TOM'S THOUGHTS...
SUMMER 2010

What a great year Chapter 7 has enjoyed thus far this season. Chapter 33’s hard work and dedication provided IH collectors a wonderful Red Power Round Up and right in our own back 40. Chapter 33 is to be commended for an outstanding National Show. My thanks to all of the Chapter 7 members who provided a helping hand with the RPRU. Congratulations to all for a JOB very well done!

At our second quarter meeting we voted to have our 2010 Tillage Day at the Bob DeVault Farm south of Lafayette. Many members have expressed an interest in having the Tillage Day earlier, so this year we are trying something different…September 18 has been selected for the day. After last year’s experience with the rain, everyone learned to use our new website for schedule changes.

Please go to the Guestbook and register for our Tillage Day, so we can better plan for lunch and field preparations. Since we do not know what the weather will do, please watch our website for last minute changes. Our fourth quarter meeting will follow lunch at 1:00 pm. Please plan to attend.

Our 2010 State Show at the Tippecanoe Amphitheater in West Lafayette was a huge success. Our host contact, Steve Butrum, set a goal to have more IH tractors at the show than the Oliver Gang had for their National Show last year. At the final count, we had accomplished Steve’s goal of over 180 units. Max Armstrong even made an unannounced visit with his latest addition to his IH collection, a restored, family 560 Farmall that was presented to him at the Penfield Show the week before by a local FFA group and Chapter 10. It was nice to see several Chapter 33 & 10 members with their tractors at the show. Again, thanks to everyone who brought tractors and equipment to show, you are the dedicated IH collectors that make our events great.

Please help me welcome Randy Barrett and Brian Pierce to our board of directors, they were recently elected to this position of greater responsibility In Chapter 7. My thanks to Chuck Heck and Bob Off, who are stepping down, for all of the support they have provided me and Chapter 7 over the past several years. Without the combined support and dedication of all our members working together our chapter would not have the success it enjoys.

We have another Winter Convention planning meeting scheduled for October 17th at the Holiday Inn in Columbus at 1:00 PM. It is still not too late for you to become involved and help with the many activities that are being planned for this huge undertaking. Please check our website often to find out the latest on Chapter 7. You can find all the registration forms, etc. needed to complete your registration early before the rate increases. I realize many of us still have several shows and events to attend this year, so please keep SAFETY FIRST in your travels and collecting. See you at Bob DeVault’s Farn in September.

                                        Tom Smith