Serving on the ABS board of directors can involve a lot of tireless and selfless hours. Because of this, from time to time, some of our generous directors need to take a break. Very recently this, and some health issues had left us with some vacant positions that needed to be filled sooner than the traditional ABS procedures would allow. A couple weeks ago the board of directors initiated a discussion for nominations and last week a vote was taken. We have filled two positions, one is a standard directors seat and the other is a new position that we are trying out to give more people an opportunity to serve, this new position is a post with a two year term.

I am very pleased to announce your two new Directors on the ABS board:

Don McIntosh, will be taking on the 2 year term, and we appreciate his willingness to help.

From our own forum team, Brion Tomberline will be taking a seat at the board for the long haul, and I couldn't be more pleased to have another of the forum staff on the board.

Please congratulate Don and Brion, but also give them our thanks. Serving on the ABS board of directors is exactly that- serving. It is a lot of time doing things behind the scenes that most are never aware of. It doesn't help your sales, it doesn't do much to further your own career, your reward is seeing the craft elevated in anyway that the ABS can accomplish its goals. It is one of the highest levels of giving to the craft while expecting nothing in return.

So any complaints you have about the ABS, send them to Brion instead of me <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />