CEAC visit to Chicago, Ill
by Bill Peterson

CEAC had another great meeting this past summer.  This year we actually did what we needed to do and that is to make sure the tests were presentable, valid, and relevant to our students.  The main area of Chicago presents great opportunities for the students.  There are many inexpensive places to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, or even just doing the sight seeing.  From the main BPA hotel, the infamous Navy Pier is a mere 15 minute walk.  The well-known miracle mile is in that area also.  Unfortunately, Iowa will not be staying at the main hotel.  We, along with Texas, will be staying about three and one-half miles south of there at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.  This is truly a wonderful hotel.  The only drawback to this site is that there are very few, if any, eating establishments in the area except for inside the hotel.  There will be a shuttle provided to the main area and I would recommend you take that to grab a bite to eat.  With the Chicago traffic, make sure you are on the shuttle early enough to arrive well before events start.  Our hotel sits across from Soldier Field, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the fountain that was always shown at the beginning of the Married, With Children show.  Parking is sparse and somewhat expensive, but for my side of the state, it is still cheaper than flights for everyone.  There are some minor changes to the WSAP this year with more designed for next year to make sure the contest ryn more smoothly.  We are just editing the final touches to the WSAP and Style Guide so they should be coming sometime soon.  I hope everyone had a great summer and are ready for a fantastic BPA year.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago!

The picture was taken from a very large Coast Guard Ship parked at the Navy Pier, facing the Chicago shoreline.