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Location

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Date Posted

Rhode Island

your gpc steering comittee is pleased to announce the following awards program for 2005

in an attempt to reward existing and future sites we offer the following

awards are based on twenty five paid sites
we will adjust gpc top 10 and top orange according to the final site count
in all cases we will not lower the site awards program

$ 150.00 to each sites champion

$ 200.00 to the top five sites with the highest top ten
average ( paid to the party that cut your gpc sponsor fee check unless otherwise specified to treasurer d.wallace)

16 inch multi colored rosette ribbons awarded to each weigh offs top ten finishers

engraved topaz plate over wooden shield appreciation plaque to each sponsor

gpc top ten finishers
(1)1,000(2) 500.(3) 400.(4) 300.(5) 200.(6 to 10 ) 100.

gpc top heaviest true orange
(1)1,000(2) 500.(3) 400.(4.)300.(5) 200.

gpc top true grn/blue squash
(1) 500.

we will mail out site ribbons and sponsor plaques in time for all gpc weighoffs

i will require a list of site coordinators and address for mailing info which is being compiled at the moment

thank you

gpc steering committee

6/14/2005 3:06:54 PM

Puyallup, WA

The GPC really needs an additional sponsor....BAD!

6/14/2005 4:27:57 PM

Southeast

I think this is great especially for a new site like ours that probably at this point cant compete with the older more established GPC sites. David Garrell VP CT Giant Squash and Pumpkin Growers Association

6/14/2005 7:12:58 PM

Western NY

It's a good plan. Definately going to help out a lot of sites, and push those sites to push its growers for higher weights, and getting more people involved in the hobby. Great long term strategy for us as a collective.

I wouldn't worry about the GPC needing an additional sponsor, although it would be helpful. Nobody should be banking on making their living off pumpkin prize money payouts.

6/14/2005 7:27:10 PM

Rhode Island

stan

we are no longer about the big money prizes that in the past have only been shared by a dozen or so of the top growers yearly

theres plenty of money around at the various weigh off sites if its money anyone is interested in

we consider the gpc to be an organization whos goal it is to represent all clubs and sites, setting rules and award schedules that will give all clubs (new and old ) some recognition for there top growers

an organization that can provide a fair and impartial set of rules and record keeping , while at the same time promoting the organization via national and local media coverage

the gpc is committed to do whats best for everyone and, should additional sponsorship for the gpc become available we can adjust our award program accordingly

the days are gone where you can ask an organization to fork over $500.00 for the opportunity to call ones self a gpc site
we dont have that kind of clout anymore, to many good clubs and sites out there

6/14/2005 10:43:34 PM

Ohio

Your doing a gr8 job on your new position for the GPC,Im glad your part of it Pap,Keep up the good work!

Brooks

6/15/2005 6:09:12 AM

Commack, NY

Andy's right, i dont think we were trying hard enough for those higher weights! LOL

6/15/2005 9:04:58 AM

Indiana

Thanks to the GPC guys for the great communication!!!!!
Steve

6/15/2005 10:39:28 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

In the long run this new approach will do more to grow our hobby than just a handful of very large awards handed out at 2 or 3 events. From personal experience I have seen what auctions & networking can do for even a new groups prize structure.

The only thing I'd still like to see from the GPC is an open letter to promote a weigh-off that the site coordinator &/or a promotions director can use to help sway sponsors. Ad campaigns are probably still a ways off unless we can get mighty creative or lucky (or both).

Another idea would be to build a list of contacts at various print, television & radio news organizations that have a history of repoprting on garden related subjects. A GPC written & signed letter campaign in the area of a new weigh-off places the varios news agencies in a position of near obligation to report on the event.

Information fliers (cheap tri-folded things) might also be availablke to weigh-off coordinators to explain what our hobby is, what the GPC is what our goals are.

Out-reach is huge especially if kids involvement, education & charity benefit pumpkin sales/raffles are promoted in a positive light that makes the sorrounding community aware of our hobby & the good nature of the growers. (that sounds weird, but you get my drift)

Great job guys.

6/15/2005 10:35:31 PM

Rhode Island

STEVE
AT THE LOCAL LEVEL WE RUN A "NEW MEMBER DRIVE" AT OUR WEIGH OFF

A LOT OF FOLKS GET EXCITED AT THESE EVENTS AND WILL JOIN IF FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN A KNEE JERK REACTION TO THE WONDER OF WHAT THEY SEE

LAST YEAR THE SNGPG GAVE OUT T-SHIRTS ,SEEDS AND GROWING INFORMATION TO ALL NEW MEMBERS AND SIGNED UP 25 PEOPLE

I AGREE THAT NEWS AND TV MEDIA IS STILL THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT HOWEVER ,LIKE ANY ORGANIZATION WE WILL ONLY GO AS FAR AS OUR PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO TAKE US

AS SITES CONTINUE TO BUILD THEIR PROGRAMS, PROMOTE THE HOBBY,MENTION THE GPC IN THE SAME BREATH WITH THEIR OWN ORGANIZATIONS WE CANT HELP BUT GROW

6/16/2005 6:44:43 AM

Warwick,RI

pap...I love you buddy! GREEEEEAT JOB to all of the GPC steering commitee.

Johnny

8/20/2005 11:49:12 AM