07/27/2003

2003 Annual Chapter Conference: Another “Splashing” Success

The 2003 Annual Chapter Conference held at Starved Rock State Park on June 12-13th was another great success. Close to 140 registrants came to learn about “Leaving a Legacy” through professional development and planning management tracks. 

Highlights of the conference included an inspirational speech by Gene Bunnell, author of “Making Places Special”, a packed awards luncheon presenting 17 awards in a variety of categories to recipients from across the state, and the special honor of an address from APA President, Mary Kay Peck.   

Thursday night’s activities included the annual Starved Rock Shuffle for joggers and hikers followed by a caravan of school buses to the Grampa Woo boat cruise along the Illinois River.  During the two-hour cruise, participants enjoyed the captain’s commentary, a full cash bar, luxurious below deck accommodations, and a snack buffet.  The weather was stunning and it was a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and each other’s company.  Following the cruise, the bus company commenced its annual shuttle to and from the Lodge and the watering holes of downtown Utica.  A fine time was had by all, even without the customary polka music on the bus.  Friday’s special events included the annual Chapter Golf Outing at Deer Park Golf Course.  Nearby resident Kevin Lindeman was the winner at golf, shooting a sizzlin’ 40 (do you think he knows this course a little too well?).  

The 2003 Annual Conference and boat cruise event were sponsored by HNTB and S.B. Friedman and our thanks go to their generous support!  

There are so many people to thank for this year’s conference.  It was truly a team effort by the Board and others.  Mike Blue provided the leadership and momentum to pull the effort together and fulfilled his master of ceremony duties in his usual amusing manner.  Charles Wunder of Champaign County conceptualized the program and got the ball rolling. Libby Tyler prepared the preliminary program and assisted with logistics.  City of Urbana staff member Tony Weck acted as Registrar.  Michael Mays finalized the program and made speaker arrangements.  Bruce Knight and City of Champaign staff produced the final program.  Bob Ahlberg managed the awards program and handled special speaker arrangements.  Kevin Lindeman was local liaison and handled special events arrangements.  Mark Koplin handled the numerous financial aspects of the conference.  Sharon Caddigan provided technical, registration, and AV assistance.  Kathy Miller, Karen Stonehouse, and Hubert Morgan were also instrumental to the success of the conference.  A sincere thank you to all these folks and to anyone else whose name may have inadvertently been overlooked.  Thanks also to the many speakers and presenters who took the time to come and tell us about the latest news that we need to know to leave a legacy in planning.

If you missed this year’s conference.  What can be said?  It’s not too early to plan ahead for next year…

-- Written by Libby Tyler, 2003 APA-IL Editor