The ballots for the 2012 elections for board positions have been returned and counted. Thank you to each of you that voted this year. Also a huge thank you to those willing to serve their regions on the board of directors.

The BFA Board, during their May conference call, approved in concept a new Balloon Federation of America award entitled the “Ed Yost Master Pilot Award”. This award, patterned after the FAA “Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award” will recognize lighter than air pilots who have maintained safe flight operations for 40 or more years. On July 17, 2012 the BFA Board adopted the award proposal presentedby the Awards Committee. Following is the criteria for presentation of the award. Go to www.BFA.net for the applicant information form to submit to receive consideration for the award. Award recipients will receive a BFA Award Certificate, their names will be published on the BFA web site and a display for the award will be included at the National Balloon Museum in Indianola, Iowa.

Orvin Olivier, Chair

BFA Awards Committee

The 2013 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is more than a year away but what will the theme be? Balloon Fiesta officials are hoping you will help decide. For the first time ever,  officials are placing selection of the event's theme in the hands of Balloon Fiesta fans. To vote, simply go to the Balloon Fiesta Facebook page and select your favorite. The choices are “Cut to the Chase”, “Albuquerque by Morning”, “Enchanted Sunrise”, “It’s a Matter of Altitude” and “Sky’s the Limit.” But hurry - the voting ends Monday, June 25th!