EMCOMMWEST 2010 will be held April 30 - May 2, 2010 at the Grand Sierra resort in Reno, Nevada.  This annual event is a forum for Amateurs to discuss the latest emergency communication techniques, learn what our served agancies are up to, hear about success stories, and pitfalls from speakers who come from around the US.

If you would like to speak at this event, please send an e-mail to speakers@emcommwest.org.  You will be sent a speakers application and memorandum of understanding which outlines what is to be supplied by the event organizer and what is expected of speakers.  The application
allows for a short description of your proposed talk, an opportunity for you to categorize it if you wish and the ability to let the organizers know how much time you might like as well as your desired speaking time.  Your application will be reviewed by the EMCOMMWEST Speaker’s Committee.  Successful candidates will be notified during the early portion of the first quarter of the new year.

The event’s website is located at http://www.emcommwest.org.  There isn’t much information there yet, but it will grow as information becomes available.  Again, please send requests to speakers@emcommwest.org.

EMCOMMWEST is recognized by the ARRL as an Operating Speciality Convention.
EMCOMMWEST® is a Registered Service Mark of EMCOM

Thanks and 73

Joe - N7JEH

Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, has graciously allowed me to invite the members of the Pacific Division to join in on the webinar program shown below. Please note that the time listed is EDT. The starting time is 5 PM PDT and 2 PM HST. This is a great opportunity, and I urge all of you that can make the time for this event, to do so.

Bob — W6RGG

Atlantic Division Update on HR 2160

Join us for a Webinar on June 25

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/596535705

The purpose of this webinar is to update Atlantic Division members on HR 2160 and why it is important to solicit support for this important proposed legislation.

The House of Representatives is presently considering new legislation to promote and encourage the valuable public service, disaster relief, and emergency communications provided on a volunteer basis by licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service, by undertaking a study of the uses of amateur radio for emergency and disaster relief communications, by identifying unnecessary or unreasonable impediments to the deployment of Amateur Radio emergency and disaster relief communications, and by making recommendations for relief of such unreasonable restrictions so as to expand the uses of amateur radio communications in Homeland Security planning and response.

Specifically, the “Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) study the uses and capabilities of amateur radio communications in emergencies and disaster relief; (2) use the expertise of the American Radio Relay League in the study; and (3) report to Congress.” (full text of the legislation is available at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-2160).

The bill is presently in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

According to Dan Henderson, N1ND, the ARRL Regulatory Information Manager, “HR 2160 stands as the first step in trying to address the long standing problem of extending the protections afforded Amateur Radio operators under PRB-1 to deed restrictions and covenants. To be clear, passing HR 2160 is not going to achieve that goal right away. But it will help lay the ground work by assessing the impact such restrictions have on our ability to train for and respond to disasters and other emergencies.”

To help you learn more about the bill and the support that you can provide, the Atlantic Division is presenting a webinar on Thursday, June 25, from 8:00 PM until 9:30 PM EDT. Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, the Chief Executive Officer of the ARRL, will provide further background on the bill and on the ways in which you can provide support.

Title: Atlantic Division Update on HR 2160

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009

Time: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Below you will find a note from my Vice Director, Andy Oppel, N6AJO. Andy served as my Assistant Section Manager during my terms as East Bay Section Manager. When my very good friend Jim Maxwell, W6CF, passed away in February of 2003, making me the Pacific Division Director, I asked Andy to be my Vice Director. He served in both posts very well, advising me on many issues, and providing me with his insightful  comments. I’ll miss having him as my back-up, and I know the other Board members will miss seeing him at Board meetings. He’ll also be missed at club meetings, hamfests, and conventions in the Pacific Division. Thank you, Andy, for all that you have done for me, and for Amateur Radio and the American Radio Relay League.

Bob Vallio, W6RGG

**************************************************************

I regret to inform you that family and work issues have forced me to resign as your ARRL Pacific Division Vice Director. I have enjoyed being able to serve you in that capacity for the past 6+ years and as East Bay Section Manager for 3 years prior to that. I very much appreciate the support and friendship offered by many of you and I hope I still get a chance to see many of you from time to time.

ARRL Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio will be announcing my replacement shortly. Trust me when I say you will be in good hands.

73,
Andy Oppel, N6AJO

Each year the ARRL Board of Directors has the opportunity to select recipients for a number of awards in various categories that honor Amateur Radio operators.

The nomination period is now open for the annual ARRL awards that are designed to recognize educational and technological pursuits in Amateur Radio and honor a young Amateur Radio operator. Suggestions on who to honor and supporting information, including the endorsement of ARRL affiliated clubs and elected or appointed League officials, should be submitted to ARRL Headquarters or nominations should be submitted first to your respective Section Manager (see page 16 of QST). It all depends upon the award.  Please check the ARRL Web page for specific details (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/edunom.html). In most cases, nominations are due by March 31, 2009.

The Hiram Percy Maxim Award is for a licensed radio amateur under age 21 whose accomplishments and contributions are of the most exemplary nature within the framework of Amateur Radio activities.

The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award goes to a volunteer Amateur Radio instructor, and the ARRL Professional Educator of the Year Award is given to a professional teacher who has incorporated Amateur Radio into his or her class curriculum.

The ARRL Microwave Development Award is presented to a licensed radio amateur or to individuals who are licensed radio amateurs contribute to the development of the Amateur Radio microwave bands.

The ARRL Technical Service Award recognizes a licensed radio amateur or to individuals who are licensed radio amateurs that provide Amateur Radio technical assistance or training to others.

The ARRL Technical Innovation Award is granted to the licensed radio amateur or to individuals who are licensed radio amateurs that develop and apply new technical ideas or techniques in Amateur Radio.

Nomination forms and further information on these awards are found at www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/award.