Interesting story is that Richard's wife Carol had to insist on going to Grand Island for her annual shopping trip. For the first time in many years Richard had decided not to go to the annual training conference. Planning Technician Vickie let Carol in on the surprise and Carol helped tremendously. At the last minute, Richard had a meeting scheduled for Friday morning in Battle Creek. He then said he would just cancel NPZA instead of just going for Thursday. Carol then said she was going shopping in Grand Island and he was driving so he ought to go to the conference any way. So he did and did get surprised when his name was read by Chad.

Planning Commission members attending the conference were Roger Ackley (Madison), Merlin Mylander (Norfolk) and Grant. Madison county Board of Adjustment members from Madison County attending were Ackley and Dick Wozinak of Norfolk. Planning Technician Vickie Green and Zoning Administrator John Johnson attended and were re-elected to Conference Coordinator and First Vice-President respectively.