President’s Report on Winterboard Meeting
January 14, 2008

IRECA Members,

I have just returned fro the 2008 International Rescue and Emergency Care Association’s Winter Board Meeting in Beaumont, Texas. We had a great meeting with a couple of tremendous actions presented and accepted for the association. First, I am happy to announce that the Board approved a plan to allow Lifetime Membership’s to the Association to be purchased for $750.00. The amount is based on a 25 year membership at the current rate of $30.00 a year. The board is in discussion on what kind of account to deposit the Life Membership (CD, Money Market, etc.). When decided we will inform the membership. Second, for many years we have partnered with the Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee (TERC) and their Vehicle Extrication Challenge. In the past few years that organization has made some changes and is following a different path against the wishes of some of their membership. Without getting in to all their history, I wish to announce that the Board approved a plan for the Association to form and add the Vehicle Extrication Challenge under the auspices of IRECA. The Chair for that challenge was appointed and approved at the Board Meeting. It will be Elgin Browning, an IRECA member, who has background in the event and, also has great credentials in that field. We will have his bio on the website soon. He is well know in all circles of vehicle extrication and authored many articles on the subject. Although Elgin has been a member and friend of the Association for a number of years, I would still, like to welcome him to the Association as a valuable asset to the Association.

We as the Board of Directors believe these two actions to be huge in the growth of the Association. We do not believe every one will become a Life Members, but we thought it important to give the opportunity to those who would like it. Other ideas discussed, included, giving an opportunity to individuals who would like to attend the conference and possibly get to do more hands-on in a team environment. There is a proposal being considered which might be of use to all events that we offer. Locations for the 2009 conference were suggested and will be researched for their possibilities.

Overall, I feel this was a very productive Winter Board Meeting and wish to thank all that were in attendance and participated, your commitment to the Association is truly valued and appreciated. Thank you all for your dedication and commitment to the Association.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Randel C. Tanner, President
International Rescue and Emergency Care Association