Tree Dedication Ceremony
May 8, 2008

Staff, I am sure that many of you have been told that you are outstanding in your field. Well, today we really are all out standing in our field!

But seriously, thank you for coming out here with us today to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of SkillsUSA. More than 40 years ago, some visionaries gathered — not in a field but in a hotel ballroom — to plan the future of our organization. They had a vision for an organization that would serve young people and help them get started on their careers.
And, if they could see us today and know of all the good work that has taken place under the flag of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America and now SkillsUSA — I believe they would be very proud of the way that vision has been carried forward.

Success of any person or any organization is not based on just one thing — but on many things. And SkillsUSA’s success is based on a foundation and a heritage that still stands strong today. It is also based on hard work by many national headquarters staff, many state leaders and many volunteers across the nation.

Standing here with us today are many individuals who have worked so hard to make SkillsUSA what it is today. When you take a job, it is usually for the typical reasons like a paycheck to cover your bills or to raise a family. A job is also a way to grow your talents and learn new things. But, when you work at a place like SkillsUSA you also take on a mission to help and serve others. This is not a typical job or a typical place to work.

Because SkillsUSA serves students, that often means working long hours and literally going the extra mile to get to conferences or events. Every person standing her today has faced many triumphs and many challenges in their careers. Some days are wonderful. Some days are just plain hard.

But when you look back at a career of 41 years of service like Karen Beatty — a career of 38 years of service like Gary Diehl — or a career of 21 years of service like Mary Dingus — you have much to be proud of. You have served our millions of members so well.

The work you have done and the many programs you have planned and carried out will live on in the work of the future staff members who come behind you.

Today we are planting a tree in honor of each of you. Just as your work carries forward after you retire, we hope these trees will also thrive and grow and be here for many years to come to remind us of your contributions.

And, any time you want you are welcome to drive on over and have a picnic under your tree here in Retirement Grove.

Today we are also giving each staff member an evergreen tree seedling. We encourage you to take these home and plant them as a small way to remember today, and to also help the environment as part of the Green Effort.

If any of you don’t have a good spot for your tree just give it to Keith and he will plant it here for you. There is an insert in your tree capsule that tells you all the ways just one tree can benefit the earth. And, thanks to the Keith and the Green Team for obtaining all of the trees.

More than four decades is a long period. In these years we've done a lot together. We’ve also seen a lot of changes in our world, in our members, and in our schools. We continue to adapt to these changes and that is why we thrive and grow.

And, yes we are a business that is thriving but we are a family too. And, each of you is a member of our family. Today, I am offering a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to our three honorees—Karen, Gary and Mary. May your trees continue to grow tall and may SkillsUSA also continue to thrive and grow.