By CJP Chairman David Miller

CJP-David-Miller-SG-HeadshotThese are exciting times for CJP.

It has been my pleasure to serve as board chair this year. Along with executive committee members Russell Boyd and Kirk Samuelson, the entire board engaged in a strategic planning exercise in February. This effort resulted in some positive changes for our organization.

Specifically, we are now focused on bringing more value to our members. Working with our Platinum Plus partner, Textron, we have lowered the cost for our Mustang owners to comply with ADS-B mandates. With Rockwell Collins, we introduced the Fusion retrofit program for the CJ3. Other models will likely follow. And yes, a new website is actually going to happen.

All of these efforts are the result of the most talented and dedicated board in our history. Cheryl Hardy, thank you for your consistent and professional service to our organization and for covering up so many of my mistakes.

Special thanks are in order to Marc Dulude for his leadership as interim Executive Director. Marc has led the search for a new ED and we have interviewed some outstanding candidates. Our goal is to find just the right person to present to the board for approval prior to our October convention.

Speaking of the convention in New Orleans, those who pre-registered have now essentially sold out the Chairman’s dinner on Saturday night. Ed Turley is leading this event and he will have an announcement soon about some very special entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

Another convention highlight will feature Guy Fieri from the Food Network back again this year compliments of Textron Aviation, to host a cooking class which was a standing room only highlight last year. And, be ready for some Cajun cuisine provided by Guy at Textron’s unique party during the convention. CJP President Russell Boyd, working with the master interior designers at Cessna, has some fabulous offerings for significant others as well.

And for you folks in the left seat, get ready for the best educational seminars anywhere. Neil Singer, Greg Feith, and Dann Runik just to drop a few names. General registration opens this month.

I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans, October 19-23!