(Editor’s Note: The following letter was sent to the semi-annual convention on May 20, 2006. Dave Kleis is a long-time friend of the NFB of Minnesota; first for many years in the Minnesota Legislature and now as the Mayor of St. Cloud. He co-sponsored our NFB-NEWSLINE® funding legislation as one of his last acts in the legislature before being elected mayor.)

City of St. Cloud

Office of the Mayor

May 20, 2006

National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota

Dear honored guests and friends:

Although I am not able to attend your event today, I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the St. Cloud community. I want to extend my congratulations to the hosts, the members of the Central Minnesota Chapter of the Blind, as they celebrate their 35th anniversary this year! I'm pleased that our local chapter has been active in supporting efforts to improve life for blind people throughout the St. Cloud area.

It is apparent that the National Federation of the Blind is a vital organization in our society providing many services and resources to our youth, students, and our senior community who are blind and offering service and support to parents and families of the blind or visually impaired. Thank you for working on legislation to provide technology and training and to promote opportunities to enrich so many people's lives.

Have an enjoyable and successful conference! Thank you for hosting your event in our community. Please visit us again soon!

Sincerely,

(Dave)

Dave Kleis

Mayor

City of St. Cloud