Bill Roberts

4033 Springfield - Xenia Road
Springfield, Ohio 45506

PMEDICBILL@aol.com

From the Treasurer…

  First of all, I join the EMS community in offering our condolences to the family of David Stahley. David was a long time friend and member of OAEMS, hold numerous offices during his time with us. 

   I am happy to announce that we have weathered yet another one of our seasonal financial slumps. As is tradition, the winter months are always a very low time for the association’s finances. This is due to low membership renewals, lower than average attendance at all fall conferences (members are saving their funds for the holidays) and a longer interval between conferences.

  Thanks to the efforts of the planning committee, we expect our financial picture to brighten significantly after the winter 2008 conference. Normally, we have the added cost of the meeting facilities and classrooms at the hotel, but not this time. Through the efforts of the committee, our local membership and the wonderful people at Stark State College of Technology, that cost is not a factor this time around. Not only does this allow our finances to rebound, but it sets the stage for our ability to keep the cost to you, the membership, low for future conferences.

   Another huge factor in our financial well being is the generosity of our corporate members and our vendors. Were it not for them, the costs of conferences would be much higher. On average, it costs the association between $85 and $95 per person to put on a conference. The average registration fee (with late and non-member rates factored in) is usually $70  (per person). Now, it does not take a math genius to figure out that it costs more than we take in for registrations to conduct a conference. This difference is made up by our corporate and vendor partners. So, please take the time to not only visit with them, but thank them for their support and recommend their product to your departmental leaders.

   District 5 Director Brian ‘First Timer” Rogers, Keith Harrod and Richard Burkepile are spearheading the spring 2008 (April 4 – 6) conference planning committee. Please, if you live in the greater Mansfield area, or you just want to help, lend your support and assistance to this committee.

   The Annual Conference has taken on a new ‘Family Friendly” aspect this year by being held at the Fort Rapids Water Park in Columbus, Ohio (see our web site for special deal for the park).  The Annual Conference has not one, but 2 major speakers lined up for this year. Dr, Bryan Bledsoe, a long time friend and supporter of OAEMS is returning to speak for us. Along with Dr. Bledsoe will be former OAEMS President and now Battalion Chief Curtis “Corky” Young. Go to the web site (WW.OAEMS.ORG) to not only see their bios but to read about the facility and the reservations deadline. One additional note, the vendors have once again stepped up to the plate and are sponsoring all of the Friday classes.

   We need help with the fall 2008 location. Due to scheduling conflicts and inherent higher costs, our first choice for sites was lost. We need a site and a committee to head up the planning. If you live in District 3 (Southeast) and would like to take on this task, contact Director Larry Payne and/or Vice President Pat Roberts. Yes, it is labor intensive, yes it gets’ frustrating from time to time, but the feeling of accomplishment afterwards is incredible. We prefer that conferences are planned by people in the local area as you know your district’s needs and capabilities better than anyone else.

   Here’s hoping to see all those familiar faces and a ton of new ones at the upcoming conferences,