Well, the big weekend is upon us.

This weekend, Phoenix plays host to the National Newspaper Association Convention. Some 225 community newspaper owners, publishers and editors are registered to attend the event which will be held at the Arizona Grand Resort.

The mission of the National Newspaper Association (NNA) is to protect, promote and enhance America’s community newspapers.

There is a requirement for memberships, which is that 25 percent of the content must be local. Most, including ours, are more than 90 percent local.

Established in 1883, the NNA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the owners, publishers and editors of America’s community newspapers. Having more than 2,200 members makes it the largest newspaper association.

The NNA operates out of two offices, with administration in Falls Church, Va. and operations in Columbia, Mo.

The Virginia office closely monitors legislation that may affect community newspapers.

The National Newspaper Association Foundation (NNAF) is the educational arm of the NNA. Its mission is to enhance literacy, print journalism and the role of community newspapers. NNAF accomplishes its mission through projects such as the Community Building Symposium and the Alan Cruikshank Scholars program.

This weekend the Arizona Newspaper Association Convention is being held in conjunction with the NNA event. Things get under way with a welcoming reception on Thursday night. The opening breakfast with a keynote speaker kicks off a full Friday schedule of workshops and classes. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer are expected to make welcoming remarks at the breakfast.

Saturday begins with a panel discussion on how community newspapers are dealing with the new challenges facing our industry.

The Great Idea Exchange follows at which publishers will tell about successful programs they have implemented in the last year in marketing, advertising and special sections.

The annual Business Meeting is at noon when the new NNA president is sworn in. That is also the time in which I will be receiving my award.

As I mentioned several months ago, I have been named the 2013 recipient of the James O. Amos Award.

Recognized as the highest and most distinguished tributes in community journalism, the Amos and McKinney Awards are presented to a working or retired newspaper man and woman who have provided outstanding service and leadership to the community press and their community.

The national newspaper awards will be presented in the afternoon on Saturday, followed by the state competition awards that evening. We have been notified that The Times will be receiving awards at both ceremonies, just what they are we’ll just have to wait and see.

Then Sunday afternoon, it’s off to the River of Time Museum for a 3 p.m. reception being held in memory of Dr. Clinton Pattea. The public is invited and you can come and go as you please any time between 3 and 5 p.m.

Pattea died on July 5. He was a large contributor to the museum.