2020 RETA Breeze Jul-Aug

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello all, I’m sitting here quarantined to my house after a two week trip to visit an elderly relative. Oregon has strict guidelines regarding social distancing, wearing masks, and businesses having a max capacity so I was not worried about traveling out of state until we made a side trip to Old Faithful in Yellowstone. The parking lots were completely packed, and no one was wearing a face covering of any sort so in our best interests, we didn’t end up stopping to see Old Faithful. I noticed that most places during our trip had no guidelines or protection for others. Protecting others is what I have done most of my life. I protected the United States of America and our way of life by serving in the military. I protected the people around me, my family, friends and coworkers for as long as I can remember with safe work practices. This is something I will always do until my dying breath. I will also protect my RETA Family with all that I am, by doing the right things for the right reasons. We as leadership have had to make decisions based on protecting all of you. As you have all heard, we will not be having an in-person Conference this year. We have converted to a virtual Conference for the protection, safety, and well- being of all.

I would ask for all RETA members to support this decision and to please be apart of this virtual Conference. RETA needs your support through these challenging times. We are offering the same topics virtually so you will still receive the same dynamic content. There will be virtual booths for our vendors so that all attendees can sponsorships available to get your name out there. There will be other goodies and surprises for attendees, and we are looking forward to everyone’s continued involvement with this year’s Conference. We have worked diligently with ANSI to offer Online Proctoring (OLP). It has now been approved which means you may take a RETA exam at a location that is not an official test center. There are rules and requirements so please speak with the Certification department at RETA HQ by emailing certification@reta.com and they can assist you with the process. The Education department hasn’t slowed down a bit and they are knee-deep in the review process for several RETA books. RETA HQ office remains staffed and continues to assist our members however possible. continue to interact with the exhibitors. We also have some

RETA Executive Director Jim Barron

I will miss shaking your hand or giving you a hug, and mostly I will miss our conversations. We will all miss seeing your faces in person at Conference; however, we won’t forget what you look like and can’t wait to see you next year.

Thank you all and God Bless, Jim Barron Executive Director

8 RETA.com