M. Juanita Waters

Greetings My Region II Brothers & Sisters:

Wow!! I looked up and the time has come to close my two-year term as your Regional Vice-President; the saying “Time Flies” is such an understatement.   As I reflect back, I am proud of what we have accomplished during this term and look for it to continue.

When I ran for office two years ago, I promised to do certain things as your Regional VP and representative on the NO BLE Executive Board.  I promised to attend all board meetings and represent the Region during these meeting, which I did and kept you informed on issues affecting this organization.  I promised to communicate with each Chapter President and to keep the regional membership informed.  I kept communications open with all the chapters and visited each one, either by attending a meeting or an event.  I strongly believe communication is key and impetus to our accomplishments and success. 

I set goals for the region and sat down with the Chapter Presidents to formulate a plan to accomplish those goals and together we:

v   Drafted a fiscal handbook to better understand NO BLE standards and how to properly fill out National compliance forms

o    We’ve become the most compliant, accurate and on-time Region in our great organization.

v   Conducted quarterly regional meetings throughout the Region

o    The meetings moved around the region, hosted by different chapters, allowing all to participate without overburdening any area.

v   Conducted bi-yearly training throughout Region II

o    We showcased NO BLE training,

o    Acquired new members, and

o    Providing free training to all regional members.

v   Hosted a regional reception and fundraiser at the National conference

o    We came together as a Region and bolstered camaraderie amongst our members and with other conference attendees;

o    Held the Annual Bid Whist tournament with all proceeds going to the National debt.

v   Developed three sponsors for the Region

o    They allowed Region II to give back to its chapters and the parent organization.

v   Made a contribution to NO BLE National in the amount of $10,000

o    We stepped up, providing much-needed funds, assisting in paying down the debt.

v   Paid for two Regional members national conference fees

o    Two individuals had a chance to participate in the conference that otherwise may not have.

v   Won two bids to host NO BLE National Conferences--2009 and 2010

o    We will host the  2009 Conference in Norfolk, VA and

o    The 2010 Conference in Baltimore, MD.

v   Increased Region II membership on a National and local level.

Even though the two-years are almost up, I’m (we’re) not done!  At the 2008, New York Conference, Region II will host another bigger and better reception and will highlight the 2009 NO BLE Conference to be held in Norfolk, VA and 2010 NO BLE Conference to be held in Baltimore, MD.  In addition, Region II will again make a contribution to NO BLE National and pay for two Regional member’s registration fee.

THANK YOU!!!

All of this has been possible because we worked as a team and I look for us to continue the next two years working together as a team.

I am asking for your support in the upcoming Regional Election on May 10, 2008 in Richmond, VA.  I want to continue to represent you on the National Board.  I want to continue to walk with you on our journey to execute NO BLE’s mission throughout Region II.  I want Region II to continue to prosper, increasing membership and by providing training that will have a direct application to the betterment of NO BLE members, mission execution, and that of the local law enforcement community. Please give me the opportunity to serve you again for the next two years!!