The SkillsUSA state association directors held a tremendous series of meetings in Charleston, South Carolina from August 11 – 15. The conference began with special seminars for 11 new state association directors. Additional highlights this year included several rounds of multiple “best practice” concurrent sessions. State association directors conducted most of the sessions and a few were conducted by staff. All of the sessions were well attended, and they prompted good discussions. It’s no wonder that when the 40 state directors who attended got into their business meeting on August 15 they talked about changing the name of the conference to reflect the professional development that takes place during the annual conference. They also requested certificates or some other recognition be prepared for those participating in the seminars.

Additional highlights of the state directors’ meeting include: an in depth introduction of the SkillsUSA Store by Steve Korker of E Group; the vote to establish a standing committee to work on strategic long-range planning in conjunction with Vision 2020; and, some nice social activities in Charleston including a mule and carriage ride as part of a progressive dinner on Friday.

Commendations go to the executive committee for their leadership and presentations. No wonder a quick review of the evaluation forms shows uniformly high rankings for the sessions and the conference.

Thanks go to: South Carolina State Association Director Jackie Clarkson for hosting the meeting; Dr. Bob Couch, director, South Carolina Office of Career and Technology Education, who addressed the meeting; past national officer and former SkillsUSA staff member Bill Prince, who was our keynote speaker; and, to former executive director, Steve Denby, who spoke and visited with the state directors. Effective this meeting, Curtis Barnett became the chair of the SkillsUSA State Directors Association and a member of the board of directors. Thanks go to Glenn Barefoot for his years of service as chair.