Your board of directors was kept very busy this winter with Snowbird Extravaganzas and Winter Information Meetings throughout the sun belt. We were extremely pleased with the results of our efforts, and we would like to thank Medipac International, once again, for their professionalism exhibited during these past few hectic months.

We enjoyed meeting thousands of Canadians, as well as many American winter residents during the course of our four Snowbird Extravaganzas. As sponsors of these events, we have an unparalleled opportunity to do some real networking with our members.

Snowbird Extravaganza is home to our Annual General Meeting. This year, our new board of directors was elected and we have already "hit the ground running!" Both the old and new boards were present and extremely active at the Florida event, and then the individual directors "took charge" of the publicity for shows in their home states.

Michael Wedekind (Alberta) and Harley Sundbo (Saskatchewan) spearheaded the California Snowbird Extravaganza effort, while Peter Sloggett (British Columbia) worked behind the scenes in Mesa to ensure a successful Canadian Snowbird Celebration in Arizona.

Winter Texans' Snowbird Extravaganza is the largest show outside of Florida. President Ellen White was the catalyst in bringing an Extravaganza to Texas, and she hasn't lost her momentum. Working together with Lewis Kehoe (Ontario), Ellen once again helped to ensure that this was a show to remember.

This year's Winter Information Meeting tour was easily our most successful to date. Conservative estimates had us speaking with, on average, 500 people per venue. The strategizing that takes place behind the scenes for these meetings is quite astounding, and all of those involved should be congratulated on their efforts. A special note of thanks goes to CSA members Jerry Waterall, who masterminded the Yuma, Arizona meeting, and Irene Pittock, who stepped in to ensure the success of our Panama City Beach meeting.

The meeting in Yuma stands out from the rest, simply by virtue of the numbers in attendance. This year was no exception. On Monday, February 18, we addressed easily 2,000 Canadians at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center. As a direct result of our efforts, the CSA signed up many new members. CSA President Ellen White and Medipac International's show team, including keynote speaker, Hazen Walters, were on the road for weeks with these meetings, and all should be congratulated on their stamina and sense of humour during our whirlwind tour. CSA favourites Ronnie and Glory-Anne Prophet were wonderful, as usual, and their participation was a highlight of our tour.

Returning from Arizona to Florida, our first stop was in Panama City Beach. When we asked Mrs. Pittock for her assistance in co-ordinating the meeting, she came through with flying colours. The meeting was very well attended and our guests enjoyed every moment of the information and entertainment provided. Past-president Bob Jackson chaired the meeting with great aplomb.

Our next stop was in Bradenton at the Manatee Convention Center ­ CSA treasurer Gerry Brissenden's home turf. Gerry welcomed the crowd and introduced Ellen White for her CSA update and Medipac's Hazen Walters, who outlined the Medipac travel program. We were honoured to have two of our three past-presidents with us in Bradenton ­ Bob Jackson and Don Slinger both attended the event. Branson entertainer Steve Grimm joined Ronnie and Glory-Anne, and continued on tour with us to Port Charlotte and Ft. Myers.

Second vice-president, Jack Kiuru, chaired both the Port Charlotte and Ft. Myers meetings and was extremely pleased with our reception in both venues. It was an opportunity for one of our new directors, Jack Mann, to meet CSA members in his new position of Ontario director.

Our venue in Boynton Beach proved to be an excellent choice ­ kudos to the scouting efforts of our own Paul Jenkins. The brand-new Performing Arts Center was beautiful and truly enhanced our meeting.

We would like to welcome our 350 newest members to the association, and we look forward to their input now, and in the years ahead.

We have noticed one thing, however. At many of our meetings, we're preaching to the converted. The majority of our guests came with invitation in hand ­ and we are thrilled to have them with us. We'll take any and every opportunity presented to update our members on the work of the association. What we need, though, is for those members to bring along a Canadian friend ­ someone who is not a member yet. Help us boost our membership!

A very special note of thanks to all of our volunteers who have helped make our events a success...whether it be at an Extravaganza or a Winter Information Meeting ­ you are the best!