7/21/2020

Well, the summer heat is finally cranking up and it looks like it’s here to stay for a while.  Under normal circumstances, we’d be putting the final touches on symposium preparation and getting ready for some golf!  In May, we made what was, at the time, a difficult decision to cancel the 42^nd NCBA Symposium.  Its very disappointing that we will not be able to enjoy the fruits of a lot of folk’s labor as this year’s event was shaping up to be another show to be proud of.  I want to take this opportunity to update the membership on a few important upcoming events.

Net+ Training Class – WakeMed Cary

As a reminder, the NCBA is coordinating a Net+ Training Class through New Horizons Computer Learning Centers.  It will be offered August 17-21 both virtually and on the WakeMed Cary campus.  Please contact Jeff Hogan at vp@ncbiomedassoc.com for more details.  We appreciate the support from WakeMed in helping make this happen!

Annual Business Meeting – August 5, 2000 @12pm

One of the more important events of the annual symposium is our annual business meeting, which is when the membership elects new board members and provides updates to the membership.  This meeting will be held in a virtual format with an invitation and agenda going out in the next week. 

Elections

Each year, six members of the Board of Directors rotate off and are replaced with new leaders elected by the membership.  Normally, this happens right after our business meeting with a paper ballot.  Since our meeting will be held virtually this year, each member will vote with an electronic ballot using the “Election Buddy” online tool.  More information will be provided at the annual meeting.  If you are interested in serving as a board member, please contact Mary Coker as soon as possible at record@ncbiomedassoc.com. 

4^th Annual Mike McCoy Golf Tournament

One of the highlights of the symposium, for many, is the golf tournament.  While we couldn’t have it in Pinehurst in August, plans are being made to host this tournament in the fall.  Mark your calendars for October 6, 2020 and plan to attend the 4^th Annual Mike McCoy Golf Tournament at Tot Hill Farms in Asheboro, NC.  It is my understanding that this was one of Mike’s favorite courses.  Look for more information from Aaron Watts in the coming weeks.

Kevin Scoggin NCBA Shop of the Year

We all know that there are some shops out there going above and beyond, doing outstanding work for their customers and their communities during these trying times.  What better way to recognize them than to nominate them for the 2020 Kevin Scoggin NCBA Shop of the Year?  The board has decided to extend the nomination period for this year’s award through September 17, 2020.  Please contact Clint McCoy at shopoftheyear@ncbiomedassoc.com with questions.  Nomination forms are available on the website.

On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank you for what you’re doing for your customers and our communities.  Please do everything you can to stay safe!  I look forward to joining each of you at our annual meeting on August 5.  In the meantime, please feel free to reach out with questions.

Best,

Brian Lefler, CHTM, CBET

President, NC Biomedical Association

pres@ncbiomedassoc.com

The NCBA Board of Directors have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NCBA Symposium due to COVID-19.  The ongoing uncertainty around the virus as it relates to restrictions with public gatherings, social distancing and traveling, along with the economic impact being realized by our vendors and attendees has made it impossible to move forward. 

The Board will continue working to offer educational opportunities in an alternative format.  We are actively working with the resort on contract negotiations and hope to have an announcement about future symposium dates shortly.  Stay tuned!!!

If you have already registered for this year’s symposium, you will be contacted individually about a refund.

Thank you for what you’re doing each day for our patients!  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to any board member.  Stay safe!

Happy Easter!  I hope everyone is safe and healthy and enjoying the spring renewal season as best they can.  Without a doubt, Covid-19 has brought unprecedented times not only for our nation, but for our industry.  Hospitals and healthcare providers are facing challenges not seen at anytime in our careers.  In all the instances I have seen, our state has performed very well.  There are HTM teams all around North Carolina and this country giving their very best to support the caregivers in their communities.  They need our best, and HTM can be counted on to deliver! 

The NCBA has always strived to provide educational opportunities for our members.  Unfortunately, with Covid-19, the CompTIA Network+ Certification Review class being planned for this Spring has been cancelled.  Based on your feedback, this was to be a companion class to last year’s CompTIA A+ Certification Review.  Jeff Hogan has indicated he will maintain his instructor contacts and look at revisiting in the fall.  If this class was something you were interested in, please send him a note at vp@ncbiomedassoc.com.

The Board of Directors has continued to work on preparations for the 42^nd Annual Symposium this August in Pinehurst.  Jeff Hogan and the educational track chairs have put together another outstanding lineup of classes.  As of this time, the event is still on schedule, but we’re also very aware of the current circumstances.  We have been meeting weekly via conference call and have had regular contact with the hotel.  We’ll make a decision on how we plan to move forward as soon as we’re able.  If you have any thoughts on this feel free to reach out to me directly at pres@ncbiomedassoc.com.  I’d love to hear from you.

Please do everything you can to stay safe!  Look out for each other.  We’ll get through this, but we will all be affected by this crisis in some way.  Thank you for what you are doing for your customers and our communities.  I hope to see each one of you in August. 

Best,

Brian Lefler, CHTM, CBET

President, NC Biomedical Association

Planning for the 42^nd Annual NCBA Symposium in Pinehurst in August continues and as of today, the event is still scheduled.  The Board of Directors have been in regular contact, assessing and monitoring this ever-changing crisis.  We will continue to monitor and will make any postponement or cancellation decision in the best interest of all our vendors, attendees, and colleagues.