Don Davenport
TAPT President
Corpus Christi is the family fun place to be for TAPT in June 2008. Welcome to the Coastal Bend of South Texas and I sincerely hope that each and every one of you has had a great start for the 2007-2008 School Year. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to lead this organization and I appreciate the confidence you have placed in me which will allow me to fully exercise my leadership skills and abilities.
The planning for the 2008 conference and trade show has already begun with personnel in the Coastal Bend planning events, visiting the American Bank Plaza which is the location for the trade show, visiting with caterers and a host of other tasks. What an exciting beginning! I have corresponded with members of the Executive Committee informing them of my desires for the convention and tradeshow. I have instructed the Committee that it is my desire that the Corpus Christi show carry over some of the great successes that we had last year; however, it’s not to be a mirror image. Furthermore, I have informed the Executive Committee to make themselves available and to communicate with the general membership to determine desires and needs for the overall benefit of the association. Dovetailing with this concept, I and the President Elect, Mr. Lee Iredale, will be traveling to chapter meetings to hear your comments, inform you of the status of events that are unfolding and incorporate new ideas into TAPT. For example, I have communicated with a local production company to determine the feasibility of producing a DVD/CD for increasing the membership of the organization. This DVD/CD would initially be composed of current pictures of TAPT activities and with the trade show/convention in Corpus Christi, the production company would film events and seek testimonials (please don’t be shy when asked to participate) about the benefits of being a TAPT member. Once completed, the DVD/CD approximately 3-5 minutes in length, would be sent directly to Superintendents or Business Managers, by name, that are not member of TAPT explaining the benefits and asking them to join and participate in TAPT activities at all levels. Our current methodology of a letter is not producing the desired effects; therefore, an immediate change is necessary. Second, I have formed a Constitutional Committee which consists of Mr. Walt Prothro and Mr. Joe Perez, two well versed individuals, to rewrite the entire TAPT Constitution which will incorporate latest approved changes and develop job descriptions for each executive committee position. I will ask the Chairman of the Certification Committee to provide 3 days of certification courses during the conference instead of the current 2 and 1/2 days. These are just a few of the many items and ideas that will be addressed during this year’s Executive Committee meetings. I encourage you to express your ideas and thoughts with committee members and your local TAPT leadership in order for your voice to be heard. TAPT is all about you, the member, and as the President it is my responsibility to carry out your wishes. So let us hear from you. My e-mail address is ddavenpo@stx.rr.com and I welcome and appreciate your thoughts.
Finally, I have chosen the following theme, “The Yellow Bus, It’s All About Kids”. Make your plans early and hope to see you in the “Sparkling City by the Sea” in June 2008.
Don Davenport
TAPT President
