Republican women leaders from across the state selected their new slate of officers during the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women's (NCFRW) Biennial Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Hickory, on May 7.

Moore Republican Women attending were Lois Mitchell, Lane Bergstrom, Pud Kent, Joan Thurman, Mariann Benway, Gina Brown and Lorraine Tweed.

At their spring board meeting and convention, Dena Barnes was re-elected as for 2011-2013 as president. Newly elected regional vice presidents include: >Helen Pannullo, Coastal; Cathy Wright, Capital; Brenda Formo, Central; and Anne Huggins, Foothills; and for the Mountain region, Sandra Jaynes was re-elected. >Cornelia Groce will continue to serve as treasurer and Kim Hendrix as assistant secretary, along with Lee Bogle, secretary and Gina Brown, assistant treasurer, who were newly elected.

All officers elected or re-elected will take office in November in Concord at the fall meeting.

"It is an honor to serve the women of the North Carolina Federation," said President Dena Barnes. "We are making a difference by encouraging more women to take an active role in government and policy."

Friday evening festivities were a reception for the regents who support the NCFRW, followed by a dinner where Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-10) presented an overview of key Republican priorities, which include controlling spending, overhauling the budget and entitlement programs, developing a viable energy policy, defunding President Obama's health care reform plan, and fixing the U.S. Congress.

Sharon Day, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, also addressed the group.

"The NCFRW was honored to hear from her firsthand," said Barnes. "Our leaders were thrilled that she came and shared her views on events of the past few weeks and on the first televised presidential debate in South Carolina, as well as taking the time to answer our questions about the 2012 election."

On Saturday, a $1,000 savings bond and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol were awarded to Elizabeth Vaughan, an Elise Middle School student who won a state-wide contest for the best essay on "The American Flag and Me."

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and Princella Smith, founder of American Pride PAC and the youngest candidate for Congress in the 2010 elections, spoke at lunch. >Kleefisch brought news of the latest information pertaining to Wisconsin state budget issues, and Smith reviewed Republican principles and the common sense approach to issues.

Founded in 1953, the NCFRW has more than 2,000 active members in local clubs across the state, and ranks fourth in the nation in membership. Affiliated with the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW), the grassroots organization recruits and elects Republican candidates, advocates the GOP's philosophy and initiatives, and empowers women in the political process.