SECO International's Board of Trustee met in Toronto, Ontario, July 9-10 to conduct the business of the association and to review planning for SECO 2005. The meeting, one of two Trustee meetings held every year, had a lengthy agenda for the attendees. Among the key topics discussed was the development of the strategic plan, which has taken some significant steps forward over the last three months; the adoption of a $3.33M budget; a review of international activities; a report on planning for SECO 2005; and a variety of committee reports.

Drs. Neil Draisin (South Carolina), Michael Quint (Mississippi), and Hunter Bond (Louisiana; standing in for Dr. Gary Avallone, who was called away on active reservist duty) were three newly appointed Trustees who were warmly welcomed to their first meeting.

SECO President Richard Phillips, OD, remarked, “The meeting was hard work for the entire Board, from start to finish. Some tough decisions were made and great progress was achieved in a wide variety of areas. The biggest success, however, was the sense of camaraderie that was created among these hard-working volunteers.”

SECO International is taking nominations for three prestigious awards that will be presented at SECO in February:

O.D. of the South - This award may be presented annually to a practicing optometrist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. The recipient must be a member of the Southern Council and in practice during the year in which the award is presented. The President and President Elect of SECO International are not eligible to receive this award during their term of office. Past recipients of this award are not eligible to be nominated.

Paraoptometric of the South - This award may be presented annually to a non-optometrist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. By tradition, this award has been given to someone who resides in one of the Southern Council states. No employee of the President or President Elect of SECO International is eligible to receive this award while the President or President Elect is in office. Past recipients of this award are not eligible to be nominated.

Award of Merit - This award may be presented annually to a non-optometrist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. By tradition, this award has been given to someone who resides in one of the Southern Council states. Past recipients of this award are not eligible to be nominated.

The awards will be presented at the House of Delegates meeting. Anyone may submit a nomination. To do so, please submit your nomination in the form of a letter, describing the reasons why your nominee should be considered, to: Awards Committee
SECO International
4661 N. Shallowford Road
Atlanta, GA 30338

All nominations must be received no later than November 30, 2004.

SECO International donated $5000 to each of the three southern region optometry schools, Nova Southeastern University, Southern College of Optometry, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The donations were presented to the school representatives during the summer. SECO International is dedicated to assisting optometry schools and helping students of optometry prepare for their future.

In observance of the 100th Anniversary of the Alabama Optometric Association (ALOA), the ALOA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry Alumni Association is hosting a cruise aboard the Disney Wonder®, July 14-17, 2005.

Sail to paradise on a vessel as magical as the sea itself -- The Disney Wonder. Hand-crafted artistry and unparalleled beauty come together with a dash of Disney whimsy to surprise your senses on every incredible deck. Spacious, warmly detailed staterooms welcome you with amenities you would never expect. Indulge in one of three uniquely themed restaurants each night for a tasty change of pace.

The ship will depart from Port Canaveral, Fla. and visit exciting Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's private island Castaway Cay. There are also optional packages for Disney® theme park vacations available.

What's Included:
4 Hours of Continuing Education
One-hour "Welcome Aboard" Reception
Room accommodations with private bath
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks included
Complimentary room service
Disney-style entertainment each evening
Entertainment and activities aboard ship
Children's programs
State-of-the-art Fitness facilities and Spa
Exciting Ports of Call
Port taxes and government fees (subject to change.)
Tips and gratuities
Travel document package

For more information, please contact Lori Moneyham at (334) 834-1057 or send e-mail to lori@alaopt.com.