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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello All!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please remember we will have a special edition of Palmetto Connects tonight at 6:00 on Federation zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will draw for those who registered for convention from June 1 to June 30.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will talk about convention in detail.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will hear from members who plan to run for a position on our NFB of SC state board. If you are running for a position, we would love to hear in two minutes or less your vision for the affiliate, what make you a good leader, why you are seeking a position on the board, qualifications as a leader. This also gives folks an opportunity to get to know who would like to run.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will have a nominating committee who will select a slate of officers. Remember, any one in good standing can run for a position. District representatives have to be in that district.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For your reference, here is the information from the Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Special Edition of Palmetto Connects, Thursday, August 18 at 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>We will have a special edition of Palmetto Connects on Thursday, August 18 at 6:00 PM EDT. We will have a $50 drawing from those who both completed the registration form and paid their registration fee from June 1-June 30. We will also discuss the convention in more detail and what to expect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>We will also have a moderated session regarding elections. The moderator will not be running for a position on our NFB of SC board for 2022. Elections will be held on Sunday, August 28 during our business session at state convention and there are ten positions open for election. This moderated meeting will give prospective candidates an opportunity to discuss their vision and plans for the affiliate, expand upon the personal qualities and experiences that make them an ideal candidate, describe their contributions to the NFB of SC, and provide an outline of their platform so that voters have the information they need to cast an educated vote.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Our goal is to be transparent and open so if you plan to run for one of the ten positions mentioned below, please join us on Thursday, august 18 at 6:00 PM. Those who are seeking a position will be given a maximum of two minutes to speak. All candidates and audience members are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism at all times. If you are not seeking reelection, please let me know so that this information can be passed to our membership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>The following positions are up for election:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>1.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> President, currently held by Jennifer Bazer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>2.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> <span style='color:#1F497D'>First V</span>ice President, currently held by Lenora Robertson<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>3.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> Second Vice President, currently held by Debra Canty<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>4.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> Secretary, currently held by Shannon Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>5.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> Treasurer, currently held by Valerie Warrington<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>6.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> District 2 <span style='color:#1F497D'>Rep</span>, currently held by Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>District 2 covers the counties of Barnwell, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, Allendale and Calhoun.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>7.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> District 4 <span style='color:#1F497D'>Rep</span>, currently held by JW Smith<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>District 4 covers the counties of Cherokee, Greenville, Spartanburg, Union, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>8.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> District 6 <span style='color:#1F497D'>Rep</span>, currently held by Marty McKenzie<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>District 6 covers the counties of Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Bamberg, Clarendon, Marion, Williamsburg and Marlboro.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>9.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> Member at Large, currently held by Demetrius Williford<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:5.0pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'>10.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span> Member at Large, currently held by Neel Sheth<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>As we prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, I hope voters will consider<o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who would be the best candidate for each position.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who attends most if not all board meetings and other leadership meetings?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who is qualified for the position and wants the position?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who has the skills to fulfill the duties of the position?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who believes in the affiliate?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who is dedicated to furthering the mission of the NFB of SC and is not simply seeking recognition?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who comes up with solutions when there are challenges?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who is ready to grow the affiliate, build the Federation and think outside of the box when needed?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Who is willing to make the personal sacrifices and time commitments needed to improve the lives of the blind in South Carolina?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Second District consists of the following counties: Barnwell, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, Allendale and Calhoun. The Fourth District consists of the following counties: Cherokee, Greenville, Spartanburg, Union, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson. The Sixth District consists of the following counties: Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Bamberg, Clarendon, Marion, Williamsburg and Marlboro. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Candidates nominated for board positions representing the three districts must be from a county located in the district. The two members-at-large can be nominated from anywhere throughout the state.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoPlainText>I urge all members to attend this session in order to learn about the prospective candidates and cast an educated vote in our upcoming elections.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>