Rolling down the river to the Big Easy, BLE members and their families enjoyed a week of fun, education and training at the 64th annual BLE-GIA Southwestern Convention Meeting, held in New Orleans, La., at the Fairmont Hotel, August 9-12.
Bill and Marie Morris hosted the convention, and emphasized the slogan, "Laissez les bon temps rouler." In other words, "let the good times roll." They organized the convention so members would have Tuesday and Wednesday nights free to explore the night life of New Orleans.
Because of the open schedule, members spent their evenings enjoying the many unique establishments that line Bourbon Street.
Workshops throughout the mornings featured secretary-treasurer training, legislative training, local chairman workshop, fatigue workshop, Railroad Retirement workshop, mobilization training, and a presentation by the Federal Railroad Administration regarding locomotive engineer certification.
At the certification workshop, FRA Regional Administrator (Boston) Mark McKean answered membership questions. McKean is also Chairman of the Locomotive Engineer Review Board.
On Monday, members enjoyed a dinner provided by designated legal counsel. On Thursday, members enjoyed Cajun cuisine and Southern hospitality at the formal banquet with music provided by the group, "Tu Gyz & "Saf Sax." SWCM Scholarship Committee Secretary-Treasurer Leo M. Srubas, a retired BLE member from Division 81 (Kansas City, Kan.), announced the winners of SWCM academic scholarships for 1999-2000.
Also during the formal banquet, Convention Hosts Bill and Marie Morris, along with some help from BLE International President Ed Dubroski, announced winners in the SWCM's annual raffle ticket drawing.
During the closed BLE session, President Dubroski answered membership questions regarding early retirement, elimination of the pre- and post-'85 pay differential, and equal retirement benefits for widows. All BLE Vice-Presidents in attendance also gave presentations regarding their specific assignments.
Next year's SWCM is scheduled for September 17-22 in St. Louis, Mo. It will take place at the Marriott Pavilion Hotel, One Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. Make reservations early by calling (800) 228-9290 or (314) 421-1776, and be sure to ask for the BLE discount rate. See page 8 for details.
Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) was the keynote speaker during Tuesday's Opening Ceremony. He represents Maryland's Fifth District and has served in the House of Representatives since 1981.
He spoke to BLE members about the proposed Republican tax cut that would have benefitted the wealthy much more than the working class. He urged members to contact their members of Congress and voice their displeasure with the passage of the bill through the House.
Hoyer is Co-Chair of the House Democratic Steering Committee, which is instrumental in crafting policy and strategy for the House Democrats. As Co-Chair, he is the Chief House liaison with the White House and Senate.
From left: Jerome Milam, Local Chairman of Division 612 (Nederland, Texas); Sam Parker, Kansas City Southern General Chairman; and Buster Humphrey, Legislative Representative of Division 599 (Shreveport, La.).
From left: BLE Special Representatives Gene Imler and Ken Kroeger.
Gary Fults of Division 182 (North Little Rock, Ark.) with his wife, Melissa, daughter Jennifer, and granddaughter Hailie Madison Huff, who is enjoying her second Southwestern Convention.
During the Mobilization Workshop, members separated into brainstorming groups and form a plan of attack for a mock mobilization event. From left: A.J. Griffith, Div. 531 (New Orleans); Ashley Adams, President of Div. 858 (Pine Bluff, Ark.); Stu Johnson of the National Mobilization Team; Edward Sanchez, President of Div. 134 (Winslow, Ariz.); Jim Ellsworth, Local Chairman of Div. 179 (Parsons, Kan.); and Jeff Jenkins, Div. 179 (Parsons, Kan.).
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