The Florida Council members of PDCA just completed its 75th Annual State Convention and Trade Show at Robbie’s Marina, on Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, this past June 10 – 12th.

As a long time PDCA member, 20 years plus, I have not been to a convention like this one. The venue was moved outdoors – and I loved it! This was one of the best attended conventions I have been to in many years. Hats off to Joe Pullaro of Joe Pullaro Inc and his committee for bringing together all of the elements needed for a fun and informative convention.

Thursday was hospitality evening; getting together for mix and mingle, good food, good spirits and good people. Conversation intertwined with Island Music.

Friday morning was the first fishing tournament. Plenty of fish were caught once the boats were off shore over 200 feet of water. It was one of the younger generation that caught the biggest fish. That evening, at the luau beachside, I overheard some of the kids talking about the fun they had at the treasure hunt planned for the children earlier in the day. We enjoyed the luau and once again, the island music, great ribs, chicken and all the fixings. Afterwards, both the young and the young at heart were wading in the water.

Saturday morning we conducted our PDCA General Meeting and the gavel was passed from Robert Leslie, our outgoing President, to Joe Pullaro, our incoming President. Immediately following the meeting, Mr. Richard Greene, CEO, PDCA, gave an inspiring seminar on “Building a High Performance Organization”. Richard then moved on to kick off his pet project “findapainter.com”. This will be a great tool for the public to utilize when searching for a professional painter. After talking with Richard, I feel he is the man to build up the organization.

The Trade Show was kicked off at noon under a huge tent. The island breeze, along with a little help from the fans, made it nice. Our suppliers – too many to name them all, were great! We appreciate their participation.

Dawn Neri-Renner presented a hands-on faux class. My wife and I, along with other members, learned great techniques for faux painting. I was informed that I have a heavy hand with the brush. My wife received much higher praise.

Later that evening, we went to the installation banquet under the tent. It was formal attire; shorts Hawaiian flowery shirts and sandals. Carol Adkins, our past National President, was the installing officer. We also had the pleasure of having Bob Cusamano, another past National President, attending.

As Carol Adkins looked around at the banquet tent and saw several multi-generational companies there with their children, she made the comment, “This is the PDCA family”.

Rob French, Florida Council’s President elect, will be putting on next year’s State Convention and Trade Show and promises to make it bigger and better – so don’t miss out on the Fun in the Sun, next year! Date and location to be announced.