By: Michelle Howes President/CEO Honolulu Horse and Carriage, Ltd.

Since CONA was born, it's Savannah convention has been its best turn out ever. They came to Savannah from Maine to Hawaii, Ontario to Texas and Alaska to Florida! There were almost 100 members and guests representing over 40 companies from all over North America. Thank you to all whom attended, I hope you found some valuable networking and took home some new ideas and information to help you improve your company.

As usual Thursday was optional and planned out as a fun day. After registration everyone hopped on to some buses and we had a chance to become true visitors of Savannah. There were about 3-4 buses so I can't speak for all, however the bus driver and narrator I was with was very informative. We had a chance to tour the Green Meldrium House Museum (General Shermans Headquarters in Savannah). This house looked like a house from the movie "Gone with the Wind" ("Frankly Scarlet I don't give a damn!"). The restoration was done very well and it had some amazing features that don't even exist in houses today (Like a fire ring above a domed wrap around staircase). We drove past a cemetery that the movie "The Garden of Good and Evil" was based on. Saw some historical sites and the squares. The squares have a few theories behind them. One member mentioned because of the fires in Europe they wanted the squares as breaks so the fire could not jump from house to house. Another is that the creator of Savannah wanted the square as a central front lawn to the surrounding houses in order to keep a friendly community, where all the families who lived on the square could socialize. Once we toured the town we stopped by and visited Ricky and Alicia Edwards of Carriage Tours of Savannah. Checked out their livery and talked story for a little bit. Before we went to Tybee Island (Salt Island) we had lunch at a large but cozy restaurant on the way. Our options were BBQ meat dish; Fresh Southern Salad with an awesome dessert, and you can't visit Georgia without drinking their SWEET TEA. Full and content we headed to Tybee Island Lighthouse. Many climbed to the top to see the great view; there was also a gift shop to visit, the lighthouse keepers house (seemed like back then the people must have been smaller) and a museum shop that used to be military barracks. This state is just full of history! We all had a chance to browse and there were guides for us to ask questions. Around 2:30pm we headed back to the hotel to freshen up then head to the Low Country Boil. Don't know what that is? Well it's something you don't want to miss! Shrimp, carrots, corn, potatoes and more boiled to a steamy perfection which was perfect considering Nature blessed us and the rest of the US with out-of-the norm weather. The low country boil was held at Plantation Carriage Companies Stable, so all had a chance to visit his horses, see his equipment and operations, and talk with his staff.

Friday rolls around and everyone was excited about furthering their networking opportunities. Right across the street was the "Roundhouse Railroad Museum" where our meetings were held. This museum was very interesting and used for repairing and a turn around point for the trains that used come through Savannah. There was a display of Silent Auction Prizes as well as a raffle prize valued at over $200.00. Coffee and donuts were laid out to snack on while we listened and asked questions from our speakers. Our lunch was included over at the "Whistle Stop Cafe" where you actually sit in an old train car. Our speaker there was a high profile man named (William S. Morris III) owner of a few newspapers and familiar with our industry. He had many great things to speak about that may appear in this newsletter. After lunch back at the Roundhouse we all enjoyed some tips on how to increase our wedding business for under a $100.00 and many members offered input of what works best for them at affordable costs! Dinner was held at Historical Savannah Carriage Tours Stable, where we all enjoyed a Bluegrass band, more horses, and great food along with great people. Every one had a chance to check out their equipment and vehicles, visit with the staff and have a good time!

Saturday morning was unique and worked out well for many people. We were offered two options. The first was to go to Plantation Carriage Company Stables and be enlightened by a farrier demo. However, not just any farrier, a journeyman. Everyone who attended that was highly pleased, and all walked away with new information to take home and apply to their equine skills. The other option was to meet in room B and ask a panel of experienced board members many general unanswered questions about the industry regarding insurance issues, contract terms and conditions, do's and don'ts, new laws, how well laws actually protect you, more affordable ideas on efficient ways to operate and have a 24/ 7 live person answering service and many more. We all united for lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe and made sandwiches with side options.

Returning for the membership meeting we summed up our conversations, distributed the prizes to the winners for the silent auction and the raffle and announced to everyone to be ready for a 5:30pm carriage ride departure (compliments of Plantation Carriage Company) from our hotel to dinner, our "annual banquet". The banquet was held on the square at Belford's, a high-end fancy restaurant. Dinner was prizes were handed out to all; many people received 2-3 complimentary items from bit warmers to T-shirts, hoof picks and curry combs, fancy key chains. Thank you to all who contributed to donating those items. Also a special thanks to our President "Mike Miller" who slaved 3 hours in early morning hours for a week to provide everyone with complimentary leg reflectors, which by the way work perfectly, and I receive many compliments on the use of mine. (A true example of promoting safe animal welfare!) Thanks for setting that example, Mike.

Never will we forget to offer gratitude and a Special Mahalo (Thank You) to our host Taylor Watt's of Plantation Carriage Company. Not many get to experience the hard work, planning and coordinating of this magnitude of guests while still operating their company. Our hats go off to you; thank you for opening an invitation of your Historical City.

Our members would also like to thank Ricky & Alicia Edwards of Carriage Tours of Savannah and Diane Brannen of Historic Savannah Carriage Tours for accommodating CONA members and allowing all of us to visit your facilities.

William S. Morris III Address to CONA Members

Our Host, Taylor Watts - Plantation Carriage Co.

Diane Brannen - Historic Savannah Carriage Tours

Ricky & Alicia Edwards - Carriage Tours of Savannah

CONA Members Only - Minutes of the Annual Meeting.