SCACS is gearing up for 2010!  SCACS members recently teamed up at the annual Strategic Planning Meeting in Columbia to brainstorm plans for the coming year.  More than 70 members attended the meeting, which kicked off with a tailgate party at the University House (across from William Brice Stadium). The tailgate featured a barbecue feast with all the fixins’ prepared by Wayne Barlow of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and John Barr of Swedish Match.  Friendly competition was sparked at the Wii station, where some members tried their hand at virtual football.  A dj provided additional entertainment for the evening, which prompted some dancing and a least one karioke solo!  The party was a big hit, and everyone enjoyed a night of good food and fellowship.  The fun atmosphere helped get creative juices flowing for the next day of planning.  Thanks to our Planning Meeting Committee co-chairmen, Jack O’Malley of Bountyland Food Stores and Mike Jones of Frito-Lay (both pictured above left), for organizing the festivities.

The following day was focused on setting goals and plans for 2010.  Eight committees met at Embassy Suites to brainstorm ideas for their respective events.  Every topic and event was discussed including newsletters, website, educational seminars, membership recruitment, golf tournaments, legislative efforts, public service, annual convention, Petro Show, and awards.  Following the planning session, committee chairmen reported their goals and budgets to the entire group.  Afterwards, Vice President Kenneth Cosgrove presented each committee chairperson with a gift in appreciation of their hard work throughout the year.  The board of directors met after the planning session to approve the new budget proposals for 2010 and discuss further plans.

Thanks to our team of sponsors, who made this event possible:  Conwood Sales Company, Frito-Lay, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, MillerCoors, PET Dairy, S&D Coffee and Swedish Match.  Also, special thanks goes to all of the volunteers at the tailgate party: Justin Turner of Pepsi for bringing chairs, Sheri Mehaffey of Blythewood Oil for bringing tables, and everyone who stayed afterwards to help clean up. Teamwork really makes a difference!