<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:initial;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt">Hello everybody!</span><br></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span>Please read the below Convention Bulletin for updates on our
state convention! If you have any questions, please direct them to our
Convention Chair Emily Gindlesperger at <a href="mailto:vp2@nfbp.org" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">vp2@nfbp.org</a>
</p>
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<h1 style="margin:12pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:16pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania </b></h1>
<h1 style="margin:12pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:16pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>2024 State Convention Bulletin</b></h1>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are thrilled to invite you to the <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/2024-state-convention/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">2024 State Convention</a> of
the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, taking place from
Thursday, November 7th to Sunday, November 10th, 2024. This year’s event will
be hosted at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center in beautiful Erie,
Pennsylvania, promising an exciting and enriching experience for all attendees.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Join us for a weekend filled with inspiring sessions,
engaging workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Whether you’re
looking to connect with fellow blind individuals, gain insights into advocacy,
or simply enjoy the vibrant community we’ve built, this convention is the
perfect occasion.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">mark your calendars and get ready for an event that
celebrates our achievements and charts our path forward.</p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Convention Information </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Date:</b> Thursday, November 7, 2024 - Sunday, November
10, 2024</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Location:</b> <a name="_Hlk175712729">Ambassador Banquet
& Conference Center </a>in Erie, Pennsylvania</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Registration Fee:</b> $25 until October 15, 2024 and then
$35 afterwards</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">You can register for our state convention on our <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/2024-state-convention-registration/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Registration</a>
page. </p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Meal Options</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are a variety of meal options during our state
convention, including boxed lunches, pasta bar and taco bar. Please visit the <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/2024-state-convention-meal-options/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Meal Options</a>
page to see what we have and find out the prices. The
deadline to order your meals is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. </p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Lodging Information </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This year, you can choose between two hotels. Both are
connected to the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">1. Hilton Garden Inn Erie</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Room Rate: $109.00 a
night plus tax</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">2. Marriott Courtyard Erie</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Room Rate: $109.00 a
night plus tax</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For more hotel information, please visit our <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/2024-state-convention/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">2024 state convention</a>
page. </p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal">National Rep: Tracy Soforenko</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are so delighted to have Tracy Soforenko as our national
rep this year! Tracy serves in many roles within the NFB including the
President of the NFB of Virginia, Board Director of the NFB and the Chair of
the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund! Please make sure you connect with him at
the state convention and say “Hello!”! His bio can be read at the NFB website: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/leadership/board-directors/tracy-soforenko">https://nfb.org/about-us/leadership/board-directors/tracy-soforenko</a><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"> </span></p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Bus Shuttle </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We have a shuttle bus picking up people from various cities
in Pennsylvania. Round trip tickets are $120 regardless of age. The bus will
head to Erie, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and return home on
Sunday, November 10, 2024. Please connect with your Chapter President to sign
up and secure your seat! We have a few seats left so hurry up and get yours
before it is sold out!!!</p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Volunteers Needed </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If you have a spirit of service, we invite you to volunteer
some of your time at the convention. We are looking for people to fill various
roles including ambassadors, runners, tech support, as well as assisting with
the registration, door prizes, and fundraising efforts. Please sign up on our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc42sLgQcDmUpT0VsxnZL4X_YC03NXFzlpNyfpVj_Mr_M_TtA/viewform" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Volunteer
Form</a> and someone will get back to you! </p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Become an Exhibitor! </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are excited to see you at our convention and learn more
about your products and services! To register for the Exhibit Hall during our
2024 State Convention, please visit our <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/2024-exhibit-hall-registration/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Exhibit Hall
Registration page</a> to view our exhibit hall prices, hours, and complete the
form.</p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Support us and Sponsor! </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2024 NFB of
PA State Convention. All sponsors will be recognized in our Convention Agenda,
which is distributed to all attendees. We will also announce your support
throughout our events and on social media. Please visit our <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/sponsorship/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Sponsorship page</a> for more
information and to sign up! If you have any questions or would rather be
invoiced for your sponsorship, please email Emily Gindlesperger at <a href="mailto:vp2@nfbp.org" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">vp2@nfbp.org</a> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These opportunities will end <b>October 15, 2024</b>.
Once your sponsorship is received, we will contact you directly regarding your
level of benefits.</p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Senior Possibilities Fair 2024</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Join us for the Possibilities Fair on Thursday, November 7,
2024, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference
Center in Erie, PA. This event is for seniors experiencing vision loss, their
families, and professionals. This is a separate event from our normal
convention activities and has a separate registration fee of $20. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>There is a morning Continental Breakfast Included! Please visit our </b><a href="https://nfbofpa.org/senior-possibilities-fair/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)"><b>Senior Possibilities
Fair</b></a><b> page for more information and to register. </b></p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal">Door Prizes and Baskets Needed!</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are asking individuals, chapters, and divisions to donate
door prizes and baskets to our convention! With a wealth of knowledge
throughout the convention, we also wish to offer door prizes throughout the
event. Door prizes can be monetary donations, gift cards, t-shirts, baked
goods, Braille games/toys, and anything you wish! Please make sure to contact
Convention Chair, Emily Gindlesperger, so she is aware you are bringing them!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to door prizes, we are asking for donations of
themed baskets for our Bingo & Auction Night. Some theme ideas can include
but are not limited to these options: Spa, Game Night, Movie Date, Fun in the Sun,
Winter Wonderland, Gardening Club, Breakfast in Bed, Prom Night, etc. If you have
any questions, please contact Convention Chair Emily Gindlesperger. We also
need a detailed description of the items by Thursday, October 31, 2024 so we
can make print/Braille cards to be placed near the baskets! </p>
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<h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:13pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>Questions? </b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to
our Convention Chair Emily Gindlesperger at <a href="mailto:vp2@nfbp.org" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">vp2@nfbp.org</a>
</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We look forward to seeing you in Erie!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Warm regards,<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="http://www.NFBOfPA.org" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.NFBOfPA.org</a> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of
its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness
is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and
diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.</p>
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