This was taken from the MCL Forum on the National Website
Accordingly, it may not be the "Final" version
2009 National Marine Corps League Convention
Thor Detachment, Dept. of Minnesota has been picked to host the 86th National
Marine Corps League Convention. There has never been a National Marines'
Convention held in the State of Minnesota before and everyone is very excited.
Dates are 31 July to 8 August, 2009. This will not be your usual weekend
convention, but an 8-day Mega Event!
The host hotel is the Kahler Grand; which is right across the street from the
Mayo Clinic. Most all meetings, etc. will be at this location. Overflow hotel
will be the Kahler Inn & Suites; which is one short block from the Kahler. The
Convention Rate for these hotels is $89.00 plus tax.
Next to the Kahler Grand, and again, across from the Mayo Clinic, is the
Rochester Marriott Hotel; same owners as the Kahler. This hotel is also
available, but their discounted rate will be $139.00 plus tax. All these hotels
will have plenty of ramp parking available.
Breakfast & Parking will be complimentary for all Marine Corps League Convention
"hotel guests" only. Please book your room now at either of these three hotels
by calling their Reservations Office at 1-800-533-1655. They are open 24/7. Tell
them you are with the 2009 National MCLeague Conv. to get the rate. Over 400 of
us have already done so.
Thor Detachment and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau will be putting
up a special website for this convention, so that you can pre-register for the
tours, leisure activities, banquet, and the like. Will post about this when I
know more.
The facilities at the Kahler Grand and the other Hotels, I can tell you, "first
hand" from working there as a Bellman from 1990 to 2003, that theirs is more
than adequate. From the beautiful Elizabethan Room off the Lobby, to the three
large and connected Windsor I, II, and III Halls, to the three huge and
connected Heritage I, II, and III Halls, to the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott
(probable MODD/F luncheon site), and to the many other conference rooms; i.e.
Mayo Brothers Room, Directors Room, Centennial Room, Hiawatha & Hiawatha A
Rooms, Regency Room, Watson Room, Viking Room, to the unique Kahler Mezzanine
Level that runs above their Lobby and beyond; I feel that we will have a great
time. And everything is all close-in. No one should have to walk very far.
I need to mention Rochester's Pedestrian Subways. It is, in itself, a little
city that runs under much of downtown. And, there is a skyway system that begins
on the Kahler Mezzanine Level, and goes all over town too. All these indoor
walkways connect to the other hotels. Plus, there are many shops, salons, and
other amenities both down there and up there, along with a nice Mayo Patient
Education Center that is open to all.
The reasoning for this under and over ground, temperature controlled environment
is because of all those from around the world, who come here seeking Mayo's
diagnosis & treatment, and for the many Conventions that are held in this city
each year. Rochester, the Kahler Grand, Sunstone Properties, IBM, and the Mayo
Clinic are very, very good at this hospitality business.
There will be a Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009. It will be,
subject to approval, $25 per person, all the pizza you can eat, fruit
selections, and live entertainment. There will be complimentary in-room
refrigerators provided. Please tell reservations if you will need one. With
respect, also inform Reservations of any other needs you may have.
Thor Detachment and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide
complimentary shuttle van transportation to and from the Rochester International
Airport. We will have two to three nice size vans going. A phone number will be
provided.
Motorized scooters will be available for rent to those who may need them. We are
still working out the details, so the reservations folks haven't been briefed in
this area just yet. Of course, regular; i.e. push type wheelchairs will be
provided at no charge.
Thor Detachment and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau are considering
several leisure events. The stunning Mall of America, beautiful Dakota Sioux
Treasure Island Casino, World Famous Spam Museum, the Soldiers Memorial Field
Golf Course Outing, possible Rochester Honkers Baseball Game (Minor League) for
the League are all being considered, as well as the Night of Entertainment.
Plus, a Mayo Clinic Tour especially for us is being considered. Will post about
this when I know more.
There is so much else to put before you, however, details and logistics are
still being worked out by the Conv. Committees. But, suffice to say that Thor
Detachment along with its Thor Auxiliary, the Staff of the Dept. of Minnesota
with the other Detachments, and the Dept. Auxiliary with its three other Units,
and the City of Rochester and surrounding areas; are motivated and excited to
make this an outstanding 2009 Nat. Marines' Convention for you and yours.
One more thing, if you need help with parking and/or luggage, the hotels have
either or all of the following porter services; bellman, doorman, and valet
parking. Of course, Thor Det. Members and others will be there to help in any
way they can too. We take care of our own!
In closing I want to mention that the Members have already been hard at work
raising funds for 'start up/seed money' in order to pay for the expenses of this
09 Convention Hosting. But, we need much more. If you, your Detachment, your
Organization, or any business you know would be willing to help sponsor with
some underwriting and/or donations, Thor would be very grateful. Of course, we
intend to verbally recognize those businesses and individuals who sponsor this
Convention, and in print in the 86th Nat. Conv. Program Book. Remember, this
National Marine Corps League Convention has never been in Minnesota before. It
should have outstanding attendance and coverage.
One final thing, at this 09 National Convention, as in Conventions past, the
Marine Corps League through its Fun and Honor Society will be financially
generous to the Host City's Childrens Hospital, or similar Childrens Facility.
In 2009, Rochester and the State of Minnesota will greatly benefit from this
Marine's Convention.
Any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Semper Fidelis;
David J. Nogosek
Commandant & 09 Nat. Conv. Local Chairman
Thor Detachment, Dept. of Minnesota, MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
1515 9th Avenue Southeast, Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: 507-281-2076 Cell: 507-951-5191
Email: Majada@aol.com