From the President’s Desk
IN Rep. Matt Lehman, NCOIL President
This time last year, I don’t think anyone knew what the future of NCOIL conferences would be. But here we are, with the organization not having missed a conference since COVID struck, and with our third successful hybrid meeting under our belts. I feel very lucky that I have had the opportunity to help lead this organization through these unprecedented times.
Thomas B. Considine NCOIL CEO Asm. Ken Cooley, CA Vice President The recent Spring Meeting in Charleston was a great success. Seeing the attendance there, it is clear that people were ready to get out and see people face to face yet again. I was pleased to see a high number of legislators attend from across the country – particularly first-time NCOIL legislators. One of my favorite parts of NCOIL conferences is meeting with the first-time legislators in order to introduce them to the organization and make them feel welcome. Our conferences shouldn’t be a “sink or swim” event for legislators attending for the first time. Every legislator from every state brings a different opinion or viewpoint and at NCOIL, that is what we need at our meetings.
Charleston itself was a really spectacular meeting location. We were honored to have the South Carolina Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, deliver the keynote address where she encouraged attendees to get out and explore the city if they could, and I know many people, including myself, took her up on that offer.
I also want to thank our two legislators from South Carolina, Representative Carl Anderson and Senator Ronnie Cromer, who helped us on short notice getting prepared for moving the Spring Meeting from Washington, D.C. to Charleston.
The hybrid option is great in that it allows for people to still be a part of the meeting and contribute, even if they are not yet allowed to travel, or just aren’t fully comfortable traveling. However, for those who did get the chance to attend in person, I am sure we can all agree that the Francis Marion Hotel did a great job accommodating our group and making sure that everyone felt comfortable in the meeting rooms.
It’s almost certain that we will have to continue offering the virtual option at our Summer Meeting in Boston, but hopefully by our Annual Meeting in November we will be fully back to our normal fully in-person format.
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