24th Biennial Convention of the Georgia Federation of Republican Women - October 21 - 22, 2005

Report by Judy True The 24th Biennial Convention of the Georgia Federation of Republican Women was held October 21-22, 2005, at Callaway Gardens.  The Executive Committee Meeting was followed by a Hospitality Reception hosted by GFRW in the President’s Rooftop Suite at Callaway Gardens Inn.  Following a Board Meeting on Saturday morning, President Valerie Betz called the convention to order at 9:00 A.M.  Martha McElhannon presented an original devotional entitled “My America,” a writing stimulated by her travels across the nation.  Following the devotional, the assembly observed a moment of silence in memory of members who recently passed away. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jean Blackstone and Secretary Gussie Gammon announced that the minutes of the previous meeting had been approved by the Approval Committee.  Betz appointed the following members to the Minutes Approval Committee for the 24th Convention—Bobbie Frantz, Chairman; June McIntyre and Frances Mitchell. Treasurer Ullainee Stokes presented the Treasurer’s report ending with today’s balance of $22,389. Betz appointed Donna Rowe as Convention Sergeant-at-Arms and the following members as Tellers for the Election—Marilyn Watts, Chairman; Judy True and Barbara Scruggs. Delegates attending the 33rd Biennial National Federation Convention were invited to share their impressions and memories of the events in Nashville.  Among those reporting were: Val Betz, Millie Rogers, Jean Blackstone, Emma Hinesley, and Gussie Gammon.  A highlight was the announcement of the awards from National.  Betz said that the Georgia Federation took second place for the largest percent increase in membership in 2004 [1293 members].  Georgia also contributed ten walking sticks to the silent auction which earned $680 toward the $6433 proceeds of the auction. Program Chairman Sue Everhart introduced the Callaways—Bo and Beth, and Bo welcomed us to Callaway Gardens.  He recalled that there had not been a woman’s federation in Georgia when he ran for office in 1964; and he expressed his appreciation and pride in all that that we do. Everhart then introduced a videotape entitled “How to Build a Party in _[dont's remember the number]__ Short Years” - an amusing and informative account of how the party began and how it has developed  in Georgia.  Members of the assembly enjoyed the collage of speakers—many with whom we have worked over the years to help build the party in Georgia.  President Betz introduced Idella Moore  who presented information on the Status of the Equal Rights Amendment.  Following a brief history of how the amendment has evolved, Moore reminded us that we have an opportunity to ask Congress to add this to the Constitution if three more states ratify the amendment. Under new business was the election of officers to serve from 2006 to 2008.  In the absence of chairman Willi Richardson, Bessie Burton presented the slate of nominees.  Being uncontested, the following members were  elected: · President - Millie Rogers · 1st Vice President -  Ullainee Stokes · 2nd Vice President - Jean Blackstone · 3rd Vice President - Augusta Gammon · Recording Secretary - Sara Snyder · Treasurer - Kelly M. Campbell · Assistant Treasurer - Sandra Johnson Nominating Committee members were: Willi Richardson, Sandra Bunn, Bessie Burton, Holly Comer, June McIntyre, and alternates: Mae Disher and Donna Rowe. Margaret Holliman, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, presented two resolutions.  The assembly approved a resolution regarding the support  and example provided by Bo Callaway and a resolution thanking Val Betz for her devotion to the organization.  Other members of the Resolutions Committee were June McIntyre and Carol Kaczorowski. Announcements were made regarding the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in March in Memphis, TN.  Donna Rowe announced the Veterans Celebration Luncheon in Cobb County.  Val Betz reminded clubs to identify their districts  and to meet during this convention to select their district directors. INSTALLATION LUNCHEON Luncheon speaker was Shirley Sadler, 1st Vice President Elect of NFRW who urged us to remember our job—”Our job is to elect Republicans—when one administration goes out, help the next one come in.”  She described a great leader as one who makes a way for those who come behind.  Sadler urged Republican women to learn and listen and find out about the issues of health care, immigration, eminent domain, social security . . . .  The object is always—elect Republicans!