INTO THE SUNSET By Jim Novak

Editor's Note: Tis is Jim Novak's farewell letter, which first appeared in his last TPI E-Newsletter.

After more than a decade of service to Turfgrass Producers International the time has come to part company so I can discover what retirement really means. My departure at the end of May comes just short of what would have been my thirteenth year with the association.

I initially was going to write something light-hearted and spin a little humor into this goodbye, but I’ve decided this is a wonderful opportunity to express my deep appreciation to all the members I have had the pleasure of serving and who I have come to know.

Sometimes, when we’re caught up in whatever challenges make up our day, it’s easy to lose sight of the people you engage with, come to rely on, and the wonderful friendships you happen to make along the way.

My time with TPI has been an absolute joy thanks to the wonderful members who make up this organization.

Te warmth, encouragement and support that has been extended to me during my time with TPI by its officers, the board of trustees, and far too many members to mention, has made my career with the association a wonderful experience.

When I was hired by Doug Fender, TPI’s executive director at the time, he gave me the directive to “take ownership” and he encouraged me to engage whatever skills and experience I had to benefit the association. After he retired he told me his major concern when he hired me was that I might not be challenged enough and after a year or two I might explore job opportunities elsewhere. Little did either of us know at the time that TPI would provide me with plenty of creative challenges that included everything from creating brochures to writing and designing PowerPoint presentations, from scriptwriting for videos to speechwriting for conferences, conventions and special presentations, and a great deal more.

My role in the area of communications couldn’t be more diversified. Be it researching information; writing articles for trade publications; communicating the benefits of natural grass; addressing the health concerns of artificial turf and crumb rubber, writing this newsletter, or collaborating with other green industry organizations and turfgrass associations to provide information that would heighten awareness and educate a broad audience, be they consumers, educators or lawmakers.

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TPI has presented me with the opportunity to go on a learning curve that continues to this day. It has been a wonderful road trip. Sure, there were a few bumps along the way, but wouldn’t our lives be a bit dull without an occasional distraction?

Tank you to everyone who has taken the time to educate me during my journey and to those of you who have provided me with sage advice and constructive criticism, I am most grateful.

I especially want to mention a few people for their help, support, counsel, collaboration and trust—without which I could never have provided the level of service deserving of our members.

In no particular order my heartfelt thanks to:

Bob Weerts, David Doguet, Linda Moyer, Warren Bell, Nancy Aerni, Randy Graff, Rob Davey, Mike Selman, Steve & Suz Trusty, Claus Zander, Dr. Jack Hall, Rusty Stachlewitz, Ian True, Dr. Ali Harivandi, Sandy Reynolds, Randy Tischer, Michelle Williams, Gerry Brouwer, Bob Johnson, Ray Weekley, Bobby Winstead, Geri Hannah, Peter McMaugh, Richard Stephens, Eddie Keeven, and a special thank you to Linda and David Bradley.

Best wishes to all and thank you!

Jim tries out one option for riding off into the Sunset at the 2013 San Antonio Conference.

TPI Turf News July/August 2017