Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association
President's Message

Vice President’s Corner – May 2008

Catchy new title, eh?  Well, don’t commit it to memory because this is an authentic, one of kind column.  We made some changes at the PSSA Annual Membership Meeting in State College on April 5^th.  I’m very pleased to introduce long time PSSA Board Member and supporter Roger Auker as

your new Board President and former Region 6 Director and current Elected Director Nathan Eckhart as Treasurer.

Change can be a good thing (have you noticed a few US Presidential Candidates think so?)  For me, it was time to take a step back and turn the helm, OK handlebars, over to someone with fresh ideas and new energy.  Even with the capable help of Val & Fred, Tanya Stevens in the office, and our dedicated Board Members, being the Board President of a statewide organization, maintaining a full time real life job, and trying to have some time for the family while thinking snowmobiles just about 24/7….well, it sapped the strength of a middle aged, gravity challenged, stubborn, impatient, disorganized guy who was in serious need of a priority realignment!  With the new Board Elections on April 5^th, we got r’ done and, I believe, done r’ right.

My three year tenure as the Board President was a lot of fun (for me….I’m not sure what all of you thought about it).  I met many new friends, had the chance to interact (and, at times, over-react) with our partners at DCNR, work with a talented Board, be part of the process that saw us hire our first ever Executive Director, and even have the most important woman in American snowmobiling, American Council of Snowmobile Association Executive Director Christine Jourdain, come to the Commonwealth for a swim!  (Thanks Hilltop Howlers)

Wisdom cautions against writing a thank you column, because I am bound to leave out many important folks.  I will heed wisdom because I can’t begin to thank everyone for their help and support over the past several years. 

One person, though, I have to waive that rule for is my three year Vice President, Glen Knisely.  If you know Glen, you know he is tenacious, dedicated and willing to devote incredible amounts of time and energy to the PSSA.  The Fall Show couldn’t happen without his hard work and organizational skills, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.  Glen, thanks for all the support, the “after 9PM” phone chats, the guidance on SAAC issues, and so much more.

One other shout out, while I’m off the reservation, goes to Liz Krug and the Trail Committee.  The PSSA bit off a lot of responsibility over the past few years.  One project that demanded professional administration was the PSSA Trail Grant Program.  When you are spending state money, as many of you know, there is a serious need to do it right.  Liz, Val and the Trail Committee are doing that, and we can be proud of the product.

Check out the information elsewhere in the paper on the Board reorganization, but don’t expect me to go away anytime soon.  I still plan to be active, involved, disorganized and stubborn. You’ll see articles from me (I have to write stuff down or I forget), and I’ll be around more than I need to be.  I love the sport and want to give back if I can.

Finally, a sincere thank you to my long suffering wife Kathy, who listened to my frustrations, encouraged me when I was down, stuck by me even when I was wrong (once or twice), cared for me when I was ill, and went with me every time I needed a traveling companion.  Also to my daughters, Kimberly and Jill, who put up with a sometimes absent and usually preoccupied Dad, sold raffle tickets, went to events with me, and were (and are) model daughters of whom I am very proud.

I’ve been blessed in many ways, and being involved with this organization is one of those blessings.  Think snow and I’ll see you somewhere soon...

PS - Kathy has advised me that I can’t continue to be impatient and gravity challenged regardless of the term “Vice” in the new title……darn…