Mini to the max
2016 NJ State PBa MiNi CoNveNtioN Preview
The 4-1-1 on some of the attractions at this year’s Mini Convention
The agenda and accompanying attractions for the NJ State PBA Mini
Convention March 7-11 at Caesar’s in Atlantic City is still being finalized.
But it appears the 2016 Mini promises to follow-up last year’s memorable
and impacting sessions with even more memorable presentations,
and will also include another packed room of exhibitors offering
products and services especially for PBA members.
Headlining this year’s event will be retired Teaneck Local 215
member Gary Spath. He will be telling his story for the first time
in public about the extraordinary events of April 10, 1990, and the
events that followed regarding his shooting incident with a 16year-old African American with a gun in his jacket.
“I am honored to be addressing my sisters and brothers in the PBA,”
Spath said. “I hope by telling my story I can help a few officers and give
something back to the profession I love.”
In addition to Spath, Steve Zengel – the owner of the Manasquanbased Beach House Cigars that has provided cigars for PBA Local
fundraisers for years – will be speaking about his new endeavor to honor
fallen officers. Zengel is remembering his law enforcement friends with
“Los Caidos,” a program that promises to donate a percentage of sales to
family members of fallen law enforcement officers nationwide.
The Mini Convention will be filled with informational sessions to
bring members up to date on the latest initiatives and work in progress.
Rob Nixon will provide his usual thorough and educational legislative
update. PBA Attorney Paul Kleinbaum will present a legal update, and
there will be news from what’s taking place with the pension, health ben-
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efits and Legal Protection Plan programs.
Be on the lookout for news from the Police Unity Tour, and the Peer
Assistance Response Team will present its latest developments to provide
support for officers dealing with mental health issues. There should
also be an update about the 2016 Annual PBA Convention in
Phoenix.
The Mini Convention will also provide an opportunity for
members to hear about the ongoing efforts of Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) on behalf of families that lost
law enforcement officers in the line of duty. C.O.P.S. will also be
participating in the vendor expo with a table to provide additional
information. Again this year, C.O.P.S. is selling “Heroes” t-shirts that
include the name of every officer killed in the line of duty in New Jersey.
“Buying a t-shirt is an easy way to help support our chapter and honor
our heroes,” said Lisa Preslar, president of Garden State C.O.P.S. “Being
included in the PBA Mini Convention each year has opened the door for
better dialogue about line of duty deaths. Each year, we experience more
officers stopping by our table to get info, buy a shirt or to simply say
thank you for what we do. This would not be possible without the opportunity for us to be included at the PBA Mini Convention.”
So in between sessions make sure to visit the vendor expo which is
located in the room next to the Palladium Ballroom where the
convention sessions are held.
Among the many exhibitors is Martyn Associates, which can provide
some fundraising tips and tricks.