' PRESIDENT S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 218 th celebration of the signing of the US Constitution. Nine days prior to our convention in Philadelphia, the 218 th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution occurred in Independence Hall. Philadelphia is full of historical sites and was the capital of the nation from 1790-1800. Also, the Supreme Court made its home in the Old City Hall from 1791-1800. ' And, don t forget that the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. It is also the site of the Liberty Bell and where the First Continental Congress met in 1774. There is far too much history to relate in this short letter. Come to Philly and join us September 26-30!
As usual, there will be optional tours, "a mandatory hospitality room," a welcome reception and the usual final banquet. We think that you will enjoy the entertainment that we have planned. Recently, our Board of Directors held our semi-annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency Penn Landing on the Delaware. The members of the board were very impressed with the hotel and its location. Many of the rooms overlook the river with outstanding views. We have a splendid convention planned with some outstanding tours. Many of you have seen some of the sights, but Philadelphia has added a beautiful National Constitution Center and is completing the landscaping the park area from the Constitution Center to the Independence Visitor Center and the Independence National Historical Park. Longwood Gardens were developed by the DuPont family and will be a highlight of the tours. Although one day is not enough time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park, everyone will marvel at the landscaping and flowers. At our Board Meeting, we selected San Francisco for our 2006 meeting. Finding a hotel within our financial constraints proved challenging, but the Hyatt at the Waterfront and the Westin St. Francis came through with acceptable offers. In addition, the both hotels are beautiful and are located in excellent locations. I strongly urge you to join us in Philadelphia this September. Our publication and the annual convention are the highlights of our organization. TARPA TOPICS is outstanding, but nothing can replace the comradery of sharing old tales among friends. Make your plans to stay with us in the hotel. The Hyatt has given us a very nice area for our Registration and the Presidential Suite " " for our Hospitality Room. Those freebees are based upon us meeting a quota of room nights. As they say in my home state of Louisiana, Yawl Cum!
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