Council News

European Councils Conference a "huge" success...

The third conference for the European Region of Navy League of the United States was held October 26 - 28, 2007, on the French Riviera in the city of Cannes. The Presidents and Board Members of NLUS European Councils from Italy, Spain, France and England attended the Conference. Host for the event was Avery Glize-Kane, President of the French Riviera/Monaco Council, who celebrated her retirement following 20 years of service to the Navy League. During her tenure, Kane entertained over 5,000 young men and women -- Sailors and Marines completing their deployments and on their way home to the States. Dinner parties, picnics, and BBQs were a large part of Kane’s life.

The theme for the council conference was “United We Stand”. All attendees gave verbal reports on their planned and completed work projects intended to serve the Sailors, Marines and military aboard NATO ships visiting their areas.

Region President Betty Reese of Naples, Italy, orchestrated the Conference. Reese had completed five years as Council President for NLUS Naples, and has been the President of the NLUS European Region for the past two years.

Attendees coming from Councils throughout Europe included: Deborah Cozzone, North Area President for Europe and President of NLUS Provence, France; Barcelona, Spain Vice President Scott Wishart and Secretary Beatriz; Madrid Council President Tom Denegre and Vice President Eva Garcia; Levante President Gerry Juroe with Barbara and John Power; Naples President RDML Bob Halder and Marilyn Halder; Rome President Laila Volpe; and the incoming President of the French Riviera/Monaco Council replacing Kane, Cornelis Van Vliet.

William Waylett, Jr., NLUS Senior Director of Regional Activities, came as a representative of the Navy League's headquarters, and participated in the conference to cover the mission and goals for the Region.

Projects on the agenda included the newly introduced European Region Portal, representing all European Councils on the Web, as a venue to transmit information throughout the United States and Europe, and to a world-wide audience. European President Reese emphasized the need to broadcast all activity from all the Councils in the Region. Special events for local members produce revenue used to finance dinners, parties, etc. for our service men and women visiting the areas in which our Councils are located.

A centralized Naples Marketing/Advertising team has been developed to assist the European Presidents with media projects for the Councils to announce their activity in their cities and in Europe, to optimize and disseminate press information to the public.