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President's Message For February, 2002
If you are a long time member you will recall that years ago, the CEAC Office
Holders would change every year. While there was not a legal requirement to
do so, the heavy hand of tradition forced the progression of officers through
the ranks. This system took the pressure off of the Officers relative to their
performance. If an individual were doing a less than stellar job, not to worry,
he would automatically be replaced the next year. However if an individual proved
to be exemplary in his role there wasn't an ability to retain him for the next
year. Obviously this process worked against our organization and hindered our
performance as a whole.
Since our bylaws were changed to allow for two-year terms this cycle was broken.
As a result, when it became obvious that Dan Hickey had just the firm hand and
clear thinking mind we needed, the membership was able to offer him the Presidency
for an unprecedented four years. And what a run Dan has enjoyed. Dan has steered
this organization through some of the greatest changes in its history. He oversaw
the complex merger of the Practical Refrigerating Engineers Association into
our ranks. This merger gave our organization the largest annual increase in
membership numbers ever experienced. Dan was also instrumental in forming the
affiliation with our analogous organizations in New York, Detroit, and Toronto.
The full ramifications of these relationships have just begun to be appreciated
and we look forward to strengthening these ties.
A key role was also played by Dan in crafting a workable transition for John
Fanning into the role vacated by our retiring Business Manager, Ernie Wulff.
Over all, some pretty heady stuff for a non-paid, volunteer. Dan's imprint on
the Presidency will be remembered by our organization for years to come. As
important as Dan's accomplishments have been over the last four years there
is only one place to look for a comparison on impact. That place would be the
tenure of Ernie Wulff our Editor and Business Manager. Ernie came to the board
in 2001 and expressed his desire to retire. After some serious arm-twisting
and an urgent appeal to his organizational loyalty, Ernie agreed to an extended
transition period. When completed in 2002 his time in the service of this organization
will total over 39 years.
Ernie has taken the Chief Engineer's monthly publication from a few pages
of mimeographed copy to the full color, glossy paged, magazine of today. The
advertising revenues generated by this magazine have driven the financial success
of the organization. It goes without saying that a great part of this success
is directly attributed to Ernie's ability to edit, typeset, layout and produce
our magazine month in and month out without fail. As Business Manager he has
had to deal with a sometimes, cantankerous Board of Directors, hard to please
business owner/advertisers and a long list of members constantly putting demands
on his time. When you place Ernie on one side of the balance beam and try to
gauge his contributions, you quickly realize that we could never heap enough
praise on to equal his dedication. Ernie will sorely be missed.
By the time you read this our Installation Dinner Dance will have occurred.
The success of this event is due to the hard work and attention to detail of
both Vice Presidents Matt McManus and Dave Arvans. Make sure to give them a
slap on the back when you see them at future educational meetings. Their efforts
should not go unrecognized.
As always please show your support of our advertisers by patronizing them frequently
and reminding them you saw their ad in The Chief Engineer.
Fraternally Yours,
Frank E. Tverdek
President
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