Dear BFA Members,

In 1974, in his Inaugural speech, Gerald Ford stated, "I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced..."  Of course he was referring to the only U.S. President, Richard Nixon, to ever resign from that position.  Fast forward 36 years and the BFA is experiencing its first Presidential resignation.  Fortunately, our BFA President Don Edwards has resigned his position under less notorious circumstances than Ford's predecessor.  As Vice President of the BFA I have moved into the Presidency for the balance of the year, and our Northeast Director Bill Hughes has assumed the Vice President position.  I look forward to serving in my new position and will do my best to maintain the level of professionalism and enthusiasm Don brought to the Presidency in October.

Don, competing against an outstanding group of qualified individuals, was selected as the new Event Director for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  His enthusiasm and dedication to our sport is remarkable.  He will be greatly missed on the BFA board but will be a tremendous asset to the Balloon Fiesta.  It is exciting to see him in another position that can make a long lasting and powerful impact on the sport of ballooning.  I am sure he will do an outstanding job and continue to be an active participant in BFA events and programs as well.  I, along with the rest of the board, wish him much success in his new position.

The board will work on identifying a replacement for the vacancy left by Don's departure.  We have a wonderful pool of talent in our organization and will search for another outstanding Southeastern balloonist to fill the void.

Our biggest upcoming project is the 2011 National Convention in Des Moines.  The convention coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the BFA. The host city was chosen for its strong ballooning history as well as an incredible number of passionate balloonists.  Their willingness and ability to host a quality high profile event has been evident over decades of hosting the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships and subsequently the National Balloon Classic.  They have an immense job ahead of them but I am sure it will pay off with an event not to be missed.  I encourage everyone to set aside April 7 - 10, 2011 to be in Des Moines.

I would like to hear from anyone with ideas, concerns, or general comments about OUR organization.  Numerous factors have taken a toll on our membership numbers but I believe we have the ability to grow the organization in the future.  I believe the BFA staff and volunteers have done a wonderful job of maintaining member benefits on a dwindling stream of income.  We need to address the needs of all U.S. balloonists to the best of our abilities.  Let's work together to keep the BFA a healthy and vital organization.

I look forward to the challenges ahead and am honored to serve as your current President.  As Gerald Ford also said, "I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it".

Sincerely,

Troy Bradley
BFA President and Life Member
505-350-2705
tbradley@nmia.com