I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the delegates who attended and participated in the 100^th Biennial Convention of the New Jersey State Association of Letter Carriers. The convention was held at the Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City on May 15-17, 2005 and I am pleased to report the convention was a huge success.

National President Bill Young was in attendance and presented a program that outlined the future of the Postal Service. He spoke of the importance of every letter carrier to be politically active. He urged us all to stay in constant contact with our Congressional representatives at this important crossroad in the passage of Postal Reform and warned of this administration’s attempts towards so-called social security reform.

Congressman Frank LoBiondo our representative from the second district made an appearance as he does every year. He addressed the delegation and pledged his support on both letter carrier and Postal issues.

The nomination for NJSALC Officers and Executive Board members was held on Monday morning. I am happy to announce that everyone nominated ran unopposed. At this time, I would like to announce and welcome the newest member to the NJSALC Executive Board, Carol Ann Rasmus. Carol Ann is the Vice-President of NALC Branch 67 from Elizabeth, NJ. Carol Ann is an avid NALC activist who will bring her passion and energy for union activism to the state executive board.

The other change you will notice is Ray McDonald Jr. who has moved from the executive board to the position of Director of Education. Ray currently also serves as the President of NALC Branch 268, Princeton, NJ. Ray is untiring in his representation of letter carriers and I am sure he will excel in this new task. He has already spoken to me about his ideas for educating letter carriers on the issues that affect their jobs throughout the state.

Other convention highlights included presentations by MDA and EAP. The MDA presentation recognized every branch in New Jersey that supported MDA this past year by participating in fundraisers. Our MDA Ambassador, John Ryan from Howell, NJ, was on hand to distribute the plaques. We also conducted our own fundraiser during the convention raising $1,219.00 for Jerry’s Kids, a record amount for a New Jersey State Association convention

The EAP presentation consisted of the Northern and Central New Jersey District Advisory Committees explaining their role in the process. Representatives from both districts spoke about raising awareness of the EAP program and all that it has to offer employees.

In the afternoon session, National Business Agents George Mignosi (Region 15) and Timothy O’Malley (Region 12) assisted by Regional Administrative Assistants Bruce Didriksen and Larry Cirelli conducted a workshop from the Route Protection Manual on route inspections.

In closing, I’d like to say it is an honor and a privilege to serve as your President. I thank you for the support you lend to the officers and executive board of the New Jersey State Association of Letter Carriers. Our success is directly related to the efforts of all of you. Please keep up the great work you do everyday for the citizens and fellow letter carriers of our great state.