2007 Chairman’s Award
Over the years our organization’s marketing efforts have been seemingly any which way the wind blows. We hired a marketing expert that had great vision, asked our committees to halt projects and prepare to come about. We hoisted top sails and were preparing for big change. From the crows nest things were looking in the right direction. Yet still our sails seemed to loft. It was very difficult to get a compass reading as to our exact location and direction. Sometimes we would get a breeze but often we were struggling with a dead calm. Some would suggest we were three sheets to the wind. However in spite of all our redirections and efforts that exposed the long journey one mate continued to tack port and starboard pushing forward with committee goals.
A Foundation was established, and money raised to support its efforts. The Phoenix plan rose from the ash and the ARTS was formed. Winning ways were established, Multi-Cycle Teaching methods were developed and objectives were being met almost taking the wind out of our own sails. But one leader pushed forward.
An Add-A-Buck project was started as well as other potential marketing tools. Realizing our own limitations the program was offered to the ARTS, approved, implemented, and is raising both money and awareness for our activity. Yet more work was to follow. A total re-imaging tool has been developed, approved and is in the working stages of impementation.
It takes big shoulders, strong leadership, endless resolve and stamina to put up with all of the changes that have occurred. That is why this years Chairman’s Award is being presented to Mr. Tom Rudebock.