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Rhode Island

i have read a lot of posts recently concerning the gpc, its governing body and decisions they have made concerning vendors,etc,at the vegas convention.
i have also read some pretty nasty things printed for all to read.consider this folks.
the gpc is comprised of volunteers.people that spend hundreds of hrs of their free time helping to run an organization that has benefited all of us over the years.
the gpc is not traded on the stock market and we growers are not paying stock holders.
if they feel uncomfortable having a vendor at their convention for any reason? its their business to ya or nay not us.
they put the hours in,they take time away from their families to provide us with a very sound organization so i for one will support their decisions.
imagine your morning without big pumpkins.com, or going to a weigh-off and thats the end of it? no combining of records, acknowledgement of records,competition between sites?
its crap like i have been reading that will do more to tear an organization down than anything.
you all know me.i would not support anyone that i felt did not deserve it.
lets hope the differences between parties can be settled and everyone can move on.
pap

1/27/2012 9:02:07 AM

Hampstead, NC 28443

Well said.

1/27/2012 10:36:40 AM

Webster, NY

I agree. Thanks for speaking out.

1/27/2012 11:07:02 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Thanks Paps for the strong wordZ of encouragement.....it helpZ, I never thought this hobby would take so much of my time....really I like growing....both pumpkins and this sport...and most anything else one can put into the dirt...

Thanks for the kind wordZ....

Be seeing you all in Vegas!

1/27/2012 11:14:54 AM

Ontario

I'm totally with you Pap....I have been thinking some of the exact same thoughts as well!! It carries a lot more weight when it comes from someone of your stature in the community!! Looking forward to a peaceful, enjoyable, and knowledge gaining time in Vegas!!

1/27/2012 11:34:34 AM

South East

Every governing body imaginable is subject to criticism. And i think thats the way it should be. Its keeps people within such an organisation with both feet on the floor and it helps the entitys development and growth.
I think the volunteer part is well known. I also think its highly appreciated and under estimated. I can only imagine the free time sacrificed for the good of the cause and my personal gratitude is order.
That being said, on the other hand i would like to be able to speak my mind, or my discontent with decisions made at any point in time. It can be an email to my rep, or the only public pumpkin forum known to me. BP, the only thing that connects all growers.
After all, Bp.com has a gpc info page, and a gpc news board. The latter could be used for informing, and to some degree dialogue with the community much more then it is right now. It would take some of the mystery out of some decisions. And would be good for the growers unable to attend the seminar, a click of button would do.
Altough the gpc is run by volunteers, there has to be some kind of accountability. Because their decisions affect our growing life. And who better then the pumpkin growing community to keep the the gpc accountable for what ever good or bad they do. Even Mr Obama, can not just do what he wants!
So to sum this up. If stated in an adult and correct manner, critique although maybe not wanted or appriciated should be welcomed and delt with properly. No run arounds.
After all, nobody goes thru life only receiving pads on the shoulder,,right?

1/27/2012 12:08:49 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

Very well said!!!

1/27/2012 12:31:27 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Well put Frank!

1/27/2012 1:03:10 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I think and do feel that every pumpkin grower in this community owes a lot of thanks to those who have dontated their time to better the hobby. Sometimes people make mistakes and sometimes they say things out of shock and anger. Nobodies perfect. When you're in charge you're always being judged on things. It' not an easy position to be in. There always has to be a person to "extend the olive branch" I wish I had the time to go to vegas and meet some of you growers. It would be nice to match a face to the name. GO PATRIOTS!!

1/27/2012 1:49:36 PM

South East

when i say pads i mean pats, lol. Shoulder pads are for playing football...

1/27/2012 2:15:23 PM

Weatherman

If the people aren't happy with the GPC why don't they start their own organization. The GPC was formed when people left the World Pumpkin Confederation WPC and started the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth GPC.

1/27/2012 2:37:52 PM

Parker, Co

it is totally amazing the strides that the GPC has made in the last 5 years!!! thanks to the board and great leadership. growing pains are to be expected in any organization.

1/27/2012 2:52:57 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Frank does that Mean your a Patriots fan? lol

1/27/2012 3:50:32 PM

Minnesota

Can't thank Ken enough for thisw web site, the GPC volunteers, company's that carry giant pumpkin supplys, and all the growers. ....."Go Viking's"

1/27/2012 6:16:54 PM

Deer Park WA

LOL @ Dr. Compost, if I tried that I would still be sitting there mumblin to myself about the color rule of squash!

Gads...

1/27/2012 6:45:25 PM

Muddy Waters

Its easy to sit back & complain!Its not so easy to encourage those doing a Great Job at running an organization.I think its human nature to find whats wrong with something, thats not broken.

1/27/2012 11:00:45 PM