Office of the Mayor City of Springfield, Illinois 300 Municipal Center East Springfield, IL 62701 Tel: (217) 789-2200 Fax: (217) 789-2109

February 28, 2006

Dear Grangers,

On behalf of the citizens of the City of Springfield, I would like to welcome each of you to our fair city. It is an honor and privilege to be the host-city for this year's 140th Annual Convention of the National Grange.

We are proud of our dynamic city and the diversity it has to offer our visitors. Here you can relive the life and times of Abraham Lincoln through presentations, historical buildings and marvelous sites. You can experience the making of history at the Illinois State Capitol or visit the past at the Old State Capitol. Let me strongly recommend that you make time to visit our newest addition, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. When was the lat time you walked out of a museum asking yourself, how in the world did they do that! If, on the other hand, your interests run to the "long" past - in the geological sense - make time to explore the newly renovated Illinois State Museum.

During your visit, I hope you will be able to get acquainted with the Springfield of today. A city bustling with activities in education, government, business, agricultural and renowned medial research and health care. With over $500 million being spent on new construction and renovation projects the last five years, we ar always striving to constantly improve.

Most importantly, Springfield offers a friendly, hospitable atmosphere for visitors. As Mayor of Springfield, I offer you my personal best wishes for a successful convention.

Sincerely,

Timothy J Davlin
Mayor