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7continuedBy Bruce Chladny, KAC Executive DirectorKAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR%u2019S 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ADDRESSWhat an amazing conference experience! I hope that you feel refreshed and re-energized as a result of attending the 49th Annual Conference and Exposition in Sedgewick County / Wichita, KS. With record setting attendance once again, great breakout sessions, and ample time to socialize and network, it was a fast but fun three days last month. I am once again sticking to tradition by including the remarks I made at the Annual Business meeting in this month%u2019s County Comment. They are a bit long, but I encourage you to stick with it as we talk about the challenges and opportunities we face this next year. Good morning, everyone!It%u2019s a pleasure to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I%u2019d also like to extend a warm welcome to the 49th Annual Kansas Association of Counties Conference and Expo, here in Sedgwick County, Wichita Kansas. As our previous speakers mentioned, this is a fantastic facility in an ideal location, surrounded by a wonderful community. A big thank you to the Sedgwick County staff for their hospitality in welcoming us back this year!Next year, we%u2019ll be celebrating fifty years of hosting this event! And Kim is already planning a celebration to remember. So, I encourage you all to mark your calendars to come back December 2025 and bring a friend!Speaking of Kim, I%u2019d like to extend a heartfelt thank you for her tireless work in growing and enhancing this event year after year. She has truly transformed it into something bigger and better. This year, we have just over 450 attendees joining us, which is incredible! So, thank you Kim!I%u2019d also like to recognize Jay Hall, our Deputy Director and General Counsel. Jay has had another outstanding year, guiding us through the complexities of the Kansas legislative process, the KOMA and KORA laws, the Revenue Neutral Rate hearings, the Opioid Settlement program, and much more. It%u2019s been a pleasure working with him to move our organization forward.I%u2019d also like to thank Dornella Leal, who works diligently to manage our finances, and handles the secretariate work for the KCCA, the KCHA, the CCAK, and the KCCEOA plus a whole lot more. Dornella does a lot of work behind the scenes and deserves a lot of credit! Let me also thank Keith Browning for his continued dedication to assisting us with County Road issues and being a vital link between County Government and the Kansas Department of Transportation. As many of you know, Keith will be retiring after this conference. Keith, thank you for your many years of service to both the counties and our organization. We wish you a very happy retirement!