Spirit Award winner Rachel Roche (right) with
Dave Worden
Jim Roche with his Fender Stratocaster Guitar
autographed by Jim Vaughn, the brother of
Stevie Ray Vaughn
recent retiree Jim Roche, whose
unwavering dedication to the values
and ideals of the EETC was incredible.
For more than 16 years, he worked
to constantly improve the programs
and ideals of the association to
bring "professionalism to the Power
Equipment Industry." The board raised
money and presented Jim with a crystal
award that simply stated: "James Roche
– For his unwavering Dedication to the
Ideals and Values of the EETC." He was
also presented with a framed lithograph
from Frank Sinatra simply stating,
"Meeting Adjourned." The last gift was a
Fender Stratocaster Guitar autographed
by Jim Vaughn, the brother of Stevie
Ray Vaughn. All of the money used to
purchase these gifts was then donated
by the Fender Foundation to schools
throughout the country that need music
program support.
Next year, the 18th annual EETC
Conference will be held in Charlotte,
N.C. For more information, check out the
EETC's website at www.eetc.org.
OPE
Dave Worden has
40 years of extensive
experience in the
outdoor power
equipment industry at
the dealer, distributor
and manufacturer
levels. After beginning
his career as a service technician for
a dealership, he made the jump to a
Central Distributor.There, he continued
to work in the service department before
he was promoted to educational director,
representing Briggs & Stratton, Kohler,
MTD and Tecumseh. He then moved up to
the manufacturer level, serving as a territory
manager for McCulloch Corp., a training
specialist for Kohler Co. Engine Division,
and a general manager for a manufacturerowned dealership. In addition to being a
contributing writer for OPE magazine,
Worden is currently a program director
for SkillsUSA and vice president of the
Equipment & Engine Training Council.
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
JUNE 2013
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