NRA workshop made possible through volunteers

Albany, New York - When it comes to events like NRA's Club University, there is more to the operation than those who step in front of the microphone and give a speech. There are the unsung individuals who operate behind the scenes to make things possible. One of those people who made the trip to add such support is Field Operations' own Tiffany Ngu.

Tiffany is a Financial Coordinator for Friends of the NRA. Though her regular duties don't include attending events like Club University, she came to Albany along with the rest of the staff to lend a hand where ever necessary.

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Albany, New York - The National Rifle Association would not be where we are today without the Institute for Legislative Action. To explain the ins and outs of the political side of the operation is ILA's Grassroots Coordinator Brent Gardner.

ILA's political insights are just one reason to attend Club University. There's also grants, insurance programs, and much more to make the trip worth while. So if you can, think about making that trip out to Sacramento.

Albany, New York - NRA Club & Association Marketing Manager Son Nguyen servers as emcee, lecturer, and chief bottle washer here at Club University in Albany, New York. I believe he's even giving some of the attendees a ride home.

Albany, New York - In addition to the fancy chicken, steak, and pasta meals laided out by the Desmond Hotel here in Albany, we also took the time to talk to those who gave up their day for Club University. One of those men is Joe – and he is a character.

First thing Joe (Joseph T. Strnad) tells me is that the best kept secret in New York State is the Oneonta Sportsmen's Club.

"Most beautiful 28 acres you've ever seen," started Joe. "Of that, we've got seven acres worth of outdoor rifle and shotgun range, a two tear trap course,  silhouette shoots … it's amazing."

But Joe's work in the field of firearms doesn't stop there. He was also an instructor for the inaugural Women's Wilderness Escape last year in New Mexico. "It took me seven flights and eleven hours to finally get there. And if they'll have me, I'll gladly do it all over again. Just as long as I can use a different airline."

Albany, New York - First time Club University speaker Ron Rosenberg demonstrates that this isn't the first time he's been in front of a crowd. In fact, Club & Associations Manager Liz Bush saw Ron speak at SHOT Show this Spring and thought he'd be a great addition to panel. So far, he is.

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Albany, New York - Everyone here at the Desmond Hotel has questions. But a big questions facing any firearms related operation is insurance. You never know what you're going to need, when you're going to need it, or who you need to cover.

Do you just have to worry about what goes on at the range or what goes on when you're working for the range? And if you are on club business, is your vehicle or other potential injuries covered? Are only members on the policy, or are their guests covered too?

These questions and more are being thrown at Ian Maresh from Lockton Risk Services, Inc. He's been fielding questions for over twenty minutes now and threatens to push threw the other speakers segments with a great deal of information. And the best part about being here at Club University in Albany is that these are the questions you might not think to ask unless you're here.

So don't forget to sign up for the next Club U. this fall.

Albany, New York - New York State Rifle and Pistol Association President Tom King was second on the agenda (behind NRA's own Jack Baker) here at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. He gave us a run-down of what State Associations do.

Tom tells the crowd to be active, always drive to increase membership, and don't be afraid to get in touch with the local politicians.

Mr. King also sits on the NRA Board and provides unique insight to insurance necessities of any operation. Sometimes its nice to have an insurance guy around.

Albany, New York - Things here in Albany are just underway as Club University in the Greater North East.

For those who don't know, Club University travels throughout the United States to provide gun clubs and associations with all the things they didn't know: how to write a grant, improving your range, leadership principles, insurance guidelines, and much more.

Welcoming us here this morning is NRA Board Club & Association Chairman Herb Lanford. All the way up from South Carolina, Herb gave the crowd a rousing introduction to our program with promises of great information and details. So stay tuned for all the details. At least all the details we can release here.

When the men of the Wallkill, New York - Wallkill Rod & Gun Club of Wallkill put their heads together, there's no stopping them. "We do the cooking!" a member told me during the recent New York State Rifle and Pistol Association's Annual Meeting, held each year at the Wallkill Club. And do they ever.

After successfully preparing 300 chickens for the NYSRPA Meeting June 13, the Wallkill Club members told me about the last feast they had prepared. I must have appeared doubtful, because someone ran and found a brochure. The top reads "Wallkill Rod & Gun Club Game Dinner Menu, Saturday, May 9, 2009." Here is a sampling of the menu:

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