CLEVELAND, April 25 — Local Chairman Dewey R. Brown, his wife Christie, and BLET Division 267 are welcoming all BLET members to Asheville, N.C., for the Southeastern Meeting Association’s (SMA) 84th annual convention, slated for June 12-17, 2011.
“BLET Division 267 is looking forward to being your host for the 84th SMA in Asheville,” Brother Brown said. “We have been working hard this past year to put together an event that would be beneficial and informative to our members, as well as offer time for fellowship and fun.”
Guests will stay at the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel in the historic Biltmore Village. The room rate for the meeting is $119 per night and includes free internet and parking. Room reservations must be made by May 16 in order to secure the reduced rate. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-222-TREE (8733).
Additionally, those who register with the SMA by May 16 will be entered into a drawing for two free room nights at the Doubletree Biltmore. Also, there is a $20 discount for those who register prior to June 1.
On-site registration begins on Sunday, June 12, and the dinner banquet is slated for the evening of Thursday, June 16. June 17 is the travel day.
Many special events are on the tentative agenda for the 2011 SMA, and members are encouraged to register as soon as possible to reserve their spot. However, Brother Brown advised that events listed here are tentative and subject to change. Some of the activities include:
• Barbeque dinner at the Taylor Ranch, a 5th generation privately-owned 500 acre working Quarter Horse and Texas Longhorn Cattle Ranch that boasts some of the most beautiful land and views in western North Carolina. In addition to dinner, guests will enjoy a Bluegrass band, covered wagon rides and traditional mountain clogging.
• Tour of the Biltmore House, America’s largest privately owned home. Ticket includes lunch on the estate as well as admittance to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and the winery.
• Dinner buffet and gaming fun at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, which is limited to the first 56 people who register (so please reserve your space early).
• Annual golf outing at the Grove Park Inn Resort in Asheville.
In addition to the relaxation and fun offered at the 2011 SMA, Brother Brown and his Arrangements Committee have organized several educational opportunities as well. Members will benefit from attending workshops for Local Chairmen, Secretary-Treasurers and Legislative Representatives. There will also be a mock trial/ investigation. The National Division will also be offering an informational workshop about the BLET’s Mobilization network.
For more information, please visit the BLET National Division website: www.ble-t.org/info/meetings/sma
Members with specific questions can contact Brother Dewey Brown by email or telephone: drbrown.blet267@yahoo.com; or (828) 275-5890.