Submitted by: Melissa Rakes

This year's fall conference, Revvin' Up for Success, was held in Dover, Delaware at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. One hundred and two Tri-State members from Delaware, District of Columbia, and Maryland were able to attend. Although attendance was lower than previous years, there were still many opportunities for a variety of sessions, networking, and getting to know the members of the Association.

From Sunday through Tuesday, there were four general and fourteen concurrent sessions. Sessions ranged in topic from Veterans' Benefits and Cohort Default Rates to Implementing Year Round Pell and How to Move to Direct Lending. We sincerely thank everyone who was able to present; we would not have had a conference without you.

We had many opportunities to visit with one another during meals and breaks and heard an uplifting and encouraging speech during Monday's lunch. In addition, we repeated our tradition of including a community service project as part of the conference. This year, our community service project raised $400 for a scholarship for Woodbridge High School (Bridgeville, DE) students. Thank you to everyone who donated items and everyone who participated in the raffle.

The Conference Committee worked hard to bring this conference to the membership, but we want to look at opportunities for the future. To do this, we need your help. If you attended the conference, thank you. We are glad you were able to make it and would love your feedback. Please complete the conference evaluation online at www.dedcmdasfaa.org.

For everyone, please think about what you want for future conferences. What would you like to see? What is not as desirable? This year, very few schools had suggestions or ideas for us to incorporate. We know how busy everyone is, but we also know training events such as this conference are more important than ever. Please consider how the future Conference Committees can organize conferences that meet your needs. Thank you.

2009 Conference Committee Members:
Doryann Barnhardt - Wesley College
Roy Chernikoff - ECMC
Andrea L Cipolla - University of Maryland - University College
Gene Logan - USA Funds
Beth McSweeney - PNC Bank
Michael R Poma - SunTrust Education Loans
Dawn L Shockley - Bowie State University
Amy M Wilkinson - Mount Saint Mary's University
Aristea T Williams - EDFUND