Dear ABANA Members,

The 2002 Conference in La Crosse has just closed and from all accounts to great success and enjoyment by all attendees. More information on the conference will be in the coming issues of The Anvil’s Ring and the Hammer’s Blow. My thanks to Chairman Bill Fiorini, the cooperative staff of The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and the board for all their work. And thanks also to the hard-working chapter members for organizing the vendors, the tailgating, site preparation, opening ceremony, registration, sales and all the other detail tasks. Thanks also to all the demonstrators from all over the world for their willingness to take their time to present their talents. This commitment by all in sharing this fine art and craft illustrates the world brotherhood of blacksmithing. And, finally, both personally and from the Board, a huge thanks to LeeAnn Mitchell, who put in efforts way over her given responsibilities to this conference while keeping the Central Office running.

The board is preparing a procedures manual on conference planning and execution based on their experiences. This document will be available for any affiliates or groups of affiliates interested in hosting future conferences. Target date for completion of the manual is January 2003. Watch this space and the web site, www.abana.org, for more information.

The Board has received a proposal outline from Dr. David Hufford of Eastern Kentucky University for hosting the 2004 Conference. The Board, in its meeting at La Crosse, agreed to entertain this offer and a full proposal is now being prepared for submission. The board is also open to bids for hosting the 2006, 2008 and future conferences. Please contact me for more information on hosting future conferences.

In this issue please find the candidates and their statements for the annual election of board members. We must maintain our strength on the board and for the entire organization by electing hard-working members dedicated to a common goal. We are fortunate to have a strong slate of candidates to choose from; please give each of them your serious consideration and vote as soon as possible, using the enclosed ballot. Ballots must be received by Sept. 15.

As per the bylaws, Dave Koenig was elected by the Board to replace Kristen Skiles, who resigned earlier this year. Dave brings a wealth of corporate knowledge, an excellent work ethic, and obvious desire to make sure ABANA is the best it can be to complement the present Board members. Thank you, Dave, for your willingness to serve. Based on what I saw of you in La Crosse, you will serve the membership well. And thanks to Kirsten for your service. You and Bill have been blessed with a beautiful daughter Stella to complement your fine son Ian; our best wishes to all of you.

At this writing the ballot count for acceptance of the bylaws revision is not official, but it appears the changes have been overwhelmingly accepted. The change with the most immediate impact is the acceptance by the membership of affiliate status for the chapters. Much more will be said about this change in this and other venues once the vote is formalized.

The summer season is here and many conferences, hammer-ins, classes, local fairs, festivals and other events will increase the knowledge of blacksmithing to the attendees and the community in general. Please attend as many as possible and bring along a young person or community member with you. Blacksmithing is growing; help share the passion and excitement we feel with others.

Safe and productive forging.

Doug Learn
ABANA President