The meeting place this year is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 28th street, east of I-96. The Association has made arrangements with the hotel for a special room rate for those who wish to stay overnight for one or two nights. Call them at 1-616-957-1770 , and ask for the MCBA rate. The address is 5700 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 The fall conference is a great way to catch up on what's going on and to enjoy a day or two away from the regular home routine. Bring your spouse or significant other, too. There are lots of things to do in the area. The Annual conference will begin on Friday evening with a social gathering in the hospitality room. This informal gathering will provide an evening long opportunity to mix with MCBA officers, and board members; maybe some DNR personnel or Sea Grant staff, and of course, other Captains from all over the state. There will be snacks and an open bar.

Of course, attendance at this event is strictly optional, but it is a great way to start your weekend at the MCBA conference. And you might get a chance to talk to some one in the DNR who needs to hear your issue.

You don't need to attend the Friday evening session to enjoy the conference Main Event. The main event begin will begin early Saturday morning,with coffee and rolls during registration.

The program begins at 9:00 AM.

Various Speakers and panels will present information about issues of interest to most Captains. Usually, there are question and answer sessions at the end of each presentation. The program for this fall's conference is not set yet, but we are looking at topics such as how to increase your business by smart use of the internet, Also, accounting and tax issues, marine weather forecasting issues and improvements; DNR Great Lakes Basin fishing reports and issues. And, perhaps, some updates on licensing and inspection issues. If all goes well and we can make all the arrangements, there may be a field trip in the afternoon to the Grand Rapids NOAA weather center.

Watch your Cannonball and e-mail blasts for more program information as the program becomes firmer.

On Saturday evening we will have a dinner at the hotel, followed by a short program including the Annual MCBA Awards and a guest speaker. The speakers are usually very interesting and speak to us about a topic of interest to us as charter fishers.

After the short program, there is a spirited tackle raffle, usually raffling off some of the best current tackle from the best companies. For those who stay over and we encourage you to do so, Sunday morning brings the official annual meeting after coffee, juice, and rolls. The meeting will cover all the current business of the Association and will end following the election of officers. Normally, the meeting is over by 10:30 AM or so, and folks begin to check out to travel home or take in local events.

Why not take a little time off from your normal schedule and take in an interesting, informative and relaxing week end. See you there. Jim Fenner, MCBA Secretary.