Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” Portland is considered the “Best Big City” in North America by Money magazine. The city features a bustling local scene highlighted by a comfortable year-round climate, unlimited recreational opportunities, excellence in the arts, unmatched dining experiences, and an eco-friendly light-rail system. Photo courtesy of Travel Portland.

Portland to Host BVA 64th National Convention

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3b of Article IX (National Convention) of the BVA National Bylaws, all members of the Blinded Veterans Association in good standing are hereby notified that the BVA 64th National Convention will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, OR 97232, from Tuesday, August 18, through Saturday, August 22, 2009.

BVA members in good standing who wish to vote at the convention by proxy may request a form by writing or calling the Administrative Director at BVA National Headquarters no later than 45 days before the opening day of the 64th National Convention. Because the convention’s opening day is August 18, the deadline for requesting a proxy form is July 6, 2009.

In compliance with Section 2c of Article IX, the proxy form must be completed and returned to BVA National Headquarters (Attn: Administrative Director). To be considered valid, the envelope containing the form must be postmarked no later than 21 days before the opening date of the convention. The due date is therefore July 28, 2009.

Registration Package [.PDF] | [.doc]

Registration Form [.PDF]

The Oregon Columbia Regional Group would like to extend a warm and special invitation to you and your family to join us in the City of Roses for the 64th National Convention. Take this great opportunity to visit Portland, Oregon and meet fellow blinded veterans.

Portland is a vibrant city with so much to do and getting around is a breeze. It's easy to find limitless recreation, fabulous dining and flourishing culture. And, oh yes - the nation's largest variety of local microbrews, wonderful wineries and so much more. You are invited to come early or stay late to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.

Portland in August averages 79.5 degrees in the summer. The hotel is perfectly situated on the edge of Fareless Square, a region encompassing much of the downtown area. This “fareless square” provides free public light rail transportation to downtown Portland, assuring easy and accessible access to hundreds of shops, restaurants and cultural activities.

The Doubletree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center is conveniently located between the light rail station and the adjacent fabulous Lloyd Center Mall featuring over 200 stores, 18 movie theaters, restaurants and an ice skating rink.

Additional activities to consider while you are here include the Rose Test Garden, The Grotto, The Chinese Garden, visiting Portland’s Downtown, or the internationally known Saturday Market, which is the nation's largest open-air market for handcrafted goods. More information can be obtained by calling Travel Portland, 1.877.678.5263, or visit their website. http://www.travelportland.com/

Preliminary 64th Convention Details

Hotel Reservations:
Doubletree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, OR 97232, from Tuesday, August 18, through Saturday, August 22, 2009.
Toll Free 800-996-0510
Direct 503-281-6111

Convention Early Registration and hotel Early Registration deadlines are both June 14.

Early Registration qualifies Association members for a $50 rebate from BVA if the member stays at the Doubletree for a minimum of five nights. The Rebate form will be in the convention tote bags received upon check-in at the registration desk. To qualify, the member’s name must be on the hotel room reservation. There is one rebate available per room reservation. Please indicate you are with BVA when making hotel reservations.

Convention and hotel registration Last day to register is July 14.

Late registration is possible but space is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a space available basis only.

Monday, August 17
8:00am - 5:00pm  Optional day trips
3:00pm - 7:00pm  Exhibit and Registration Open - for all to visit
5:30pm - 6:30pm  Wine/Cheese Reception in the Exhibit Hall

Tuesday, August 18
10:00am - 6:30pm  Exhibit Hall and Registration Desk Open
3:15pm - 3:45pm    Rules Committee Meeting (Invitation Only)
4:00pm - 4:30pm    Credentials Meeting (Invitation Only)
7:00pm - 9:00pm    President’s Welcome Reception

Wednesday, August 19
8:00am - 11:45am  BVA Opening Session
10:00am - 6:30pm  Exhibit Hall Open
12:00pm - 1:00pm  Box Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
3:00pm - 5:00pm    Bylaws and Resolutions Meeting

Thursday, August 20
8:30am - 5:00pm    Day Tours
10:00am - 4:00pm  Exhibit Hall Open
5:30pm - 8:00pm    BVA Social Evening

Friday, August 21
8:30am - 12:00am  BVA Forum: Presentations and workshops
12:30pm - 2:30pm  Father Carroll Luncheon
3:00pm - 4:30pm    District Caucuses
5:00pm - 10:00pm  Oregon Beavers Baseball game

Saturday, August 22
8:30am - 12:00pm  BVA Closing Business Meeting, Election of National officers
1:15pm - 1:45pm    Legislative Update
2:00pm - 3:00pm    Field Service Forum
3:00pm - 4:00pm    Leadership Training (All Officers & Members)
6:00pm - 7:00pm    Awards Reception
7:00pm - 9:30pm    Awards Banquet

Please contact Christina Hitchcock at 800-669-7079 to request exhibitor registration packages.