By Josh McIntyre, NCBA Membership Director
The leaves are turning colorful shades
Of orange and red and more.
And it’s always around this time of year
I think of what I am thankful for.
As always I’m glad my family and friends
Put up with my antics and quirks,
But I am also extremely grateful
For quite a few things at work:
On a chilly night in Durham last November, nearly 200 NCBA members and guests saw a side of President Kearns Davis that, until previously, only a handful of family members and the Duke football faithful might have known – that of Coach Kearns Davis. The UNC vs. Duke football game last fall marked the first Member Event of this bar year, and as fans approached the tent, they were greeted with a slightly (25 years) younger life-size cutout of Davis from his days as an assistant Blue Devils coach in 1991. And while the archived 
picture was a surprise to Davis and his family, the popularity and success of this Member Event and others has come to be expected.
Since the formation of Member Events in 2015, nearly all experiences have been a sellout, including the 100 seats allotted for the Feb. 11 Charlotte Hornets vs. LA Clippers game. Member Events are designed to bring unique and high-demand educational and entertainment experiences at cost-conscious prices to NCBA members and guests. The next Member Event will be Irish I Were At March Madness! on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, when all members are invited to view the live NCAA tournament games on our new HD widescreen projector in the auditorium at the Bar Center in Cary. The event, which will include complimentary beer from Lonerider Brewing, is free for members and guests, but registration is required.