TAMPA, Fla.—The Rubber Roller Group has canceled its May 3-5 general meeting in Tampa, Fla., due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"After much discussion, and with a heavy heart, the board has decided to cancel the Rubber Roller Group General Meeting in Tampa this May 3-5," said Rick Harwood, of Harwood Rubber Products Inc. and chairman of the Rubber Roller Group. "I, for one, have always looked forward to the time and fellowship with all the friends and colleagues I have come to know over the years. As of right now, we have no plans to reschedule, as we all really do not know how this year will progress."
At this point, Harwood said, the board is looking to reschedule the general meeting at the Westshore Grand in Tampa in 2021. Unless the RRG is directed otherwise, the group will put members' payments for this year toward next year's event.
Individuals who have booked a room for this year (outside of the group) can have their reservations canceled at no charge, according to RRG.
Harwood asked that members kindly support the group by sending in 2020 membership dues.
"We need your support as we walk a very fine line of having enough in the till to maintain our newsletter, to keep Robbi's valuable service intact, and have the available funds to book those terrific venues you have come to expect," he said.
A manufacturer's membership application is available at rubberrollergroup.com.
The Board of Directors at the Rubber Roller Group also will publish an extended version of the spring newsletter early this summer, offering a glimpse of what the speakers scheduled for the May conference had to offer, according to RRG.
In addition, through the contributions of members and colleagues, the second edition of the Rubber Roller Technical Manual is available.
Due to printing cost increases, the manual is $75 per copy with more than 50 additional pages of content.
"I really can't say how disappointed I am in our decision of having cancel the meeting this year in Tampa," Harwood said. "I feel our group has a civic duty to minimize the spread of this virus. I know you all understand the gravity of what this country, this world, is currently dealing with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by this virus. I certainly wish everyone the best, that we can all come through this unscathed."