Friday, October 6, 2006
Vern Dahl
I joined NBUA in 2002. Like many of you I was a volunteer Little League umpire and came to NBUA for training. Well, like many of you I was "bitten by the bug" and two weeks ago umpired game number 500.
It has been my privilege to serve as a member of the NBUA Board of Directors since being appointed to fill the unexpired term of Steve Hilgendorf in July 2005. I now ask for your vote to allow me to continue my service.
Over the past year and a half, working as a team, the NBUA board has accomplished a great deal. A few notable accomplishments were:
- Reduced assessments / increased earnings for our members
- Established a 100 game recognition program
- Developed and implemented a Member Services Agreement, to protect both members and the association
- Established and implemented a Membership Liaison position to provide additional resources for our membership
- Coordinated umpires for charity events, serving our community and providing the opportunity for twenty of our members to umpire at Safeco Field
These are just a few of the board's accomplishments that were extremely important to the continued growth of our organization. I was proud to have led several of these efforts however these tasks could not and should not be accomplished by any one individual. These tasks were completed by a board working as a team and in several cases with non-board NBUA members assisting.
So why should you elect me to the board?
- I believe a successful board member is someone with the ability to put their personal bias aside and act in the best interest of the organization. I understand this well and always act in the best interest of all NBUA members
- I believe it is a board member's responsibility to carefully evaluate and consider all sides of an issue and act in the best interest of the organization. I bring the necessary skills and attitude to make good organizational decisions.
- Teamwork... The NBUA board must function as a team. Through my professional life I bring the skills required to be a strong team leader as well as a strong team player .
So what's my attitude toward umpiring?
- I believe it is our responsibility (individually and as an organization) to provide the highest quality of service at all times
- I believe our responsibility is to effectively manage each game, effectively do our job, but ... never...never...never... should the game be about us.
- I believe a great day is when the players, coaches and umpires all have fun and we must always strive to have a great day
For those who don't know me:
- I am married (34 years) have two grown kids in their 20's and am fortunate to have a wife who's idea of a fun Saturday night is watching me umpire a game ....... then going out to dinner.
- Throughout my life I played, coached and now umpire ... I love the game!!
- Professionally, I am in the medical devices business serving in a senior management position
- I fully understand the responsibilities of being a board member and currently serve as a Director for two privately held companies
This year you have a difficult yet pleasant task when deciding who to vote for. We have a strong group seeking re-election as well as some outstanding challengers asking for your vote. On both sides you have great choices.
It would be my pleasure and honor to continue to serve NBUA I ask for your vote!