Link to: Recent Events San Antonio Chapter Home Page
June 2009 Membership Meeting
Thirty Five members and guests attended the June 2009 membership meeting and dinner at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club in San Antonio. Chapter President Jon Simms welcomed everyone, led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation. photo link
After introducing new members and guests, Simms made the following announcements:
a. The National membership drive is in effect until June 30, 2009. The two for one program is in effect indefinitely.
b. The San Antonio Chapter won International Chapter of the Year and the A-35 International Chapter of the Year. Simms said the credit goes to the officers and members of the Board of Directors and committee members.
c. A reminder of the National Forum and Exposition in Nashville, September 19-23.
d. Thanks to all Chapter members who participated in supporting our troops by joining KTSA and Freddy's Frozen Custard "Operation Interdependence" by donating food items, toiletries, etc. or cash for mailing the goods to our men and women in service.
e. Annual scholarship golf tournament at Randolph Oaks Golf Course on September 11, 2009.
After dinner, Simms introduced the guest speaker, Ernest Bezdek, NDTA Southwest Regional President and Director of Trade Development, Port of Beaumont. link to bio
Mr. Bezdek gave a hearty congratulations to all members of the San Antonio Chapter for the many super accomplishments resulting in winning the International Chapter of the Year and the A-35 International Chapter of the Year. link to photo
Bezdek's presentation covered the recent activity at the Port of Beaumont. He said the Port is the top strategic port in the United States and number two in the world, pointing out that the port handles military cargo from across the nation, primarily from Fort Hood, Fort Polk, Fort Sill, Fort Bliss and Fort Carson. The port also handles a variety of other cargo including forest products, bagged agricultural goods, wind energy equipment, project cargo for area refineries, iron and steel products, potash, aggregates/rock, and a variety of bulk grains through their grain elevator which is operated by Louis Dreyfus. Bezdek also provided a slide presentation with photos of the devastation of Hurricanes Rita, Humberto and Ike and the impact they had on the Port. The winds were powerful, he said, but even more devastating were the storm surges, flooding much of the surrounding area. Bezdek then turned his focus on US trade with Cuba, updating his presentation of last year. He said although general trade with Cuba is not permitted, certain commodities are allowed, adding that in 2008, Cuba purchased $691M in US products such as processed food, drugs and lumber. Bezdek said President Obama previously stated he will open US trade with Cuba and that he believes Obama will. After his presentation Bezdek administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected officers and board members. (link to: Port of Beaumont Web site)
Simms presented Bezdek with a Horse Shoe Business Card Holder as a token of appreciation for addressing our group. (photo link)
Irving Schwietzer won the 50-50 drawing, which netted $36.00 for him and an equal amount for the Chapter scholarship fund. Irving generously donated his share to the scholarship fund. Thanks Irving and to everyone who participated.
Simms thanked all in attendance and, there being no further comments from the floor, adjourned the meeting.
Link to: Top of Page Recent Events San Antonio Chapter Home Page