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Contact:
, VP Communications, (573) 635-9694 2008 Southern Council ConclaveDreams realized, hopes fulfilled, wishes made, promises kept and efforts shared. Behind these are progressive planning, hard work, sweat equity, and team effort. All of these are the trademarks of a successful conclave. Can I speak for all who attended the 2008 Southern Council Conclave - no, of course not - but most of these came up during the event or were the result in its conclusion. What a person gets out of conclave is dependent on their entry perspective, level of involvement and willingness to communicate.
The 2008 Southern Council Conclave was held the first week in October (Thursday through Saturday, as is usual) with 643 members, guests and visitors attending. Indoor and outdoor workshops, demonstrations, competitions, presentations, one-on-one sessions in the water, near the water, or on dry land covered all areas of our life sport – fly fishing, tying and casting. Kelly Galloup, Rhea Topping, and Tim Rajeff were the featured fly fishers. These experts truly opened their hearts and shared their best with participants. All levels of workshops were planned and some conducted with recovery of expenses charged but more of them were free. Keeping cost to a minimum allowed the more important emphasis to be kept on the learning aspect.
Large and small business owners displayed their products and wares. A vast range of quality products were to be found — rods, reels, tying material, artwork, jewelry, books, products and accessories. Information and product booths by organizations such as Casting for Recovery, Project Healing Waters, Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, local guide services, resorts and specialty shops were available.
Education and the love of the life sport were the key ingredients freely given during the conclave. With great attention, all attendees were made to feel welcome and an important part of the event. Young and old enjoyed hours of observation and active participation. Where else can you sit across the table from an expert and gain firsthand knowledge? The variety of skills, knowledge, tips and techniques were abundant from the first hour to the last. The key to knowledge is looking for it. Many individuals left the conclave having soaked in a greater understanding for some aspect of the life sport because caring folks openly shared.
Approximately $48,400 (gross) was raised for the Southern Council in the three-day span. The conclave is the council’s major source of funding. $3,000 was directly distributed to Casting for Recovery programs in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas for the coming year. Another $1,200+ was raised from freewill offerings at the awards banquet to aid the Federation in upcoming moving expenses with a matching donation given by the board of directors the next morning.
Folks will find what they are looking for and surprisingly more than they counted on when they attend a Southern Council conclave. Our goal is that this is true each and every year whether we are the member behind the scenes or those standing out front. We would love to see all fly fishers from across the United States and other countries come next year. We extend to you a warm welcome and we mean it! ###
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