Denise Daniels takes on Tour Coordinator duties

     When learning of Marge Solberg's retirement I knew WIT would be losing someone with a great amount of knowledge in her field of work.  She displayed great enthusiasm and talent to organize fun and memorable events.  Moreover, she enjoyed a job that brings people together and keeps bringing them back!  What a challenging and fun career!  At the time I was working in the Sales Distribution Department of Winnebago Industries, where a very knowledgeable and dedicated staff processes dealer orders.  It occurred to me, I would love to work at a job such as this with the opportunities to meet interesting people and plan amazing trips.
     Now settling into my new position as the WIT Tour Coordinator, I find it to be both challenging and fun, as I am currently finalizing plans for the Chesapeake Bay Caravan.  As the itinerary for each day is read, I envision the group as they see the great sites of Maryland and Virginia, cruising the eastern seashore, breathing in the fresh salty ocean air at every turn.  Marge worked very hard on this great trip, and it shows, as it has been called by past participants, "The best of the best."
     Shortly after accepting this position, I was told to write an article of introduction.  ARGH!  My greatest challenge so far!  The best way to talk about myself is to talk about what I consider to be most important to me, that being, my family.  My husband, Don, a long-time Winnebago Industries employee, and I are anticipating the high school graduation of our youngest son, Patrick, in May.  Patrick plans on attending the University of Iowa, being the fourth generation in my family to do so.  Our oldest son, Christopher, lives in the San Francisco Bay area and is working in market research.  Our daughter, Meghan, is in Maryland, finishing her junior year at Towson University.  When together we enjoy cross country skiing, movies (yes , they will still be seen with us), reading, biking and Trivial Pursuit, and lots of good laughs.  At this time let it be known, in writing, Don and I finally won our first game of Trivial Pursuit playing against the gurus of winning, Chris and Patrick!  Not an easy feat!  Of course, they were without Meghan's help as she was not at home from school yet.  Our sons are still in shock, but for me, it ranks right up there with the Yankees winning the World Series.  Speaking of the Yankees, I cannot forget to mention Bronx, our 100 lb Boxer, a gift from our kids so we wouldn't be lonely when they leave.
     Fine chocolate, fresh flowers, dinner with friends that brings stimulating conversation, lots of laughs, discussing and giving our solutions to the problems of the world are among a few of my other favorite pastimes.  Friends and family rank high with me and keep me young!  As long as the chocolate flows and good conversation is readily available, and the Yankees are winning, I am happy.
     For the past few weeks I have been among a group of people contributing to the making of two red, white and blue quilts to be sent to families affected by 9/11 in NY.  It will be one of 3,600 quilts, some of which have already been delivered by Betty Nielsen, of Fonda, IA, the originator of of this idea.  It is an honor to be part of such a great community project.
     Just as we all anticipate with optimism the newness that spring brings to us each year, I also look forward to this new beginning as your WIT Tour Coordinator.  This is a great time to start at WIT, with many members stopping by to visit and take in a factory tour.  I have received calls from you welcoming me to WIT.  Many of these calls came from people I had met at state and regional rallies I attended while working at Farm and City Insurance.  It was easy to recall some good memories we had shared, and it is encouraging to know there is a great team willing to help me at any time.
     Meeting new friends as well as keeping up the tradition of organizing fun and interesting WIT tours throughout the United States is something I can look forward to.  WIT members are well known for coming together as strangers and leaving these trips as friends.  Thank you again for all your support and let's visit this beautiful country of ours.