG thank you goes out to all of you for your hard work and long hours!! You make PPANE proud!

PPANE goes to PPA

2009-01-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

This years PPA convention was held in Phoenix, AZ. I think this is my 12th year attending. I went the year before I received my Craftsman degree to speak and every year since. I am a fan of the January convention in a warm place opposed to the July convention in a HOT place. Of course many would remind me of Texas a few years ago and say it wasn't very warm, and my answer to that is I took an image that hung loan this year from those extra days we spent there in the ice, so that wasn't too bad either! I have many reason's why I attended the PPA convention. Everything from the opportunity for education, my duties to serve on council to the ENORMOUS trade show, but most importantly the recharge it does for me and my business. For those of us who are heavily involved in planing and working on our state and regional conventions, it is nice to go somewhere to attend and not work. Sure I have obligations like council meeting, affiliated judges workshop, mentor booth and this year I attending the managers meeting for affiliates. This are a breeze being that I am just attending the meetings and not planning them.

Well it doesn't take you long there to run into our PPANE friends! Ed Pedi was the man to see t his year. He spoke in the Miller's Lab booth and in LabPrints. Above are some of the NE supporters listening to our very own!

If you would like to read about my first three days in AZ, check out my personal blog at http://www.thegoodhales.blogspot.com/

Wayne Tarr, Don Whipple and I went three days early for an adventure. And boy did we have one!!

Gillian's first newsletter!

2009-01-05T23:29:00.000-05:00

Our first newsletter of the year is up and posted!! Check it out at..
http://www.ppane.com/nlfiles/Januaryppane2009.pdf

This is Gillian's first newsletter for PPANE. She has VERY big shoes to fill following Harvey Goldstein's many years of service as PPANE's editor. If you have any suggestions or anything you would like to see in the newsletter, please email Gillian at .. ppaneeditor@ppane.net

Also, if you are interested in being the editor of the PPANE newsletter watch in the June newsletter for request for resumes. The board will review and vote on applications each year