President's 60th Anniversary Address
March 3rd 2007Today it is a distinct pleasure and honor for me personally, as well as in my capacity as President of the Lake Improvement Association, to officially announce a year long celebration of this organization's "60 years of community service" to Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. As members and other dedicated citizens, you have the gratitude and sincere thanks of the association officers and committee chairmen for your support.
Since its founding in 1947 with an initial membership of 88, we have seen the Association grow to nearly 700 family and business members. This phenomenal growth is evidence of the association meeting the needs of its membership, the community and our affiliates.
Today we are involved in a host of issues which deeply affect the fate of Grand Lake St. Marys and its delicate eco-system. We have organized for success through the various committees that have been formed. You have thoughtfully and generously given your support and the resources necessary to begin to have a positive impact on the lake. Again, these committees thank you, for without your involvement, it would be difficult to make any progress at all. This has led to their motto: "Together we can make a difference". This has never been more true than it is today.
Throughout our 60 years of service, we can be proud of the numerous accomplishments and support for the management of this historic state park and community. Today we must continue to take an ever-increasing responsibility to the commitments made by the founders of the association and to reach out to all organizations and agencies - local, state and federal - to bring an appropriate unified focus on all the issues and needs of Grand Lake St. Marys.
It is my hope that we will continue to find ways to work together to achieve the one goal of "clean water" in the lake and its watershed. That is what we are about. Through hard work, true diligence, dealing with science-based facts and spirited debate, this goal is possible, as it is being achieved at the other canal reservoirs (Indian Lake and Lake Loramie).
The Grand Lake St. Marys region is without question one of Ohio's most dynamic regions, economically and culturally - a region to safely raise our families and enjoy a great outdoor recreational experience. We must all be mindful and respectful of the environment and our neighbors as we work together to make a difference. I am convinced through cooperation, flexibility, creativity and rational thinking, we can meet the challenges needed for "clean water".
We have a lot of work to do. Our elected representatives and government agencies want to help in this effort. Our responsibility is to be involved and lead a community-based effort to get the community to speak with one voice more than ever before. It is the only strategy that will result in meaningful improvements to the lake.
"Clean water" is achievable - if we embrace and promote best management practices on all the land. While this seems to be a huge challenge, it could be achieved for little cost. I realize there will be costs to some as they change practices, but the personal rewards and satisfaction that you are doing the right thing will have an incredible impact on generations to come. Only then will we convert our dedicated goodwill and our good intentions into concrete and noticeable progress.
Today as we celebrate 60 years of service to the community and this Grand Lake, we invite all stakeholders to join in the pursuit of the goals and objectives of "clean water" in our time! To all of you, I congratulate you and wish you every success for another 60 years of dedicated service to your community.
In closing, remember... "It is a Mark of Distinction to be a Member of the Lake Improvement Association." Thank You.
Bill Ringo
