[avatar user=”brucehanson” size=”160″ align=”left”]Bruce J. Hanson
Chairman of the Northeastern Ice Association[/avatar]
Anyone that missed our fall convention in Annapolis, MD, really missed out on a great time had by everyone! Not only did we have great weather but our meetings, tours and speakers were VERY educational. I would like to thank our suppliers for their presence and support of the members of the NEIA. I would also like to thank Ms. Jacquie Wells for organizing our stay along with our tours and speakers.
Our speaker from the U. S. Naval Academy, LT Zack Holliday was very informative about life in the military from beginning as an Ensign to where he is presently and where he hopes to be in the near future. He is presently an executive officer and desires to be a commanding officer of a ship. It is a delicate balance between family life and military life, trying to incorporate and please both!!
The tour of the U. S. Naval Academy was terrific. We had a tour guide who did an excellent job of explaining cadet life and the academy grounds. The naval cadets stay in Bancroft Hall which is the world’s largest dormitory! For lunch, all cadets must attend formation and march into Bancroft Hall for their meal. Quite impressive. The sports building has wrestling rooms, swimming pools with high dives and a showcase showing every football painted gold from a Navy victory in the Army-Navy football game. The first one in the case is dated from 1890 (one hundred and twenty six years ago) and is still on display.
We sailed on the boat that was in the movie “The Wedding Crashers”, for those that saw that movie. It is a 74 foot schooner and she is beautiful. We sailed out
on the Chesapeake Bay and our crew spoiled us. We had hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and they even let some NEIA members take over at the helm for a period of time (Jill, Kathy, Louise and myself). It was quite an experience!
Having spent 373 days of my life stationed with a helicopter detachment in S. Vietnam, our next speaker touched my heart! His name is Jan Scruggs, Esquire. His speech brought a tear to just about everyone in the room. Mr. Scruggs is the founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D. C. His story went on from how he was wounded in the field during a battle, bleeding and knowing that is where he was going to die. Miraculously he was pulled out of harm’s way, evacuated and cared for by medical personnel. When he returned back to the United States he had a vision and $2,800. of his own money. The rest is history!!! Congratulations from a fellow Vietnam Veteran! I admire you.
One other speaker we had was Mr. Tom Sedler, president of the IPIA. Tommy brought us up to speed on many new things happening in our industry. He also touched on how we operate a ‘family’ business. It is a difficult thing keeping a family business running and keeping a family together. When you are in the boardroom it is business and when you are out of that room it is family and work. Tough to separate both – but it must be done. Remember, the ‘season’ comes upon us quickly!
This is a great time for preventative maintenance on our augers, ice makers, bins, etc. Don’t get caught waiting too long for repairs and sanitizing as our season is here before we know it.
Finally, we had our awards dinner. Mr. Walter Riberio, Jr. was present to accept the Warren Pearce award for his father, Walter, Sr., who could not attend at the young age of 100. LIttle did Jr. know his two sons and daughter-in-law were present (in hiding) and the award was being given as a father/son to both Walter’s! Congratulations are due to both of you gentlemen for continuing on your family business (Ice Plant Equipment on Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia) for so many years and your help to many others in the ice industry!
Congratulations to all officers that were promoted and to all board members (new and previous). As of this writing the stock market has taken off and so have I into retirement. The gavel has been passed to Craig Rossi. Godspeed to all and I hope to see you at the next convention. Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all!