I know that "As I See It" articles are generally written by Board of Director members and even though I am no longer on the Board, Paul is allowing me to keep my spot in the rotation in order for me to say "FAREWELL."
FAREWELL: "An act of parting or of making someone's departure or separation."
In my case I think I will refer to it as "separation" simply because I do not believe I will ever totally depart But yes, I do believe the time has come for me to say "FAREWELL".
Most of you know by now that I made a decision not to run for the Board at Conference this year. The reason being is when you make the decision to run you are basically making a 3 year commitment & although I do not know exactly when, I think that word "retirement" is going to pop up sometime within the next 3 years.
I know there were some people at the Conference that thought I was retired already. But trust me, to the best of my knowledge, it has NOT happened --- YET. Maybe they thought that because I was hanging with Dan Bahr & he is already retired, the lucky guy & he is younger than me - that makes him even that much luckier.
Director terms are for 3 years & they are allowed to run for 2 consecutive terms which in my math adds up to 6 consecutive years. Because I was elected, then re-appointed then re-elected & on & on, I think I have spent 20+ years on the Board.
Two things I will always remember when I was elected to my very first term. Number one was that my very first opponent was Dan Bahr, who eventually became one of my best friends in the industry. Number two was that Lynn Griffin, our Executive Director at that time resigned on that very day. What a way to start!
That meant one of our first tasks was to hire a new Executive Director, so we did. We went through a hiring process & found our person. We hired a man named Edward B. Kaspszak & eventually his son entered into the picture. You have probably guessed it by now, his son's name is Paul & yes, 20 years later, he is still our Executive Director.
I met Ed at a very young age (my brother at one time worked for Ed) & Paul loves to tell the story of how his Dad met this very young (about 5 or 6) boy on the street one day & he was supposedly picking his nose and running around barefoot. Well that young boy was me & notice, I said "supposedly." I've heard that story a hundred times & smiled every time I heard it, Thanks Paul.
I remember Paul at one time saying the only way he would leave MMBA would be for Executive Director of the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA). To this I say, "THANK YOU" to MGA for finding someone else & leaving Paul with us.
I remember one time driving to a Board Retreat in Coon Rapids in a snow & ice storm & the main topic for the Retreat was Commercial Memberships, a Paul Kaspszak brainstorm. The rest is history.
I will also always remember driving around the state to meet managers. Did I ever tell you how much I like to drive? Being a Director for 20+ years doing store visits & also doing Beverage Alcohol Training's, I personally have been to every municipal liquor store in the state.
I also remember having a Board function in Duluth & some of us were standing outside Fitger's talking when someone dropped my keys down the catch basin. Along came a stranger with a fishing pole & we fished the keys out. I guess we were the lucky ones that day. Peter Marinaro, now at Wirtz Beverage, loves to tell that story.
But most of all, I will always remember the friendships that have come along with being on the MMBA Board That is something nobody can take away. I have met some truly wonderful people & I would love to name names. But for fear of leaving someone's name out, I just want to say "THANK YOU" to all of you--- Directors, Store Managers, Commercial Members, Vendors & Whomever, you all know who you are --- "THANK YOU"
For those of you who have been asked or for those who are considering running for the Board, "GO FOR IT." I think I can personally guarantee that you will never regret it.
In closing (finally) I just want to thank & congratulate Paul for a job "WELL DONE". He has always managed to take all the different personalities of the Board members & keep them focused. As I look back over the last 20+ years, I don't think the Association has missed a beat. I believe the Association has gotten stronger & is very much respected at the Capitol.
To Virgene Shellenbarger, who along with me is leaving the Board this year -- isn't it comforting to know that it is taking 3 people to replace the 2 of us?
Congratulations & good luck to Cathy Pletta & Vicki Segerstrom for being elected & to Shelly Dillon for being appointed. You are about to go on one heckuva ride & although yours probably won't last 20+ years, enjoy it.
I guess it is time to say "FAREWELL" but not as a departure, just a separation. I will be back, as a member & a friend, not a Director.
Bob Leslie, Pelican Liquors (Pelican Rapids)