The 2003 National Conference

The 2003 National Conference was held in Providence, Rhode Island. Prior to this conference, I set out a plan to put Minnesota on the map. Our previous showings and performances at past conferences was marginal at best, so we had to make an impact to prove to the rest of the country that we were serious.

We had enough size to send a little over 30 delegates to the conference, and we were able to fill the slots. We made our expectations clear: You are here to do the business of the Lodge - party until Hell won't have it on your free time, but at 0900 you are expected to be in your chair. We also had shirts made for two days...everyone had the same attire.

The first day of the conference we all met at the main door of the convention hall, and walked in together at 0855. As we were sitting down, one of my fellow trustees from a larger state came up and asked "where in the hell did you guys come from ?" It was just the reaction that I was looking for. From that point on, Minnesota had arrived - and come of age.

My ever present graphic for this posting is the Providence Police patch. One of my best friends on the National Board is a Major with Providence P.D. I always tell him that I think that his patch is one of the coolest in the country.