PPA/PPGPB Delegate's Report

September 3, 2008
From: FPP Convention 2008
By Guild Delegate: Julie Hughes

Hi Everyone!

If you missed this years convention, you really missed out. It was held August 23rd to the 27th, and was probably my favorite convention ever. The new Rosen Plaza Hotel is as good as it gets with everything under one roof, and something for everyone. The Trade Show was a great hit, and so was the downstairs display of the photo competition. Great fun had by everyone, and it was well attended.

The print competition was really good this year with over 100 entries scoring 85 or better. Wow! Some people even got perfect 100's! Our guild came in third place in the state in the intersection competition, and first place again with our News Letter. Mucho congrads Linda! Sandra Pierce and Julie Hughes made top ten, and our super pres, Theresa got our service award.

At the delegate's meeting, we discussed having a table at the trade show to represent the local guilds, where we could attract and sign up new guild members. It was also discussed that we should aspire to separate ourselves with non-pros by having a business license, Sales certificate, and also not allowing members who work illegally from their homes.

There was also discussion about if a guild could be sued on behalf of one of it's members, and it was clear that a guild could be held liable for the performance of a photographer listed on the website. Jacksonville and TAPPA have decided to only list seasoned pros, and not aspiring or student photographers on the website. Portfolio review was also strongly encouraged.

It was also mentioned, and the board thought it was a good idea, that potential board members should be, but not mandatory,active on a local level. It was also stated that some board members cannot be active due to travel distance, and time constraints. It was suggested maybe a phone call to the local guild president for a recommendation would be a good idea.

The printed membership list will be presented in PDF format to defer the $4,000 printing cost.

The general membership meeting was very interesting and it was decided by the membership that all members will be required to show a sales tax ID certificate. It was also decided to keep the retired category of membership, and give the retired folks the additional rights of voting, competing, and holding office. This was a great gain for our retired membership, and great loyalty and affection was shown by all in our retirees who bring a wealth of knowledge to our organization, and all in attendance where very happy with these changes. If you want to be at this annual membership meeting, it is always held at the FPP convention, and all members in good standing are invited to attend. Lots of good news for us Pro Photogs!

Respectfully submitted,
Julie Hughes