It was with great sadness that I learned today that David Stahley, former Editor and current Historian, passed away in his sleep on January 15, 2008.  Our heart felt condolences go out to Mary Jo Stahley, his wife, and to all of his family and friends.  He will be sorely missed by all of those who knew him.

I want to thank the Committee, Sally A. Chaffin, Chair, Jack Liberator, Ed Sensel, Mike “Pineapple” Raymond, and Jimmie Herstine, for all of their work to bring this conference to fruition.  Without all of their assistance many things would not have been accomplished.  A special “Thank You” to Jack Liberator for the invaluable information that he provided.

Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center have provided several services and some monetary assistance which is greatly appreciated by the Association.

Help has also been received from Ambulance Associates and Bartley EMS.  To them we express a very grateful “Thank You.”

We are very grateful to all of the speakers for their willingness to give of their time to help us further our education and receive a different perspective on various issues in EMS.

The Quarterly Conference in Springfield in October was a fantastic experience, especially the mock trial.  I think it opened everyone’s eyes to at least different aspects of what transpires when EMS goes on trial.  The Committee there did a really fantastic job and provided us with a quality educational experience.  I was able to renew a couple of ‘old’ associations and made new ones that I can look forward to in the future.  I hope that all of you who were there can say the same.  The exchange of ideas and information from different points of view can help us all do a better job in caring for the patients that we see and treat.

The Code of Regulations Committee will present several documents at this conference.  1) There will be a second reading and a vote about a proposed change to 7.03 Nominating Committee.  2) There will be a first reading on Code of Regulations, New Section listing, which is basically an outline of what the various sections of the Code will look like.  This will make it much easier for everyone to find anything that they want concerning how the Association operates.  3) There will be a first reading on 7.02 Other Employees.  This is a new section that will allow the Association to hire someone when and where the need arises and finances are available to do such.  4) There will be a first reading on combining 6.09 and 6.10 into one new section which will be 7.01 Marketing and Publication Administrator.  This was done because the Administrative Assistant was the access point for almost everything that was published and responsible for all most all marketing that was done.  5) There will be a first reading on moving 10.01 to 12.01 and making it more clear how amendments are handled.  Each member in attendance at this Conference will have their own individual copy of each change, either in your packet or available at the Registration Desk.  Please make sure you have these.  The last four (4) documents will have a Second Reading and Vote at the Spring Conference in April.

The Audit Committee will meet during this Conference and conduct an Audit of the books of the Association in accord with the newly revised Section 7.05 that was voted on and passed at the Fall Conference in October.  A preliminary report will be given at the General Business Meeting on Saturday, January 19, 2008, and Final Report will be generated and posted on the Website (www.OAEMS.org) and published in the next magazine, space permitting.

My personal “Thanks” to all County Reps and especially to all who are in my District.  Your assistance and help is valuable beyond belief.

I hope all of you will have a great Conference.