Gerry Leone, NMRA Communications Director

This year’s Sacramento convention attendance topped the 2,000 mark—the continuation of an upward attendance trend.

The folks at the NMRA Membership Booth at the National Train Show signed up 243 new members in three days!

Many of the clinicians at the Sacramento convention have uploaded their handouts or full presentations to x2011west.org. Anyone can download them. Just look for the “Clinics” tab, then click “Clinic Handouts.”

Portland was selected for the 2015 National NMRA Convention! Details and schedule of the convention will be announced when known.

The “Carpet Cutting” at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento marked the official start of fundraising for a scale model railroading exhibit in the museum’s gallery area. No NMRA dues or regular revenue streams will fund this project; its construction will rely entirely on donations. For more details about the new Gallery Exhibit, see the May 2011 issue of NMRA Magazine.

The Board continues to review the timing of future conventions. While a mid-summer date has been traditional because of lower hotel and convention center rates over the July 4 weekend, many NMRA members have voiced the concern that it conflicts with family functions. Direct your constructive suggestions to the Convention Committee, headed by Pacific Director Peter Jensen.

A complete summary of the Board of Directors meeting will be posted at www.nmra.org soon. It will also be published in NMRA Magazine in the near future.