Welcome to the 125th Annual Conference of the Nebraska Association of County Officials. What a pleasure it is to recognize this milestone anniversary of our organization. We hope you enjoy the special festivities of the conference while engaging in the numerous educational and informational sessions. I extend special greetings to all the former NACO Presidents who have returned to celebrate this landmark occasion.

This year, serving as your President, has been a highlight of my public service. I truly enjoyed attending all the spring and fall district meetings with our Deputy Director Jon Cannon and staff members Candace Meredith and Danielle Belina. It was a great opportunity to talk with each of you about the challenges and success you are experiencing as an elected official. The severe weather events of 2019 have taken a toll on so many and I’m proud to see our County officials stepping up to assist our fellow Nebraskans in the recovery process. Know the NACO team stands ready and willing to assist you however possible.

Please take time to visit with all the different vendors in the Exhibition Hall and thank them for their participation. These people are very important in making our convention a success. This conference marks the retirement of two of NACO’s long time staff members, Leslie Dix and LeRoy Janssen as well as Gary Smith from MIPS. We are truly grateful for your years of outstanding service to our organization and wish you the best in retirement and in whatever your new endeavors may be. Please take a moment during this conference to personally express your gratitude to these talented individuals.

Thank you for allowing me the honor to serve as your President in 2019. I am grateful for the many Board members that I have served with during my time as NACO officer. These extraordinary people have become cherished friends. I encourage each of you to become more involved in our organization. As the saying goes; ”When you volunteer your time and talent, you receive much more in return than you have given”. I wish you safe travel home, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy 2020. May God bless each of you.