It was 25 years ago tomorrow that this grand journey began. 25 years since I handed the reins of what is now known as Destination Madison over to Deb Archer and hung out the shingle for what is now known as DMOproz.
As I sat on my back deck that afternoon with a celebratory cigar and a rocks glass of bourbon, I looked out on a world in which I had no client visits on the calendar. Hell, I had no clients. Just a vision that I could make a difference in communities around the country with the truths I had learned (and the missteps I had survived) in my decade of leading DMOs.
Tomorrow, I will sit on my back deck with a celebratory cigar and a rocks glass of bourbon, and look out on a world in which I, for the first time in 25 years, have no client visits on the calendar. But, I have clients. Nay, I have friends. And, I trust that soon, we'll be back together again, causing some form of destinational mischief.
Until that time, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who have made our lives so rich in experience and camaraderie. It has been beyond exciting to see so many of our client destinations kick ass. And, in these dark days, you inspire us as you move to provide aid to industry partners. We'll continue to cheer you and, hopefully, return some inspiration from the sidelines through this blog, DMOU and the Z-News.
We are, indeed, blessed to call you friends and to work in an industry that is increasingly being understood as crucial to our economy and Quality of Life. Hell yeah...
Congratulations! You have made quite an impact in those 25 years. I'm not really a bourbon drinker but I lift my glass of wine in a toast to you and Terri. Here's to as many more years as you want to do this! (I started to say 25 more years and went, "Uh, no."
Posted by: Shelly Green | April 30, 2020 at 15:04
Cheers! Thanks for the impact you’ve made on so many destinations...including ours! Congratulations!
Posted by: Julie Pingston | April 30, 2020 at 16:44
Bill,
Nice job.
T. Schmidt
Posted by: Tim Schmidt | April 30, 2020 at 16:45
Mega props to you, Captain oh Captain. Your influence extends far beyond your friends. You’ve enlightened, inspired and educated a small army of followers who are better because if you. To know you and Terri is a pleasure, and to gain your confidence & counsel is a rich privilege.
Posted by: Brad Dean | April 30, 2020 at 17:11
Congratulations my dear brother. Neither distance or years can negate the connection we have had and will have for years to come. I am proud of what you have accomplished. I raise my goblet of communion wine (Lol) to you. Be increasingly blessed in all that remains of your journey.
Posted by: Bishop Jim Logan | April 30, 2020 at 19:35
Bill, I am honored to be able to call you friend. Becky and I have enjoyed getting to know Terri as we’ve all grown up and made changes to our lives and lives of people who are in our paths. We’ve come a long way since our silly antics on swim team at Eastridge!
God Bless you brother!
Posted by: Dave Mietzner | April 30, 2020 at 20:26
Bill, serving, working and innovating with you on key projects over the years has been a foundational anchor that I draw upon to this day. Thank you for the honor of your friendship.
Posted by: Robert Ian | April 30, 2020 at 22:49
Toasted one or maybe 3 from the boat tonight in your general direction and most certainly in your honor sir! Congrats. Love seeing the good ones succeed.
Posted by: tom martin | May 01, 2020 at 01:20
Add my name to the long list of those who are beyond grateful for your professional guidance. It’s transformed our organization! Congrats on 25 years! Cheers, Anna Tanski
Posted by: Anna Tanski | May 01, 2020 at 07:51
Congratulations! I'll raise a glass in your honor tomorrow. Thank you for all you've done.
Posted by: Michael Stershic | May 01, 2020 at 08:52