Thank yous and Recognition

By all accounts, Ryan Krings, Bill Kubly, Anne Streich, Steve Merkel, and Arbor Links crew hosted a fabulous September meeting.  It was our best attended meeting of the year which I hope bodes well for the coming year.  The Education and Meeting Committee worked hard to provide entertaining and educational opportunities throughout the year.  For those who were not able to attend a meeting, ask someone who did and they will relay that all meetings this year were both fun and educational.   Again, thanks to Ryan for putting together such a great meeting.
As my term as President comes to a close I want to take the opportunity to dole out thank-yous to those that have helped the association and myself during the past couple of years.

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I want to start by recognizing a stalwart in our association, Secretary/Treasurer Larry Hergott.    If any of you have been Secretary/Treasurer on other boards you realize that position often requires the most time and work.  Larry has been volunteering that effort for 13 years now.  Needless to say, Larry was the first guy I called when I needed some background on what Nebraska GCSA has done in the past and how to follow protocol.  To help illustrate his dedication to our association I will relate a story that happened earlier this spring.  The BOD had planned a meeting with the new executive staff to present them with all they needed to run our association.  I thought it was odd that Larry was not punctual as was customary, but he showed up about 10 minutes late.  He then relayed to us that he had an auto accident that morning, and had the bumps and bruises to show for it, but he was not going to miss this meeting.  He knew he had to be there to help our association along!  That is giving your all as a volunteer officer of an association.  Larry has really been a steady influence over the association through the years and deserves a pat on the back!
Another long-time contributor to our association that needs to be recognized is Bob Hall.  When needed as newsletter editor this spring, Bob graciously helped us out.  Most of you know Bob as long-time editor of Plain Turf, a thankless job that requires much time and effort.  Bob is always willing to unselfishly give to the association.  He is proud of our association and loves to “sell” its merits to those he meets.  Nebraska GCSA would not be the same without his help as newsletter editor and frequent volunteer!
On a more personal note, I need to recognize Bill Bieck for his guidance during the past 2 years.    Bill has served in various roles for the association as President, committee member, and frequent contributor to Plain Turf and has a great working knowledge of Nebraska GCSA.   Although we are next-door neighbors out west, Bill and I had never been more than acquaintances, but have developed a great friendship during my tenure.  He has been invaluable to me; when I needed advice he always had just the right amount.  Always a visionary, Bill has helped me make many decisions during my term and I appreciate his assistance and friendship.
Also to my fellow officers and directors, I want to extend a thank you for putting in more time in the last year than they had previously.  They were probably tired of meetings and of me giving them more work, but I sincerely appreciate their efforts and you should too.
I also want to express how pleased I am with our new executive staff; Kristin Crawford, Katy Post, Kay Lemon, and Gordon Kissel.  We should all appreciate their enthusiasm and professional attitude that they have applied to Nebraska GCSA.   They definitely will help our association grow and prosper.
Finally, I want to recognize you, the members of Nebraska GCSA.  It is your support of our profession and each other that keeps our association strong and viable now and into the future.  Be proud of who we are and what we do!

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