The room was packed to capacity and abuzz with happy chatter Thursday June 12 as ASA Nor-Cal held its 2008 Candidates’ Night dinner meeting. About 1/3 of the attendees were candidates or associates looking for guidance and tips through the accreditation process. The remaining 2/3 were experienced ASA members, including Region 5 governor Jim Brown, and numerous past-governors, past chapter Presidents, several past or current Board of Examiners members, and several guests.

President William Schnitzer, ASA (RP) emailed invitations to the membership at regular intervals, beginning about a month in advance. The chapter hosted the meal at our regular meeting place at L’Olivier Restaurant in San Francisco.

After dinner, MTS Discipline Chair Gil Mitchell, ASA (MTS) welcomed the group and introduced the current chapter officers. Incoming President Robin Erdmann, ASA (RP) introduced past Presidents and distinguished guests, and gave an overview of plans for upcoming Chapter programs and events.

The member who traveled the farthest was Past President Rene’ Hlousek, ASA (BV), in from Guam. The farthest journey made by a Candidate was La Shawn Bauer, G&J Candidate who drove down from Reno, NV.

The program started with a brief overview of ASA as an organization by Nancy Stacy, ASA (G&J). She focused on the Committees and International Staff most pertinent to advancing members. She also pointed out resources on the ASA and ASA-NorCal websites where advancement documents and report checklists for all disciplines are posted. A hand-out provided an Organization Chart for the Society, a list of the Board of Examiners Chair and Vice-Chairs, and contact information for ASA Discipline Liaisons and Accreditation Specialists. It listed the web addresses for both the Chapter website and the ASA International Website, both of which provide many services to members.

Incoming Secretary Gil Mitchell, ASA (MTS) shed light on the MTS accreditation process, followed by James McCann, ASA (BV) who gave insight into BV accreditation. Will Schnitzer, ASA (RP) gave valuable information on the particulars of RP accreditation and Nancy Stacy, ASA (G&J) wrapped up with tips for Personal Property (PP) and Gems & Jewelry (G&J) candidates. The rest of the evening was devoted to responding to candidates’ questions. Members were reluctant to leave, until finally they had to turn the room over to restaurant staff.

NorCal Officers

L to R: Bob Lentz, Treasurer, Gil Mitchell, incoming Secretary; Robin Erdmann, incoming Chapter President, Jim Brown, Region 5 Governor, Will Schnitzer, outgoing Chapter President, Doug Baxter, incoming Chapter Vice-Chair

Board of Directors Meeting

Just prior to the program, the Board of Directors held its last meeting of the term, and incoming officers were welcomed.

Programs and events for the upcoming year were discussed, each officer and director gave his report, one scholarship was awarded, and the meeting was adjourned to welcome the Members and Candidates.

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Outgoing officers include:

Chapter President William C. Schnitzer, ASA (RP)

Chapter Vice President Robin J. Erdmann, ASA (RP)

Chapter Secretary Douglas S. Baxter (PP)

Chapter Treasurer Robert P. Lentz III, ASA (BV)

Chapter Past Chair James E. McCann, ASA (BV)

Chapter BV Director James Schilt, ASA

Chapter G&J Director Nancy Stacy, GG, ASA

Chapter MTS Director Gil Mitchell, ASA

Chapter PP Director Roger Rapport, ASA

Chapter RP Director Will Schnitzer, ASA

Incoming officers are:

Chapter President Robin J. Erdmann, ASA (RP)

Chapter Vice President Douglas S. Baxter (PP)

Chapter Secretary Gil Mitchell, ASA (MTS)

Chapter Treasurer Robert P. Lentz III, ASA (BV)

Chapter Past Chair William C. Schnitzer, ASA (RP)

Chapter Discipline Directors are currently being appointed by the incoming Chapter President Erdmann.

Anyone interested in being an active participant in the chapter should contact Robin J. Erdmann, MAI ASA at robinerdmann@comcast.net

Images:

Will Schnitzer addresses a full house

James McCann gives Candidates tips

For all images from Candidates’ Night
control-click here