March 16, 2020
To our SkillsUSA schools and teachers,
In light of the current health issues and concerns resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), the SkillsUSA Minnesota Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 state conference and all of its associated events. While a variety of factors influenced this decision, be assured that the health and safety of our students and stakeholders is always our primary concern.
We realize the disappointment this will cause for so many of our dedicated students and teachers who worked hard throughout the year to get to this event. However, we also know that same dedication and work ethic — as well as so many other positive traits gained through SkillsUSA involvement — will help all of us weather this temporary storm and emerge stronger when this crisis inevitably clears.
For our participants who need to do so, please immediately cancel all hotel reservations and transportation arrangements. While a significant amount of money has been spent to purchase materials and supplies for the state conference, we feel that most of these items can be saved until next year. Membership dues are non-refundable, but it is our intention to refund all the state conference registration fees. Please allow 3-4 weeks for the refund checks to arrive at your school. If you have not paid the registration fees, please cancel all payment requests immediately. The national competition policy requires the competitors to be the first-place gold medalists from the state competition. Since we have no way to objectively select a “gold medalist,” for any of the contests, we will not be taking any competitors to the national conference event in June. The national organization has taken a “wait and see” attitude for the national conference, so there is no further word on the viability of a national conference.
Please remain connected with us on our state's website and on social media for more updates as they emerge and as we develop more specific responses and future plans to help offset the negative effects of this unprecedented occurrence.
Thank you for everything you do and for your continued support,
SkillsUSA Minnesota Board of Directors