Dear NARA Members,

It is time once again to elect the Officers and Zonal Representatives for the governing of NARA over the next two years. This election is an important one, as always, for it will bring together a group of people who can be instrumental in leading us into growth and opportunities for the future. The members you elect need to be able to work together in harmony in order to accomplish the myriad of tasks necessary to govern this body effectively.

On Monday, November 4, 2002 I mailed a ballot to each and every NARA member. The ballot consists of those people whom you nominated to represent you in governing our organization. Along with the ballot, will be brief histories of each candidate informing you of what they have to offer you if elected to their positions. I encourage you to read over the information carefully, talk to your club members, other NARA members and make informed decisions based on what you feel would be the best for the future of NARA. I urge each and every one of you to please vote in this election. By doing so, you can be assured that your voice will be heard and you will know that you can make a difference in our organization by helping to chose the leadership.

The outside of the envelope you will be receiving has in red lettering the words "Attention!! NARA Ballot Enclosed" This is the only ballot you will receive so please look for it in your mail. The ballot itself is on a special paper with a watermark to ensure that there will be no copies or duplications submitted. We have arranged for an independent firm to count the ballots to avoid any appearance of impropriety. The company counting the ballots has done so for NARA the past two elections and I have every confidence they will serve us well again.

I have also enclosed a stamped return envelope to the accounting firm so that you can simply vote, place the ballot in the envelope and mail it off. Please don't forget to sign the ballot and put in your NARA membership number, as without your membership number and name or the watermark, the ballot will not be counted. I hope that I have made this process as easy as possible, so that all you need to do is chose who you feel would be the best group of people to represent you on the Board for the next two years.

The election will be open for 30 days, so your ballot must be in the hands of the accountant on or before Friday, December 6, 2002.

If I may be of any assistance to you or answer any questions regarding this process, please don't hesitate to contact me at (360) 458-2873 or LesMTaylor@aol.com

Respectfully,

Lesli Taylor, Secretary

North American Ring Association

To Follow up on this post, the following are the newly elected officials for NARA (North American Ring Association) for the 2003-2004 Term.

President:
Terry Davis - Command Dogs and Police Services Ring Club

Vice President:
J. Glenn Salamanca - Bay Area Ring Club

Secretary:
Paula Bunker - Massachusetts Ring Club

Treasurer:
Lesli Taylor - Western Washington Ring Trainers

Eastern Zone Representative:
Craig Kelly - New York City Ring Club

Central Zone Representative:
Jeff White - Heart of Texas Ring Club

Western Zone Representative:
Chester Rivasplata - STARS Ring Club of CA

If you wish to contact any of the above elected officials, please go to: NARA Web Page and check out the Board of Directors.

Thank you,

Lesli Taylor,
NARA Secretary 2001-2002
NARA Treasurer, 2003-2004