The Nebraska Elks’ Association Officer’s Seminar held at the Mid-town Holiday Inn in Grand Island on February 28 and 29 was the best ever. Twenty of the twenty-three lodges in Nebraska were represented. Attendance showed 18 Exalted Rulers, 16 Secretaries, 16 Trustees, 7 other officers and over 30 spouses. Including presenters a total of ninety-seven Nebraska Elks and spouses registered.

Grand Lodge and State Officers attending were: James McQuillan, Endorsed Candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler, DDGER James Schroeder, DDGER William Foster, Past Grand Tiler- Aaron Walter, State President-Dale Nielson, 1st Vice President - Dick Metz, 2nd Vice President - Terry Kramer, 3rd Vice President - Joe Thompson, State Tiler - James Wisdom and State Trustees-Richard Walter and Fred Ruff.. There were 8 Past State Presidents present.

Evaluations of the seminar received much favor in the areas of accommodations, programs and hospitality. The Trustee and Secretary break-out sessions held on Saturday and lead by Dick Metz, Chuck Meisinger and Joe Thompson are always favorites of the seminar and were well attended. The general sessions which included the Exalted Rulers and other officers covered topics on NEA Major Projects, Drug Awareness, Grand Lodge and State Association Relationships, Exalted Ruler’s Role, Leadership Skills, Veteran’s Service, Lodge Activities, Ritual, Government Relations, Elks Training, Lodge Committees, Membership and Lapsation, Communications and Public Relations, State and National Convention Registration, Accident/Prevention Program, Mediation and Complaint. A hospitality hour followed by a Saturday evening buffet provided opportunities for socialization and relaxation for over 80 Elks and spouses.

The Spouses Sectional lead by Edna Bruns focused on expectations for spouses in their year ahead. The word "support" seemed to be used many times. First Vice President, Dick Metz, addressed the group on his goals as President for the ensuing year.

Endorsed Candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler, James McQuillan, closed the Sunday morning session with reflections on Elkdom and the future. He reiterated that the strength of a lodge is in its leadership and emphasized the importance of God and Old Glory in Our Order. In light of current proposals to ban God and Our Flag from Our Nation’s most sacred institutions, as Elks, we must aggressively fight and stand for our principals.. A spirit of patriotism flooded the room as Marybell Cooksley of Broken Bow lead the group in singing, A cappella, the last verse of Our National Anthem.

A seminar is only as good as the presenters and its leadership. Special thanks are in order to our fine presenters who said YES to the occasion. Also thanks to, PSP James Vleck and PSP Dennis Garrels for co-chairing the event. The seminar will be held in Grand Island in 2005 at the Mid-town Holiday Inn on February 26 and 27.