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2007 ASSIST Convention
recap
By Dave Parker
ASSIST PAST PRESIDENT
As president I had the honor of attending one of the best conventions in the history
of ASSIST, in October 2007. I know most members attended, but I thought a review might be in order. We still have some folks who do not attend, and they�re missing out on a great time, a great educational opportunity and a terrific arena for networking.
This was our most impressive convention. Members from all over Texas were invited and came to El Paso. We invited ASIS members, our friends in the locksmith business and members of the TBFAA. It was interesting to observe the interaction between the different segments of the security business. The Hospitality Room was just great.
We also invited a number of dignitaries who also
attended. We received a terrific welcome from Mayor John Cook, Representative Pat Haggerty, and El Paso Chief of Police Richard Wiles (both members of ASSIST). Senator Lucio, Senator Shapleigh, Director and Texas Homeland Security Steve McCraw attended and addressed the members. Representatives Joe Driver and Pat Haggerty were also with us. Also, El Paso County Commissioner Dan Haggerty attended.
We had the chief of police or a representative from six major cities: DPS Representative Director Col Davis, Chief Christian, Valerie Fulmer, Assistant Chief Licensing, Capt. Hinojosa and from the Provost Marshal Office at Fort Bliss, Stephen Edwards, Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Manjarez Jr., and Assistant Chief Benavides. Texas Private Security Board Commissioner George Craig, Mike Samulin, John Chism, and Howard J. Johnsen attended.
The lunch and dinner opened with honor guards from EPPD and Border Patrol, along with Senior Patrol Agent Lou Patch singing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs.
We had some great awards. We added to our list of lifetime members Ann Ball and David Scepanski and two more Honorary Members, State Representative Joe Driver and Retired DPS Capt. Cliff Grumbles.
We had outstanding vendor participation. We had more vendors at this convention than we�ve ever had in the past, and El Dorado Insurance led the way.
Our platinum sponsor El Dorado has been a loyal supporter of ASSIST from the beginning and we appreciate their commitment to the association. Worth Casualty was also a platinum sponsor, along with Texas Enforcer, LLC. But we had many others including J.S Bishop, Hanszen LaPorte, Night Eyes, Sun City Security, Taser International, Texas Consulting and Weiser Security. We thank you all!
We had hospitality nights which were great and attended by all, because that�s where the real business is done. Guests were invited and attended a lunch and tour of Juarez, Mexico, while we were attending classes for continuing education.
One thing that impressed me was that one price covered all convention events. And, the price was reasonable.
So, you�re probably wondering, who could have put together such a great convention. Dave Scepanski, with a little help from his friends. Dave did a great job and we appreciate it. Dave had the convention all planned and ready to go from last December. And,
Dave turned over $40,000 to Dan Flores our new president for the ASSIST, $30,000 going to ASSIST and $10,000 to the Fallen Officer�s Fund.
Our annual membership meeting was started by Chief Richard Wiles, a voting member, and we had our elections. Dan Flores, who has done so much to build ASSIST in south Texas was elected president. Flores has been one of our most active members on the board of directors and was unopposed for the office. We wish him the very best during his tour of office.
And, as always, we had some of the best instructors/speakers for our classes. This year since Dave invited all professions regulated by the PSB,
our classes were designed to meet the needs of all of us involved in operating small businesses.
This year we had our most impressive golf tournament. And, after all, this is the reason we have conventions. For the golf tournament. We had more players and prizes than ever.
Next year�s convention will be in Houston. The Gulf Coast region will try to set up an even better convention than last year�s. Don�t miss it. Conventions are a great time to renew friendships, meet new friends, and do a little networking. Over the years I have learned so much from friends who are in the same business. And, perhaps I�ve been able to help others with what I�ve learned over the years.
To view photos of Convention 2007, visit assisttexas.org � Convention 2007.
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