Local Millwright To Represent ABC At National Craft Championships ...

February 2010
Local Millwright To Represent ABC At National Craft
Championships In San Diego, CA
Cody Barnard
McGill Maintenance Partnership, Ltd.
Merit Shop Training, Inc., the educational affiliate of ABC Texas
Gulf Coast, and Brazosport College have worked diligently over
the last fourteen years to provide quality craft training for local
industry. In those fourteen years, more than 30 craftsmen from
this area have competed on the national level at the ABC Craft
Championships. In addition to five 1 st Place winners, this chapter
can boast a total of 14 craftsmen who placed at the national
competitions in recent years.
The week, Cody Barnard, a millwright for McGill Maintenance
Partnership, LTD, will travel to San Diego, CA to compete against
ABC’s best craftsmen. Cody has been in the MSTI Craft Training
program at Brazosport College for two years. He hopes to complete his Machine
Technology/Millwright Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree this year. Cody
won this year’s local competition on November 5, 2009. Cody will represent the Texas Gulf
Coast Chapter and his company on February 3-5, 2010 at ABC’s National Convention. As a
local first place winner, Cody took home $250 and a plaque from ABC.
Competitors take a written exam based on NCCER curriculum for their craft and participate
in a performance exam that requires application of their knowledge. The written exam
constitutes 25% of the final score while the performance test constitutes 75%.
Cody has spent the last 2½ months preparing for the competition by
reviewing course work, taking practice tests, and applying hands-on
skills with his instructor, Jim Slick, at Brazosport College. Mr.
Slick’s program has produced many winners at the national level in
the past and we hope to have yet another!
Inside This Issue
Membership Event & Luncheon, page 2
Poker Tournament, page 6
Human Resources Symposium, page 7
Cook-off Fundraiser, page 8
Human Resource Update, page 10
Training, page 12
Calendar, page 13

ABC Board of
Officers and Directors
Officers
Lisa Bundick Cobler
Chairperson
Buck Blevins
1st Vice Chairperson
Gerald Andrews
2nd Vice Chairperson
John Woods
Treasurer
Mark Monical
Secretary
Daryl Dauer
Assistant Secretary
Directors
Alan Archer
Steve Bundick
Clinton Farmer
Amando Gonzalez
Jim Heath
Mickey Lester
Jay Mejia
James Reynolds
Mike Scarborough
Richard Stoffel
ABC Advisors
Larry Labay
Lori Goucher
ABC Staff
Terry McAlister
President
Becky Rinehart
Director of Education
Ruby Pratt
Administrative Assistant
Jane Brown
Craft Training
Administrative Assistant
Joyce Audas
Skills Assessment
Administrative Assistant
Debora Riley
Bookkeeper
Joint ABC & ACIT
MEMBERSHIP EVENT & LUNCHEON
Mid Coast Region
Guest Speaker
Texas Land Commissioner
Jerry Patterson
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Registration & Social—11:30 a.m.
Event/Luncheon—12:00 p.m.
Menu:
Fried Catfish & Shrimp
Cole Slaw
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Rolls
Peach Cobbler
Cost:
$30 per person
Place:
RiverPlace Convention Center
733 Mystery Harbor Lane, Freeport, TX
(inside Freeport Municipal Park)
Reservations
Made ONLY with ACIT on their website:
www.acit.org/registration/pay/189
Cancellations must be received by February 10 for a refund,
minus a $5 administrative fee. No refunds after this date.
Substitutions are accepted.
ABC Members:
Any questions, contact Ruby at ABC
(979)233-0279 or ruby@abctxgulfcoast.org
ACIT MEMBERS
If your company is an ACIT member and interested in
offering ACIT sponsorship for: (1) exhibit table ($150)
or (2) food & beverage ($250) or if you have questions,
please contact Darlyne Harlan at ACIT
(512)646-6410 or harlan@acit.org
Don’t miss this.
Make your reservations today!
February 2010
www.abctxgulfcoast.org
Page 2

Members are given the
opportunity to set up a
company display at each
Membership Event.
Detail Products, Inc.
represented by Joe Allen
(left) and Lauri Dupaquier
(right)
Right Click Technology
represented by Jeremy
(left) and Tessa Rhyne
(right)
Freeport LNG
represented by Robert
Pate (left) and Wendy
Mazurkiewicz (right)
Sherry Porter, Gulf States, Inc., recent
past-chairperson of MSTI Board was
honored for her five years of service to
training in our area. She served as
chairperson of the ABC Education
Committee for 3 years and has served
as MSTI’s chairperson for 2 years.
Several MSTI Board members were in
attendance to honor Sherry for her
dedication to the industry.
ABC was proud to recognize master
craftsman and NCCER instructor KB
Green as this chapter’s nominee for
ABC Craft Instructor of the Year. KB
has many years of experience as both
an instructor and craftsman with Miken
Specialties, Ltd. His dedication to
helping young craftsmen grow in their
craft skills and leadership has not gone
unrecognized.
Contractors’ Safety Council of
Brazosport was pleased to recognize
Amando Gonzalez, Wolfenson Elec., for
2 years as Chairman of the Board.
Under his leadership, a number of
changes have helped to move the
company forward. Amando’s support of
industry, fellow contractors, ABC, and
CSC is greatly appreciated.
Roger Blackburn, Wolfenson
Electric/MSTI Board Chairperson
(left) presents Sherry Porter
(right) with plaque.
Roger Blackburn, Wolfenson
Electric/MSTI Board Chairperson (right)
presents Keith Green (left) with plaque.
Amando Gonzalez, Wolfenson Electric
(left) is presented a plaque by Terry
McAlister, ABC President (right)
Candlewood Suites
represented by
Jim Mahon (right)
ABC Supports
Our Members!
Thank you to this
month’s participants!
February 2010
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Page 3

Dow Texas Operations Site Maintenance Leader
Speaks at Membership Event
Wayne Muil
Dow Chemical
Wayne Muil, Site Maintenance Leader for Dow
Texas Operations, was the guest speaker for
Texas Gulf Coast Chapters’ first membership
event and luncheon of 2010. In his speech,
Industry Perspectives: Building 2010 and Beyond,
Muil reported that 2009 was a great year for safety
at Dow, especially in maintenance. While zero
incidents are always the goal, the number of
incidents was less than half of the projected goal
for improvement in 2009. In looking forward, Mr.
Muil told the group of 100+ that Dow is cautiously
optimistic about 2010. He recognized the many
leaders in the audience for their diligence and
assistance in addressing the economy in 2009
and asked for their continued support in 2010.
Pictured left to right: Terry McAlister, ABC President; Lisa
Bundick Cobler, Tri-Construction Co./ABC Chapter
Chairperson; Wayne Muil; Gerald Andrews, Victory
Insurance/ABC Programs Committee Chairman
During the ABC Membership Event on January 27th, these new ABC members were recognized. Each
was presented with a new member plaque and other ABC materials by Lisa Bundick Cobler,
Tri Construction Co./ABC Chapter Chairperson and Terry McAlister, ABC Chapter President.
Al Kinback, Manager of Technical
Services, (center) receives new member
plaque for Systran, Inc.
Systran, Inc., located in the
Houston area, provides
education, training and
technical services to industry,
business and government to
ensure that their clients’
employees realize their
performance potential.
Robert Pate, Terminal Manager, (center)
receives new member plaque
for Freeport LNG.
Freeport LNG Development,
L.P., operates one of the first
LNG terminals built in the United
States after more than a 20-year
hiatus in LNG terminal
development. The Freeport
storage and regasification facility
is located on Quintana Island
near a port with a sufficiently
deep channel that is situated in
close proximity to a pipeline
system.
Jeremy Rhyne, owner, (center) receives new
member plaque for Right Click Technology
Right Click Technology is a
leading computer consulting firm
dedicated to providing its clients
with innovative solutions for their
technological needs. The
company prides itself in providing
expert service with client
satisfaction as the top priority.
February 2010
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Page 4

Thank you for renewing your membership with the Associated Builders and Contractors
Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. Together we represent a significant voice, and as a group we
make a positive difference. We are working very hard on your behalf to enhance the
community in which we live and work. During the year ahead we hope to continue
demonstrating the value of ABC membership through both tangible and intangible benefits.
Please visit our website (www.abctxgulfcoast.org) to check out your company listing,
available membership discounts, upcoming events and opportunities, news items, committee
activities, and details about ABC benefits.
The ABC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter wishes to recognize the following businesses for their
continued support and encourages you to patronize these establishments. The following list
represents members who renewed in January 2010.
Axion Logistics LLC
BASF Corporation
Brand Energy Solutions, LLC
Brazoria Telephone Co.
Candlewood Suites Lake Jackson
CD Collins Electric
Danbury Independent School District
Dow Design and Construction
EPSCO International
Excel Construction & Maintenance
Firetrol Protection Systems
Freeport LNG Development, LP
Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical
Corp.
Infinity Construction Services, LP
LandMark Business Strategies, Ltd.
Lone Star Resin Systems, Inc.
Mundy Contract Maintenance, Inc.
Non Destructive Inspection Corp.
Office Universe, Inc.
Perstorp Coatings, Inc.
Port Freeport
Promotions Unlimited
Rain for Rent
Right Click Technology
Theriot, Inc.
TJ’s Lube Stop #1, Inc.
TNT Crane & Rigging, Inc.
Tradesmen International
Vernor Material and Equipment
Wells Fargo Bank Texas NA
Wharton County Junior College
Wilderness Golf Course
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
“ABC CARES”
Associated Builders & Contractors
Public Relations Committee
Community Food Drive
ABC Cares is the P/R Sub-committee which organizes drives to
help within the community.
The Community Food Drive is now in progress. Please help the
Brazosport Cares Food Pantry and local families in need by
bringing nonperishable food items to the following locations.
Cash is also accepted.
ABC office at 1400 Velasco Blvd., Bldg. C107, Freeport
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00am to 5:00pm
Fridays 8:00am to 12:00pm
ABC Membership Event
Wednesday, February 17
RiverPlace Convention Center, Freeport.
The goal is to make periodic contributions to Brazosport Cares Food
Pantry throughout the year.
Your contributions are greatly appreciated!
February 2010
www.abctxgulfcoast.org
Page 5

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Registration: 6:00 p.m.
Tournament: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location to be announced
Entry fee: $25 per person
Fee Includes: $1,000 in chips and
unlimited food and beer
Fabulous Prizes: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
Re-Buys: $20
Poker Players:
1. ______________________
2. ______________________
3. ______________________
4. ______________________
5. ______________________
6. ______________________
No limit on players, use additional form if
necessary.
Company Sponsorships Available!
Your sponsorship is greatly appreciated.
Please check sponsor level:
Full House : ____ $150 (Includes 2 entries)
Straight Flush:____ $200 (Includes 4 entries)
Royal Flush: ____ $300 (Includes 6 entries)
Payment Method:
____Mailing check, payable to ABC, for players and/or
sponsorship
____Invoice company for players and/or sponsorship
Company:_________________________________
Contact:___________________________________
Email:_____________________________________
NOTE: All reservations are considered firm unless
cancelled 48 hours prior to the event.
Please fax or email your reservation to ABC at:
Fax: (979)239-4386 or ruby@abctxgulfcoast.org
SUPPLIER MEMBER EXHIBITS ARE WANTED . . .
For ABC Supplier Member Mixer
The Suppliers’ Council Committee is now recruiting vendor displays. If you would like the
opportunity for great networking and exposure for your business, plan to enter your Supplier
Exhibit today. Contact Ruby at the ABC office: ruby@abctxgulfcoast.org or call (979)233-0279
or (979)233-1616 for more details.
The Supplier/Member Mixers showcase various ABC member Supplier Exhibits through a relaxed and
enjoyable social including hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and door prizes. The ABC Suppliers’ Council
Committee has scheduled the next event:
Supplier/Member Mixer
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Location to be announced
Don’t miss this great opportunity to display
your company’s products and services!
February 2010
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Page 6

“The Big C”
Effective Communications with your Employees
This session will begin with a round-table discussion about corporate
communications: “Are we using effective resources to communicate
with our employees” The presentation will include elements of
effective communication such as:
Thursday, February 11
Sending messages (verbal and written) that are clear and
understandable
Being receptive to feedback from employees
Using tips and techniques to be a better listener
Frank Andrews, a Corporate Trainer at the Center for
Business/Industry Training (CBIT) at Brazosport College, will
deliver this presentation. He has over 30 years of training
experience in corporate settings and as a consultant with his own
business.
Make plans to attend!
RESERVATIONS: Register online at www.abctxgulfcoast.org or call the ABC office at
(979)233-0279 or (979)233-1616. Make your reservations before noon on Tuesday,
February 9th. CANCELLATIONS: must be received before noon on February 9th or your
company will be invoiced. Reservations are binding.
Schedule
11:30am Register & Lunch Buffet
12:00pm Session Begins
1:30pm Adjourn
Location
ABC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
1400 Velasco Blvd., Bldg. 104A
Freeport, Texas
Cost Per Person
$25 ABC Member
$45 Future ABC Members
Menu
Sliced Beef Brisket
Jalapeno Sausage
Potato Salad, Pinto Beans
Chocolate & Banana Pudding
Caring Contractors Making Our Community Stronger
How Can You Help
Help fund on-going ABC-CFK&C projects such as scholarships, toy boxes and toys for Habitat
Include ABC-CFK&C in your annual budgeting process for charitable contributions
Donate funds directly to ABC-CFK&C to help a designated employee in need
Help promote and participate in ABC-CFK&C fundraising activities
A fund to help
your own.
3 Distribution Categories
Construction Employee Assistance
For families of ABC member firms who have identified special
circumstances that may require additional help.
Children & Education
For individual needs of children in the community, as well as
funding special educational related activities.
Community Charitable Organizations
For existing community groups.
One of your own employees may need help!
Please call the ABC office at (979)233-1616 for details.
February 2010
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Page 7

March 5 & 6
21st ANNUAL
ABC COOK-OFF
Fundraiser Event
Sponsored by the
ABC Public Relations Committee
LOCATION:
MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road
Lake Jackson, Texas
ENTRY FEE:
$75 per team
Additional booth space is $75
Will allow your team to make another entry
IRON CHEF:
$20 per team.
This entry is excluded from overall trophy.
Rules to be announced
DEADLINE:
Friday, February 26, 2010
This event is limited to the first 28 entries.
Get your entry forms in early.
Cancellations must be made by February 26th.
No refunds after this date
FAVORITE DESSERT:
Teams, family, and friends are ALL encouraged
to make a donation of a “Favorite Dessert” for the
SILENT AUCTION which welcomes ALL
BIDDERS. Thanks to all donors, this added
attraction will help to raise additional funds for
this community charity event.
JUDGING: Friday, March 5
6:30 p.m.— Iron Chef
JUDGING: Saturday, March 6
11:00 a.m.—Beef Fajitas
1:00 p.m.— Chicken
2:00 p.m.—Pork Spare Ribs
4:00 p.m.— Brisket
PRIZES:
Iron Chef: Monies from entries will be
split 50/50 with the 1st Place winner
and ABC with proceeds going to charity.
*Beef Fajitas: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place
*Chicken: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place
*Pork Spare Ribs: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place
*Brisket: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place
Best Overall Cook-off team: 1st Place
Winner based on total score of the four
cooking categories marked with
asterisk. In case of a tie, brisket score
will used to determine winner. In
addition, winner will receive $100 from
ABC for entry into a cook-off of the
team’s choice for the year 2010.
REQUEST YOUR COPY OF RULES & REGULATIONS:
For more information, contact Ruby at ABC office at (979)233-0279 or
(979)233-1616.
Don’t miss out on all the fun!
We’ll be waiting to hear from you!
February 2010
www.abctxgulfcoast.org
Page 8

February 2010
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Page 9

Reducing Worker Exposure to the H1N1 Flu
This article highlights and summarizes information from
OSHA’s Fact Sheet: What Employers can do to
Protect Workers from Pandemic Influenza and HHS/
CDC’s Guidance for Business and Employers to Plan
and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season.
13 Basic Precautions to Protect Against the Flu:
1. Review your pandemic flu plan. Make sure it
covers the precautions described in this article. If
you don’t have a plan, develop one. OSHA and
HHS/CDC have resources to assist employers in
the development of such plans.
2. Encourage sick workers to stay home. The
HHS/CDC recommends that workers who have a
fever or chills and a cough or sore throat stay at
home until 24 hours after their fever ends (defined
as 100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8
degrees Celsius]), without the use
of medication. Not everyone who
has H1N1 flu will have a fever.
Other symptoms could include a
runny nose, body aches,
headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or
vomiting.
3. Discuss with staff leave, pay, transportation,
travel, childcare, absence and other human
resources policies. Develop non-punitive flexible
leave policies that encourage workers to stay home
if they are sick.
4. Develop a policy on how to deal with workers
and clients who may be ill with H1N1 flu and
communicate it to your workers. See
HHS/CDC's Guidance for Business and Employers
to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza
Season for information about how to develop this
type of policy.
5. Designate a point person. Determine who will be
responsible for assisting ill individuals in the
workplace, and make sure at least one person can
serve as the "go to" person if someone becomes
sick in the workplace.
6. Send sick employees home. HHS/CDC
recommends that workers who appear to have flulike
symptoms when they arrive or who become ill
during the day be promptly separated from other
workers and be advised to go home until 24 hours
after their fever ends, without the use of
medication. If ill workers cannot be separated
from others, give them a surgical mask to wear, if
possible and if they can tolerate it, until they can
go home.
7. Promote hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
Workers, visitors, and clients should use proper
hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Workers,
visitors, and clients should
have easy access to
supplies such as: (a) "no
touch" wastebaskets for
used tissues; (b) soap and
water; (c) alcohol-based
hand rubs; (d) disposable
towels; and (e) cleaning and sanitation materials.
Lobbies, halls, and restrooms should have the
above items and workers should know the
location.
8. Keep the workplace clean. Frequently clean all
commonly touched work surfaces, work areas,
and equipment (e.g., doorknobs, lunch areas,
countertops, copiers, etc.). Use the cleaning
agents that are usually used in these areas and
follow the directions on the label. No additional
disinfection beyond routine cleaning is
recommended by HHS/CDC. Provide
disinfectants and disposable towels for workers to
use to clean their work spaces and surfaces and
to keep work areas clean.
9. Encourage vaccinations.
Encourage workers to get
vaccinated for seasonal flu and for
the H1N1 flu when these are
available.
10. Educate employees about the
flu. Educate workers about conditions that place
them at higher risk for complications of flu.
HHS/CDC has identified groups that have a
higher risk for complications from H1N1 flu (e.g.,
pregnant women, persons with asthma, etc.).
Inform workers that some people are at higher risk
of complications from flu and suggest that they
talk to their doctor about their own risk and what
to do if they become ill.
Continued on next page
February 2010
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Page 10

Reducing Worker Exposure to the H1N1 Flu continued
11. Address travel and sickness while on travel. Reconsider
business travel to areas with high illness rates. HHS/CDC
recommends the following measures for workers who becomes ill
while on travel: (a) advise workers to notify their supervisors, and (b)
advise workers to check themselves for
fever and any other signs of flu-like illness
before starting travel and to notify their
supervisors and stay home. Consider using
flexible work arrangements such as
telecommuting and staggered work
schedules to reduce the number of workers
who need to come into work at the same time. Think about ways to
eliminate face–to–face meetings between staff and with clients – use
conference calls, webcasts, and other technologies to conduct
meetings. Limiting visitors to the workplace to minimize contact
between workers and the general public.
12. Plan for social distancing if disease severity increases. Identify
ways to redesign workspaces like cubicles so that there is a barrier
between workers, coworkers, and clients or there is a separation of
at least 6 feet between workers, coworkers, and clients. Identify
ways to modify job tasks and activities so that workers do not come
into close contact (within 6 feet) with coworkers, clients, or visitors.
For example, expand Internet and phone-based client service to
minimize face-to-face contact. Consider using flexible work
arrangements such as telecommuting and staggered work
schedules to reduce the number of workers who need to come into
work at the same time. Think about ways to eliminate face–to–face
meetings between staff and with clients – use conference calls,
webcasts, and other technologies to conduct meetings. Limiting
visitors to the workplace to minimize contact between workers and
the general public.
13. Prepare for possible school closures or
suspension of child care programs. Parents should
not bring their children with them to work while schools
are dismissed. Develop flexible leave policies which
allow workers to stay home to care for sick family
members or care for children if schools close.
For more information, see OSHA's Guidance on Preparing Workplaces
for an Influenza Pandemic, OSHA Publication No. 3327, which can be
accessed at www.osha.gov. Also see HHS/CDC’s Guidance for
Business and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010
Influenza Season.
About the Arthur
G. Mark Jodon, a shareholder in the Houston
office of Littler Mendelson, serves as the ABC
Gulf Coast Chapter’s labor & employment law
attorney. Mark can be reached at
(713)652-4739 and mjodon@littler.com.
122 West Way, Suite 405
Lake Jackson, Texas 77566
The nationwide leader in supplying lifting and rigging
products and services for sale or rent. With multiple
branches along the Gulf Coast, you can count on our
quality and service to meet your demands.
Phone: (979)285-6100 Fax: (979)299-3042
www.deltarigging.com
February 2010
www.abctxgulfcoast.org
Page 11

Electrical Continuing Education
By law, electricians holding a state master, master sign, journeyman, journeyman sign, residential wireman, or
maintenance electrician license are required to complete 4 hours of continuing education each year to be eligible for
license renewal. Merit Shop Training, Inc. holds classes to help electricians meet this requirement.
Scheduled Classes
February 26
February 27
March 19
March 20
April 30
May 1
Time: 8:00 am - Noon
Cost
$40 ABC members
$50 non ABC members
Location of class
1400 Velasco Blvd., Bldg. 104 Rm. A
Freeport, Texas
Special points of interest:
Course delivered by Certified Master Electrician
Coffee and doughnuts while you learn
Classroom setting
NEC Books provided
Register: (979)233-1616/joyce@abctxgulfcoast.org
Class size: Minimum 15/maximum 25. MSTI reserves
the right to cancel classes, change class location, dates,
fees, class size, and instructors.
Deadline: Register by February 24 with either cash or
credit card. ABC member companies will be billed for
approved students.
Merit Shop Training, Inc., the educational affiliate of
Associated Builders & Contractors of Texas Gulf Coast,
Inc., provides training for the Brazoria County
Petrochemical Council area.
February 2010
www.abctxgulfcoast.org
Page 12

February Calendar
Feb. 3-7 ABC National Convention, San Diego, CA
Feb. 4-5 National Craft Championships, San Diego, CA
Feb. 4 Suppliers Council Committee (104B) 3:00 pm
Feb. 9 Membership Committee (104B) 7:30 am
Feb. 9 Public Relations Committee (104B) 3:00 pm
Feb. 11 Human Resources Symposium (104A) 11:30 am
Feb. 16 ABC Board Meeting (104B) 3:00 pm
Feb. 17 ABC/ACIT Joint Membership Event (RiverPlace) 11:30 am
Feb. 18 MSTI Board Meeting (104B) 2:00 pm
Feb. 23 CSC Board Meeting (104B) 1:00 pm
Feb. 26 Electrical CE (104A) 8:00 am
Feb. 27 Electrical CE (104A) 8:00 am
March Calendar
Mar. 2 Membership Committee (107CR) 7:30 am
Mar. 4 Suppliers Council Committee (104B) 3:00 pm
Mar. 5-6 ABC Cook-off (MacLean Park)
Mar. 11 Human Resources Committee (104B) 3:00 pm
Mar. 16. ABC Board Meeting (104B) 3:00 pm
Mar. 17 ABC Membership Event & Luncheon (RiverPlace) 11:00 am
Mar. 23 CSC Board Meeting (104B) 1:00 pm
Mar. 23 Public Relations Committee (104A) 3:00 pm
February 2010
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Page 13