Once upon a time , there was an association call FNGA . FNGA was made up of many firmly - working volunteers who did lots of great things for Florida ’s nursery and landscape painting industry . These volunteers were lead by a unexampled volunteer President of the United States each class . The president had a big job , visiting fellow member , go to chapter meetings and events around the state , meeting with politicians , resolve problems and inscribe Modern leaders - and , that ’s just to name a few of the duty .
One yr , in fact , it was 1978 , then - President Bill Adams is call up as read , “ I wonder if future FNGA presidents realize what a big responsibility and purity it is to be president of the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association ? ” A little time later , Bill came up with an mind to prompt everyone of this fact . Bill went on a search and at a local thrift shop found a brace of size 16 man ’s frock shoes . He say they were the largest twosome of shoe he had ever laid optic upon - and perfect for his architectural plan .
One week subsequently at the FNGA Annual Convention , which take place at the Hyatt House in Sarasota that twelvemonth , Bill stand at the soapbox , poise to induct FNGA ’s next president , Wally Gammel , into the job . When it came fourth dimension to pass the president ’s gavel , another FNGA tradition , to Wally , Bill surprise everyone in the elbow room by reaching down below the rostrum and pulling out a gargantuan couplet of black , letters patent leather men ’s frock horseshoe . Although no precise book of just what Bill said next exists today , here ’s what FNGLA archivists think back :
“ Wally , ” Bill , began , with a meaning break for effect . “ FNGA started in 1952 and since that day has had many consecrate mass who have made FNGA the secure and relevant tie it is today . Each of us as we ’ve guide on the part of FNGA president has had swelled shoes to fill , following in their footsteps . I wish you well as FNGA ’s new president and know you will fill up these shoes commendable . ”
With that , Bill handed Wally the shoe , kick off a tradition which will presently undergo its forty-first incarnation as President Will Womack passes the cock-a-hoop snotty-nosed flops ( his own personal take ) this calendar month in Tampa .
For more informationFNGLA1533 Park Center DriveOrlando , FL 32835 - 5705Toll - costless : +1 ( 800 ) 375 - 3642 tetraiodothyronine : +1 ( 407 ) 295 - 7994F : +1 ( 407 ) 295 - 1619Email:[email protected]www.fngla.org
