FADRA's 40-Year Anniversary Convention is in the books and it could not have gone better! Well, except for all the rain that kept people inside most of the time. But our return to the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach was the perfect location to celebrate our history. Long-time members joined the new generation of auto recyclers to learn from dynamic speakers such as Bennie Cunningham, Amber Elenbaas, and Robert Counts. The session rooms were full and people asked questions and shared ideas.

Our Anniversary banquet went beautifully as magician Kostya Klimat had the attendees laughing and goggling with amazement at his tricks. He made a video for YouTube of the banquet that can be seen here on the FADRA website. Above all, we were able to bring back three of the five founders of FADRA – Ronnie Copher, Elliot Sharon, Vernon Mellette and the brother of the fifth, Chuck Haskins. Past Presidents such as Gerry Vertucci and long-time members such as Whitey Westcott and Diane Damron made an appearance and shared their stories with their old friends. It was very emotional for everyone. People gathered around a large photo display showing pictures and were treated to a slideshow from 40 years of FADRA conventions throughout the conference.

I want to thank everyone who shared in this celebration. It was truly special, and made clear how important this association is to our members. As you look at the pictures from the meeting, I hope it brings back great memories and encourages those who couldn't attend to make a commitment to come to the 2016 meeting at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista in Orlando.

Kim O'Dell - FADRA Executive Director