At this year's annual conference, we will bring to you a group of speakers that will open your businesses to more opportunities, from how to gain access to the Green environment movement to building better relationships with some of the country's largest industrial and utility companies.

Plans are under consideration to structure the PEARL organization so that ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) will accept us as a Standard Developer. We will be discussing the what, where and how this could unfold. We all know the business advantage that can come from national acceptance of reconditioned electrical product.

The IBEW/Local 48 electricians union is graciously letting us use their state- of- the- art training facility for our PEARL training. The State of Oregon has agreed that the PEARL training qualifies for (4) Continuing Education Units (CEU) toward state requirements for electricians licenses.

All work and no play makes for a boring conference, so for individuals interested in social networking, you'll have many entertainment choices. A Jet Boat Ride, a limited (24 max) vineyard and wine tasting, a local micro brew tour, golf tournament, as well as our standard gala parties, just to name a few.

At this year's PEARL conference, the Board of Directors look forward to hearing about how PEARL can help your business grow. The discussions will happen in the presentation halls, the hallways and mixers, and - most importantly -- at the round tables on Monday Afternoon. All constructive opinions are welcome and valued! This year we will arrange the round tables based on key constituencies within the secondary electrical market, including conduit/fittings dealers, molded case breaker and low voltage magnetic component dealers, and switchgear/large breaker dealers.

Please accept my invitation to join us, whether you are a PEARL member or an interested spectator for the party, the information and the discussion.

Brian Corekin
PEARL President