Dear Fellow Clerks:  

I am thrilled to invite you to the 2026 North Carolina Association of County Clerks Annual Conference, to be held March 25 – 27, 2026, in beautiful Craven County. This year’s conference is especially meaningful as we proudly celebrate the Association’s 50th Anniversary, a milestone that honors our rich history, enduring commitment to public service, and the strength of our profession. In recognition of this momentous occasion, our conference theme, “50 Years Strong, Shaping Tomorrow Together,” reflects both the legacy we have built and our shared vision for the future. We look forward to coming together to celebrate, learn, and continue shaping what lies ahead together.

Craven County Host Clerk Abigail Wilson has been working tirelessly alongside the Professional Development and Program Committee, chaired by the Association’s Vice President, Maria Hass, and our UNC School of Government Advisor, Kristina Wilson, to craft an engaging and well-rounded agenda. Their collaboration, attention to detail, and shared commitment to excellence are evident throughout the planning process. Thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm, this conference will be both enriching and memorable, offering meaningful professional development, valuable networking opportunities, and a welcoming experience for all who attend.

Conference Highlights:

• MMC Advanced Academy I (March 25): Brenda Viola, founder of Vici Communications, LLC, is a world-class keynote speaker known for her unforgettable blend of heart, humor, and deeply researched insights that inspire audiences to transform the way they live, lead, and work. A former news anchor and reporter turned award-winning communicator, Brenda brings more than three decades of storytelling mastery to the stage. Her keynotes are rooted in research, enriched by lived experience, and delivered with the authenticity that has become her trademark. Audiences consistently describe Brenda’s presentations as energizing, life-changing, and unforgettably human.  

• Networking Reception: Get ready to boogie! Join us as we continue celebrating our 50th Anniversary with a groovy 70s-themed networking reception. All members are invited to come, connect, and have a blast! Keep an eye out for more details—you won’t want to miss this far-out event!

• Business Meeting: (March 26): Join us on Wednesday during lunch for our annual business meeting, an important opportunity to come together as an Association and reflect on the year ahead. During the meeting, members will consider and approve the slate of officers and directors for the 2026 – 2027 term, receive key Association updates, and hear highlights of ongoing initiatives and future priorities. This gathering offers an opportunity to stay informed, participate in the NCACC's governance, and connect with colleagues while enjoying fellowship over lunch.

• MMC Advanced Academy II (March 26 – 27): Enhance your skills through engaging, thoughtfully designed sessions created to help clerks excel in today’s ever-evolving local government environment. These educational offerings will provide practical tools, timely insights, and best practices that support professional growth, strengthen leadership abilities, and empower clerks to serve their boards, organizations, and communities with confidence and excellence.

• Annual Banquet (March 26): Join us for a special evening of celebration at Copper Ridge on the Neuse, where fellowship and tradition come together in a memorable setting. The evening will feature the presentation of the prestigious Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk of the Year Award, the installation of new officers and directors, and the recognition of retiring clerks and newly certified clerks. This celebration honors the dedication, accomplishments, and legacy of our profession and promises to be a night filled with pride, connection, and lasting memories.

Additional Opportunities:

• Scholarships: Conference scholarships are available to a limited number of clerks who may require financial assistance to attend. To request a scholarship, please submit a letter of need to me (phyllis.nowlen@clevelandcountync.gov) addressing the reason for applying, no later than March 6, 2026.  Please note that past scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply for three (3) years after receiving a scholarship. For more details, visit our Bylaws under Helpful Documents on the Association’s website.

• Fundraising Events: We had such a fantastic time at the 2025 Annual Conference that we’re thrilled to do it all again! This year, our Fundraising Committee is excited to bring back the ever-popular Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle. The raffle will be cash-only, while auction items can be purchased with either cash, check, or credit card. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun and support a great cause! To donate an item, contact Maria Hass at maria.hass@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

• Vendor Visits: Please be sure to visit our vendors throughout the conference and take part in our interactive vendor scavenger hunt. Our vendors are valued partners who support the work of the Association and the clerk profession by sharing innovative tools, services, and resources designed to make your work more efficient and effective. Taking time to connect with them not only strengthens these important relationships but also gives you the opportunity to learn about new solutions that can benefit your office and your organization. As an added bonus, participating in the scavenger hunt gives you a fun way to engage while being entered for a chance to win a prize. 

• Door Prizes: We kindly encourage attendees to consider bringing a door prize and items for the conference goody bags, which always add an extra element of fun and excitement to our time together. To participate in the door prize drawing, a door prize must be contributed. Bring one to win one! Popular and muchappreciated ideas include themed gift baskets, locally sourced items, or, when in doubt, gift cards, which are always a favorite. Your generosity helps create a welcoming and memorable experience for all and reflects the collaborative spirit of our Association.

Thank you for your continued dedication to your organizations, to our Association, and to the clerk profession. Your commitment and service make a meaningful difference and are the foundation of our shared success. I look forward to welcoming you to Craven County as we come together to learn, fellowship, and proudly celebrate our 50th Anniversary.

Warmest Regards,

Phyllis Nowlen, CMC, NCMCC

President, North Carolina Association of County Clerks

Cleveland County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners