Circle K International Convention 2009
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 - Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Chris Plasterer
On to ICON Chair & IP Cal-Nev-Ha District Governor

Whether you have finished finals, or still fear your upcoming exams, I think we have one thing in common when it comes to this summer. We can't wait for International Convention (ICON) in Birmingham!

Mark off August 5-8th in your calendars now and start getting ready to show the rest of Circle K International who the loudest and proudest district is (of course, Cal-Nev-Ha)

So, why should you and your members go to International Convention?

• Birmingham is an emerging tourist city, filled with recent attractions for all to enjoy.
• Spend days with our district and meet members from all around Circle K International
• Send your delegates to vote on the proposals! This is an imperative year for the organization, and so you need to have your voice heard!
• Who doesn't love workshops?
• Dance your heart out and enjoy District block parties (who parties the best?! You should know this answer …)
• Elect the new International Board and our new International Representative!
• Apply for and hopefully win club awards!
• Experience club and district recognition
• Gain new resources and contacts to build your club

Financing Your Trip

There are many things you need to prepare before August. Now, you need to begin seeking financial support from your Kiwanis Club and home club. Fees for registration and hotel (4 person occupancy) are usually around $500 plus your transportation costs.
This year, for the first time, we are introducing a District Package! This complete package includes:

• Spirit Pack
• Breakfast on Thursday and Friday Mornings
• Early Registration @ $185
• Water and Snacks
• District Dinner on Thursday Night
• Hotel for four nights @ $125/night
• Registration Due BY JULY 1st!

All of this is included in the package for $425! Please ONLY use this form when registering for International Convention, and SAVE MONEY!

The registration form is attached. So go ahead and find three other friends who would LOVE to room with you and get to know you better!

Can’t afford $425 up front? For the first time, we are introducing a PAYMENT PLAN! You can pay off the amount in bits and pieces, if you are interested in this route, please feel free to contact me.
We suggest using the 1/3 plan if your clubs are able to the Kiwanis Club pays one third, your Circle K pays one third, and the member pays the remainder. Ask nicely and ask soon!

Transportation

Since travel is not included in the District Package, you should begin finding financing for air/car travel FIRST. For those interested in making a road trip out of this, we will try to arrange carpools and will set up fun pit stops along the way.

If you plan on flying, book now to save money! Southwest flies into Birmingham, and there are also discount codes for Circle K if you use American, Northwest, or Continental.

Finally, there is a FREE SHUTTLE from the airport to the hotel, no need to arrange for taxi/shuttle service out of pocket!

Check out http://slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/leadership/conventions/convo/Hotel.aspx  for the codes.

Sunny’s Suggestion – Fly Southwest. RIGHT NOW, its $99 for ONE WAY.

International Awards

This year, Cal-Nev-Ha broke records once again in fundraising, community service, and member involvement. As you saw at our District Convention, many clubs were recognized for going above and beyond, all in the name of service. Why not share your successes with the entire International organization?!

Club awards are online, and due June 1st, 2009. The date seems close but TRUST ME, these awards are almost IDENTICAL to the District Convention Awards (that’s why they are sometimes a bit “hard” to understand).

Please, encourage your officers to fill out these awards, they can be downloaded here:
http://slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/Libraries/Awards/club_award_packet_2008-2009.sflb.ashx

Other Extras

• This year’s theme is CNH Goes PINK! – A theme benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

• http://ww5.komen.org/
• To learn about cancer prevention: http://ww5.komen.org/understandingbreastcancerguide.html
• To learn about Susan’s story: http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/AboutUs.html

• This year’s Keynote Speaker: Scott Greenberg!
  http://scottgreenberg.com/

• Third Annual CKI Blood Drive
http://slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/leadership/conventions/convo/bdrive.aspx

• Ninth Annual Large Scale Service Project (LSSP)
http://slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/leadership/conventions/convo/bdrive.aspx