◄Back To News/Events Georgia Delegates and Alternates at NFRW Convention in Nashville   Convention Highlights - 33rd Biennial NFRW Convention September 8-11, 2005 Nashville, Tennessee Revised and submitted by Millie Rogers Georgia delegates and alternates traveled to Nashville to the 33rd Biennial National Federation of Republican Women’s Convention along with almost 2,000 Republican Women from across the country.  Read complete report. . . The convention was held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Convention speeches were given by elected officials, military leaders, political experts and other notable guests including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN); U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN); U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); retired Gen. Thomas L. Carter, who served as Ambassador L. Paul Bremer's senior counselor for legislative affairs in Iraq and Washington; retired Maj. David A. Coker, executive director of the Fisher House. NFRW officers for 2006-2007 were elected using cutting-edge electronic voting equipment. The new officers are: Beverly Davis, (Utah) President, Shirley Sadler, (Ohio) First Vice President, Sue Lynch, (Wisconsin) 2nd Vice President, Shirley Foote, (California) 3rd Vice President; Marilyn Dankner (Maryland) Fourth Vice President; Joyce Phillips (Arkansas) Secretary and Jane Lane (New Hampshire), Treasurer  The Opening Night Reception on Friday, Sept. 9, gave convention-goers a "Taste of Tennessee." Guests were treated to the sights, sounds and tastes of the convention's most gracious host state  in the Gaylord Opryland's elegant Presidential Ballroom.  Country singer/songwriter Stella Parton headlined the event along with Elvis. During the luncheon on Saturday former Secretary of Education, Dr. Rod Paige, discussed education reform and the progress made by the President's No Child Left Behind initiative.  “My Favorite Teacher Award” was presented at Saturday’s luncheon with Dr. Paige recognizing excellence in education by honoring one of America's outstanding teachers.  The national winner was a California high school reading instructor.  Message of Thanks and Encouragement from President George W. Bush President George W. Bush was unable to attend our convention this year, but in his letter to us he expressed how much he appreciates the good work we do in the communities of America and how much he needs our continuing support, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Supporting Our Troops - The General Session on Sunday, Sept. 11, was dedicated to our men and women serving in the U.S. military, as well as to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. The event featured a Flag Tribute by the Tennessee Air National Guard and musical performances by singers Ty Nelson and Lynetta Lyon. (Both had a power voice and message and just an unbelievable performance) Leadership, Political and Policy Training – Attendees participated in workshops for leadership roles in government, politics, business and community along with a comprehensive campaign management school.  Workshops were taught by well-known and respected experts. Awards of Distinction “Achievement Awards” –  Georgia placed second for medium states (501-2500) for the largest increase in membership. In addition, the NFRW recognized the outstanding leadership with the first installment of the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award. NFRW Award  - Georgia Club Achievement Awards 1.Central Dekalb RW - Gold 2.Chattahoochee RW - Bronze 3.Cobb County RWC - Diamond 4.Coweta County RW - Diamond 5.Golden Isle RWC - Bronze 6.Griffin-Spalding County RW - Silver 7.Greater Fayette RWC - Diamond 8.Greater Gwinnett RW - Diamond 9.Newton County RWC - Bronze 10. N.Dekalb RWC - Diamond 11.RW of Forsyth County - Bronze 12.Savannah Area RW - Diamond 13.South Fulton RWC - Bronze   NFRW Award - Membership Awards  The Membership Awards are presented to the state Federations and clubs with the largest    increase in membership.   Largest Percentage Membership Increase in 2004    Medium States (501-2500) -    2nd Place Georgia Federation   NFRW Award - Caring for America Award    The Caring for Amercia Award is presented to the state Federation and local clubs that      demonstrate excellence in community outreach. First Place in Georgia      Coweta County RW      Griffin-Spalding County RW      North Dekalb RW      Savannah Area RW Second Place in Georgia      Cobb County RWC      RW of Forsyth County   Opportunities for Young Women - Opportunities were provided for young women to participate in the convention this year. High-school girls from across the country represented each of the 50 states as pages, and representatives from the College Republicans served as staff volunteers. Georgia had two pages. During the course of the four-day event, the NFRW collected donations for the Nashville chapter of the American Red Cross to use in their Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Bylaws, Resolutions and Other Business - Delegates to the convention voted on five amendments to the NFRW Bylaws and seven Resolutions. In addition, they voted to postpone indefinitely the discussion and vote on the proposed dues increase. It was a great convention!

Delegates/Alternates left to right in photo above: Bettye Chambers, Debra Jo Steele, Frances Mitchell, June McIntyre, Gussie Gammon, Carol Tunstall, Babe Atkins-Byrne, Holly Comer, Reva Jennings, Millie Rogers, Bessie Burton, Ullainee Stokes, Valerie Betz, Wyolene Richardson, Jean Blackstone, Barbara Scruggs, Cookie Woczniak, Sandra Johnson, and Bobbie Frantz. --  Susan Roberts, Emma Hinesley, Willi Richardson, Peggy Green, Pat Olsen and Sara Snyder were not available for the photo.