Nearly 100 delegates , staff, vendors and guests were in attendance for the first day of the 2013 PFFPNC Convention at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord.
The morning began at 8:30 with Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem. Concord Mayor Scott Padgett, Concord Chief Ray Allen, Concord Division Chief Curtis Teague and Senator Fletcher Hartsell, NC Senate District 36, made opening remarks.
PFFPNC President David Anders also made welcoming remarks before Wayne Goodwin, Commissioner, NC Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshal spoke. Goodwin thanked the fire fighters and paramedics for their service and encouraged them to keep up with efforts to continue to do their job safely and effectively.
IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry Osborne spoke next. He drove home the importance of recruiting membership, especially young professionals. He told the crowd he was proud of North Carolina and all the efforts PFFPNC continues to make.
PFFPNC Attorney Travis Payne held workshop session before lunch, touching on legal topics on public records, social media and communication with the media and politicians. He pointed out the importance of not stepping on toes. He recommended if you have a problem with a city council member, go to them and let them know ahead of time there is going to be an issue. Payne said it’s not a legal prerequisite but will help the situation, most of the time, in the long run.
After lunch, the crowd was honored to meet and hear from Bryson Foster, Concord resident, and MDA National Goodwill Ambassador. He thanked fire fighters and paramedics for their support and fundraising efforts to find a cure for MDA. Barbara Hawk, MDA coordinator, quoted several dollar amounts that PFFPNC Locals have raised for MDA, with a total of $287,773 raised to date across the state in its 2013 Fill The Boot efforts.
Mike Bullis, CEO of Union Centrics, spoke next on the importance of social media and web sites, and encouraged all Locals to leave the convention with at least a Facebook page set up.
The day ended with nominations for a Trustee seat. Current Trustee Jerry Wiggins was nominated, along with Asheville Local President Scott Mullins, receiving a nomination. Voting will take place Wednesday morning.
Day 1 wrapped up around 2:15 and will reconvene at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
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