President's Message

Toby Vanderbilt - November 2008

President’s Message
December 2008

I just can’t believe a year has gone by this fast. We have accomplished so much this year that time has really flown by. We have instituted some new things this year and most of them have been very successful in my opinion. The following have taken place and I hope that the future boards will continue with the enthusiasm that I have felt:
1. Updated newsletter format to not only have a national star as a guest but also a video clip of them on our web site. Also featuring Teen Talk and promotion for our own bands.
2. A new website for the NFBA, developed by the firm that has done numerous bluegrass artists such as Doyle Lawson. This is the state of the Art web site and work that is always in motion.
3. Monthly Events to include some new parks as well as a couple of our bands playing for the membership . We also have initiated a pot luck dinner at each monthly event that has really gone over fantastically. A couple of events we have even had a billiard tourmanent as well as a Horseshoe tournament.
4. Grass Pass Discount Coupon. We started the grass pass as an incentive to me a member of our great organization along with the support of some of the Promoters that have really been pleased with our attendance at their festivals.
5. Membership Drive to make our association even better. Featuring free food and drink for the members .
6. As of this date we have committed to have Ronnie Reno play for us the evening of our annual election.
7. Guitar Donation from Luthier Mike Long
8.
There have also been many other things that we have started and hopefully your new Board will continue this format as well as new ideas that always keep an organization fresh.
This year has been very rewarding to me, serving as your President. I have been so eager to serve as well as the other Board members that words can not express the enjoyment that comes from serving you all, what an honor and a Privilege. However I am really sadden that I will not be able to run for the Board next year due to business commitments and the possibility of relocating to North Carolina. However I do plan being in Florida at least for the 3rd weekends as well as performing.
If anyone is interested in running for a position on the board please start thinking about it now. The election is in January and I guarantee you it is the best thing one can do by serving this great organization. Please feel free to call me or one of the other board members to see what position you would like to run for. All positions are open as in the past and what a great way to start the year by being on the new Board of Directors.
Thanks again for your continued support and I wish each and every one of you the best Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and prosperous, healthy and Happy New Year ever.
Keep on a pickin and a grinin!
Merry Christmas
Toby Vanderbilt
President
North Florida Bluegrass Association