Advertised as "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania did not disappoint as the site of the 51st Annual ERAPPA Meeting, held September 29 through October 3, 2001. The Keystone Chapter of ERAPPA selected Facilities Management-Foundation for Academic Excellence as the theme for this meeting. The Host Committee, co-chaired by Ford Stryker and Mark Geletka, did an outstanding job of overseeing the planning of the educational and social events, resulting in a very successful conference.

     The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, on the outskirts of Hershey, was a beautiful location and provided the membership with wonderful facilities to hold the sessions. Even the weather cooperated for all the outdoor events that were scheduled.

     For those members that arrived early for the conference, they were treated to some very special social activities. On Saturday evening, "ERAPPA Night at the Races" was held at the nearby Penn National Track. Several of our business partners sponsored the races and all the other activities that took place that evening. On Sunday morning, those members who wished to golf were able to participate in the ERAPPA Golf Outing at the prestigious Hershey Country Club. Those who were a bit more adventurous had the opportunity to spend the day at Hershey Park. ERAPPA piggybacked with another corporate sponsor and had the entire park to ourselves. The Park has several exciting roller coasters and many members took advantage of the short lines.

     The meeting officially opened Sunday evening with entrance into the exhibit area. Over 90 business partners participated. The exhibit area was open daily during meeting breaks and lunchtimes. This provided plenty of time for members to stop by the booths and get information from our business partners.

     The educational sessions began on Monday morning with a general session presented by SST Communications of Chicago. The theatrical group presented skits on safety and diversity in the workplace. Later that day, a five-track educational program was offered that covered a multitude of subjects pertinent to facilities management. The sessions were well attended and received very positive evaluations from those attending.

      Monday evening, the members were treated to an authentic Oktoberfest celebration at a German restaurant near Reading. A wonderful German band and folk dancers provided the entertainment for the participants.

      Tuesday was another busy day of educational sessions and the annual business meeting, where several officers were elected. Sheri Vucci was elected to serve another term as treasurer. Ron Dupuis was elected second vice president and Mike Delleo was elected director. Reports were given by Tom Goldsmith (Education Committee), Tom Stepnowski (Awards and Scholarships), Earl Smith (Membership), Rick Wareham (Newsletter), and Robert Bertram (Board Restructuring).

     The annual banquet was held that evening. Many were presented with awards and certificates for their valuable contributions made to ERAPPA, APPA, and the local chapters. Past President Robert Carter passed the gavel to new ERAPPA President Michael Sofield.

     Wednesday morning, the membership was treated to a Franklin Covey presentation on leadership. These sessions are always very enjoyable and worthwhile.

      The meeting was a tremendous success and the KAPPA host committee (subcommittee chairs Bernie Geishauser, Pete Buchheit, Paul Politza, Dave Carll, Ed Dankanich, Rick Wareham, and advisors Erma Fiedler and Jack Knee) should be commended for pulling off an outstanding meeting. We were even fortunate enough to have APPA President Gary Reynolds in attendance for most of the meeting.

      The ERAPPA membership looks forward to another year. Local chapters have been active, holding meetings once or twice a year. A number of chapters have been experimenting with annual retreats for its members, usually centered on leadership training. These have been very well received. As always, local chapters concentrate on education on the local level and offer scholarships to the regional and national levels. ERAPPA has spent thousands of dollars on scholarships to the APPA Institute and Leadership Academy and will continue to do so in the future.

      Everyone is looking forward to the 2002 annual meeting that will be held at St. Johns in Newfoundland, Canada next September.