BUFORD, Ga., June 15 — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and their families gathered at Lake Lanier Island this morning for opening ceremonies of the 88th annual and final Southeastern Meeting Association (SMA).
SMA Arrangements Chairman Teresa L. Bryant, Local Chairman of Division 30, and Co-Chair Scott Frederick, Division 30, are hosting this year’s SMA.
Sister Bryant called the meeting to order. She introduced Lawana Poss, SMA Auxiliary Chairperson, who presided over the annual presentation of state flags by members of the Auxiliary, a tradition that dates back nearly 100 years. States flags presented in the ceremony included Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Sereena Hogan, National President of the BLET Auxiliary, carried the United States flag and later addressed the members and families in attendance. Sister Hogan also introduced Kathleen Bisbikis, the Auxiliary’s National 2nd Vice President and National Legislative Representative, who addressed the body regarding the Auxiliary’s various fundraising endeavors.
Sister Bryant then introduced Brother Mike Lambert, Local Chairman of BLET Division 110, who led the group in prayer. Brother Mike Poss, Secretary-Treasurer of the Georgia State Legislative Board, led a memorial ceremony to honor BLET members killed in the line of duty. An empty chair was left at the front of the meeting hall to honor the Organization’s departed Brothers and Sisters.
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce introduced members of the BLET Advisory Board and National Division staff who were in attendance, and also acknowledged the presence of retired BLET National President Paul Sorrow. President Pierce spoke briefly about the nation’s political climate, the upcoming presidential election, and the current round of national bargaining.
The afternoon session will conclude with a closed meeting for BLET members and an open meeting for the BLET Auxiliary. Members will participate in numerous educational opportunities throughout the remainder of the week. Workshops will feature specialized training for BLET Legislative Representatives, Secretary-Treasurers, and Local Chairmen. These workshops will also include an overview of the BLET’s Mobilization network. Representatives from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board and United Healthcare will also conduct informational seminars for BLET members and their families.
This will be the final SMA. Delegates to the Third National Convention changed the BLET’s regional meeting structure so that there will be two annual regional meetings sponsored by the National Division beginning next year. It is fitting that this final SMA is being held in the Atlanta area, as the inaugural SMA was held in Atlanta on March 28-29, 1921.
The 88th annual SMA will conclude with a dinner banquet the evening of June 18.