Cindy Rogers, Board Member Mike Rogers, OPEA Deputy Director Scott Barger (behind) having fun with the camera!
OPEA members from across the state converged on Claremore in late August for “Bum’s Rush, 2008,” this year’s theme for the association’s annual convention.
Members and their families, as well as staff, gathered at Lake Claremore on a picture-perfect summer evening for a Friday night barbeque.
“We had a great turnout,” said OPEA Board Member Christie Biggs, who helped organize the cookout. “Everyone had such a great time at the lake; the weather cooperated and I think the music and fellowship helped bring us all together.”
Dressed mainly in shorts and flip-flops, members dined on the traditional summer meal of hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixins’.
“It was such fun getting to see everyone in an informal setting like that,” said OPEA President Connie Stockton. “Friday evening’s cookout set the tone for the whole convention, which was one of camaraderie and fellowship. We got together Saturday and were able to set our agenda for the next year, and develop a plan to move state employees forward,” Stockton said.
A Saturday awards luncheon afforded members an opportunity to thank individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty; including State Representative Mike Shelton who received the “Legislator of the Year” award.
OPEA Board President Connie Stockton, Representative Mike Shelton, Executive Director Sterling Zearley.
“I don’t remember having a convention like this in the past several years,” said OPEA Deputy Director Scott Barger. “This meeting was sort of what our conventions used to be like…everyone coming together and working hard and enjoying themselves. The association has a fresh, revitalized outlook and a determination to create a positive new image for state employees.”
Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008
by Mark Beutler
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