The Fall Convention of the North Carolina State Elks Association took place at the High Point Plaza Hotel-Conference Center October 24-26, 2014 in High Point, NC. We were very honored to have in attendance at this convention our Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen and wife Marcia from Denver, Colorado. Also in attendance were our State Sponsor Arthur “Jack” Frost and wife Sharon along with the Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler John Boyd and wife Ann, and Grand Lodge Committeeman Ashley Buckwell and Linda Whisnant.
Our team of State Representatives met the GER and wife Marcia at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC on Thursday October 23, 2014 at 2 pm and they were driven by limousine to the hotel in High Point. At 6 pm we entertained approximately 40 invited Elks in our suite at the State Presidents social where the GER and wife were the honored guest. This was followed by a VIP dinner at 7 pm in the hotel.
On Friday, October 24, 2014 the day started with a VIP breakfast at the hotel at 7:15 am. Meetings of the state Charitable Trust started at 8:30 am, followed by the Past State Presidents Advisory Board meeting, and the NCSEA Trustee meeting. Much state business was handled ending at noon. My afternoon consisted of other private meetings and preparing for the evening events. While these business meetings were being conducted our State First Lady, Vickie Acton, escorted the VIP Ladies to Childress Winery for a tour and lunch. Later, at 6 pm, we entertained approximately 60 invited Elks in our suite for the Advisory Board Social followed by the Advisory Board Dinner at 7 pm
On Saturday, October 25, 2014 the day began with a VIP breakfast at 7:15 am and was followed by the NCSEA Fall Business session which I called to order at 9 am. The agenda contained two guest speakers, one a High Point City Councilman, and current Elk member, who welcomed our organization to the city, and the other a young lady camper from Camp Carefree, one of our State major projects. Both speakers were very motivational. They were followed by reports from our State officers and 27 State committee chairmen. I conducted unfinished business, new business, and good of the order. Dignitaries were allowed time for remarks and a very motivating talk was given by our Grand Exalted Ruler John Amen. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:15 pm followed by a inspirational memorial service conducted by Salisbury Lodge #699. This was all followed by a business luncheon and several other private meetings. At 6 pm we entertained the dignitaries in our suite and they were treated to dinner that evening at 7 pm. After dinner all district hospitality rooms and dance were attended by all.
On Sunday, October 26, 2014, everyone was invited to attend the Past Exalted Ruler member guest breakfast at 8:30. The PER’s held their meeting and I reconvened the NCSEA meeting. The Grand Exalted Ruler and wife Marcia were presented gifts and gave farewell speeches. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10 am.
I am sure you can see that your state President and First Lady are kept very busy preparing, escorting, and entertaining the dignitaries and taking care of business, but we had an outstanding time and are proud you have given us this opportunity. Please make plans to join us at the Spring Convention to be held next May 1-3, 2015 in Wilmington, NC
Fraternally,
Teddy G. Acton
NCSEA-President