Editor’s note: Part of the charge of the APCO International Executive Committee of the Board of Directors is to represent the association’s membership around the country at various chapter and regional meetings and conferences. Below, President Gregg Riddle shares some thoughts from his recent travels.

Atlantic Chapter Conference

APCO President Gregg Riddle

I attended the Atlantic Chapter Conference that was held recently in Rockport, Maine, at the Samoset Resort. Attendees were treated to a wonderful location, with all meals being provided by a great resort staff. The programs were hosted directly across the hallway from the vendor floor, which made it very easy for the attendees to maximize their time in breakout sessions and with the vendors. I spoke to the attendees at the opening breakfast about APCO International’s priorities. At the Chapter meeting, I had the honor to present Senior Member designation to Robert Schlieman. At the closing lunch, I was asked to swear in the new officers of the Atlantic Chapter.

Florida Chapter Conference

I attended the Florida Chapter Conference along with the rest of the Executive Committee and Interim Executive Director Mark Cannon. The reason that the entire Executive Committee was in attendance was to participate in a face-to-face meeting with the NENA Board. Our second meeting with NENA will take place at IWCE in late February.

We also took the opportunity to hold an Executive Committee workshop and meeting. The Gulf Coast Director, Debbie Gailbreath, and the Florida Chapter Executive Council Representative, Ricky Rowell, were in attendance at the Executive Committee meeting.

As president, I spoke at the opening breakfast about APCO’s priorities. I also was given the honor of assisting with the presentation of the Florida Chapter awards to a number of deserving individuals. I was also given the opportunity of swearing in the new Florida Chapter officers at the closing banquet.

Wyoming Chapter Conference          

I recently attended the Wyoming Chapter Conference in Casper, Wyoming. I arrived Monday night and was able to participate in an open discussion of issues and concerns. I was given an opportunity to make some comments from the International perspective. I made a keynote address on Tuesday morning as part of the opening session. It was a great opportunity to meet with the Wyoming Chapter membership. I also spent time with a good friend, Larry Sheridan, who has been the Wyoming Chapter Executive Council Representative. Larry is stepping down from that position at the end of the conference after a number of years in the position. Larry, thanks for your service to Wyoming and APCO.