Joey Lacour from HMGS Gulf South formally notified us of the election results on 30 May, 1997. The top seven vote-getters and HMGS Board of Directors are Bill Hogan, Curt Dees, Paul Risner, Rhett Scott, Dale Marcum, Chuck Kennedy, and Jeff Lista. HMGS South officially welcomes Bill Hogan to the Board. The eighth place vote getter was Rickey Grice. Ricky will still fill a major role as financial consultant to the HMGS South Board of Directors.

Message from "the New" president, Bill Hogan

First, let me thank all the folks who voted me onto the HMGS South Board. I consider their support important for making the club grow this next year. Then I want to thank my fellow board members who had confidence enough in me to elect me as the new president.

To the outgoing President Chuck Kennedy I wish to extend my appreciation for bringing the club to it's present form. Your tireless efforts were noticed by myself and club watchers throughout the state. Don't go anywhere, there is still important work to be done.

My second message is to all HMGS South Club Members, past, present and to come, especially all you sitting on the fence, waiting to send in your renewal. There are big jobs ahead which need your participation. We are planning on having the newsletter come out six times a year. This is only possible because of demand and contributions. We plan to use the newsletter as my vehicle to communicate directly with the members. Please feel free to write articles on your interests.

HMGS South will embark on a massive membership development program. We need to build a state wide infrastructure which will enhance local gaming while giving gamers a sense of regional and national identity. In other words we need statewide representation. We will be talking to our friends throughout the state about acting as HMGS South Ambassadors to their local gaming communities. Don't wait to be called.

HMGS exists to enhance the hobby of Historical gaming. Little elves don't come in the night and set up games, run conventions, write rules or paint figures. Members do all the work. We will be hosting regularly scheduled open meetings to listen to the members concerns and get the word out. Bring your Robert's Rules of order. We need your help on our committees. Everyone has something to offer.

We are planning to construct a variety of promotional materials for advertising and recruiting. Soon these materials will be available for distribution around the state. We plan to be very aggressive in attending national HMGS events and have elected a strong National Representative. These activities are consistent with one of the fastest growing HMGS chapters. We need your ideas.

The HMGS South Flagship convention will be held in October. Plans are very advanced. This will be the second "Hurricon" and will build on the success of the past. The event is conveniently scheduled, will host more games than you can ever play and is fairly priced. We hope to see you there.

My message to all Florida gamers is that there is room at the table for all. It's like loading a train with unlimited seating. The train is in the station ready to go with the conductor hollering "Come On, pack your bags, what are your waiting for?, there's room for everybody, let's go."

Flag:

The Bonnie Blue was the original state flag for Florida, now adopted by HMGS South.