New TOCA president, Bill Klutho, addresses the Annual Meeting attendees.

Most of us have a growing problem at this time of year. Our travel schedules start to bulge as the trade show season comes into full bloom. But take heart…there is a respite for your fall travels.

Each year TOCA hosts a New Member Breakfast at the Green Industry Expo/Conference. It’s a place to relive some memories, share your road stories and not worry about meeting a deadline…at least until 9 a.m.

Dow AgroSciences will sponsor our gathering at the Hyatt Regency’s Fayette Room in Columbus, Friday, Nov. 3 from 7– 8:30 a.m.. We encourage you to bring a friend along to the session: someone new at your agency, publication or place of employment. They have heard stories about your TOCA experiences and here is a chance to give them proof that we do exist. The food is usually filling and the coffee is hot. Hey, what do you expect?…it’s at a hotel and it’s free! Reconnecting is the objective.

We are heading into the home stretch of 2006. I’ve had a chance to coach my son’s baseball team this fall and it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for all of the wealth in the world. Kids are such amazing creatures…so resilient and so willing to try new things. Each day, each game they give themselves an opportunity to learn without really knowing it. Be willing to try something new yourself and recruit a member to TOCA.

The baseball skill level in seven-year-olds is just blossoming. But every time they hit the ball, or catch a grander, or throw it almost all the way to first base, it's a victory. For some kids, stardom will never be in their future, and some may not play much longer than this season, but they are having a wonderful time.

So, as you hit the road this fall, remember to try your best, improve when you can and always enjoy the moment. All of us are still a long way from reaching home plate!

‘Coach’ Bill