NACON 2003 in Nashville, TN

Although the National Board Meeting, commonly referred to as the “General Assembly,” does not convene until Saturday, the business of NACON 2003 actually commenced on Tuesday with the opening of meetings that involved the National Bridge (NEXCOM) and Department Chiefs. These meetings are reserved for these members and the important matters they deemed fit to discuss.

Commodore Gene Seibert, National Vice Commodore, and Chief of Staff (NAVCO-COS) opened today’s meeting, the Operating Committee (OPCOM), at 0800 sharp. The purpose of this meeting is to allow the National Board, the Department Chiefs and the District Commodores to review the programs of the previous year and hear and discuss the plans for the coming year.

Each Directorate Commodore presents his staff, the Department Chiefs, who then make their presentations to the assembly. As already stated, the presentations are a review of the past year and plans for the future. Questions are entertained and suggestions are considered. Most of the discussions are about programs still in their “draft” mode, not yet ready for general distribution. The value of this meeting is the open discussions that take place and the inter-relationships that are established within the separate departments.

OPCOM NACO Edgerton

“Who are you?” a question posed by Department Chief-Training, Ollie Lynch. “With the advent and expansion of on-line training and testing a new problem has started to erupt,” said Ollie. “It seems that a lot of our members do not know their District, Division, or even their Flotilla number,” he continued. “With the new EMPLID number system our direct unit identification, as was included in our old ID number system, is now lost. We have to start stressing this ID information through unit member training programs and initial new member interviews. In essence, get back to the basics a bit.”

A new electronic communication tool is in the works that will transmit Auxiliary information to the membership simply, faster and more complete. “This is a great step forward, communication is one of our most important tools,” said Commodore Mary Larsen, National Vice Commodore, Atlantic-East (NAVCO-AE), “and if we can do this and thereby keep our members up to date, we will be doing our organization a great service.”

“Being able to sit in and participate in the OPCOM meeting is a great plus,” said Commodore Nick Kerigan, District Commodore D1-SR. “The plans presented are exciting and I have confidence that we have a great staff to carry them out,” he said.

While this was going on a major function of all conferences was starting to take place…. conference registration. Auxiliarist Ann Beecher and her staff were up and running just after noon and by 1400 their operation was in full swing. “We are ready and we will be very efficient,” said Ann. Along with the necessary nametags and schedules each registrant received a “goodie bag” chock full of interesting and in some cases, tasty offerings.

OPCOM NEXCOM

General displays were starting to take shape in the huge lobby and even as the booths were being assembled public interest was already being kindled. Folks were asking questions and showing considerable interest in our safe boating messages. By Friday all of our trade representatives and “in-house” displays will be in place.

More to follow tomorrow.