originally posted on 5/27/2024
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
Robert Ulrich has served ACE in many capacities, which motivated the Executive Committee to present him with an honorary membership to ACE during Spring Con at Kings Island (Mason, Ohio).
An honorary membership is recognition granted to individuals who have contributed significantly to ACE through their service or impact. As an honorary member, the individual will no longer pay yearly dues and is gifted one year of complimentary event fees at national events. It is a small way of saying thank you for an incredible commitment that benefited current and future members of ACE.
Robert’s contributions began his extensive volunteer career as the ACE Southeast regional representative in 2000. That was when I first met him — he was one of the volunteers checking in attendees during Carolina Coaster Classic at Carowinds. It was also the day that I first learned something from Robert — have loaner lanyards (and order ugly ones on clearance so attendees remember to return them).
This contribution was the first of many mentorship moments I have had with Robert and a demonstration of his skill that stands out most to me: he is dedicated to keeping costs low and following rules and processes. As a fellow representative, Robert shared the processes that were working well for him in the Southeast, such as owning a laminating machine to make your own name badges and introducing the first media day guidelines for volunteer riders. When I say impact — the Mid-Atlantic region still uses the same laminating machine that he guided me to purchase, and our media day guidelines have their roots in the original ones that he shared with me in 2007.
Robert took his skills to his role as region director when he joined the Executive Committee in 2011. During this time Robert introduced the monthly regional rep call to connect the reps with each other and continued to enhance the best practices, such as the ACE Advantage that he was so passionate about as the Southeast regional representative. Robert served in this role until 2018 when he ran for president.
As president, Robert dove into a huge challenge immediately. He wanted to ensure that ACE was protected as a charity, so he interviewed providers to manage our state-by-state filings and enlisted the help of Harbor Compliance.
Robert was open to ideas and allowed me to use my best judgment as a leader on his board. The ACE Ride With Us podcast began thanks to Robert’s encouragement. He allowed me to expand our networking and coverage during the IAAPA Expo and provided a solution to my shortfall — an apple box to stand on during interviews. Our partnerships with the industry were strengthened because of Robert’s willingness to allow me, as communications director, to expand our offerings and try new ideas.
Robert served through the major changes that the pandemic tossed at ACE and led difficult conversations about how to proceed with cancellations and bring our members together. He inspired us to take risks and develop programs like Coaster Con at Home, industry features on YouTube and interactive digital events to engage our membership from home.
Following the pandemic, Robert advocated for the consolidation of the countries of Europe into a single region — ACE Europe. Robert is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement, serving as our immediate past president and the ACE representative on the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives board. He continues to contribute significantly to conversations about our bylaws, constitution and contracts.
The Executive Committee was happy to celebrate Robert and his contributions to our organization during the weekend’s festivities.
Proudly holding his award, Robert is flanked by ACE President Elizabeth Ringas (l.) and longtime family friend Kat Jackson (r.).
Photo: Jon Roost. View full-sized image.
AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS
recognizes
ROBERT ULRICH
as an
HONORARY MEMBER
ACE salutes Robert Ulrich for his service to American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Robert raised his family in ACE and has served our membership extensively as the ACE Southeast regional rep, region director and our president, during which he initiated the ACE Advantage and contributed to the development of ACE Europe. Robert currently serves as the immediate past president and the ACE representative on the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives board.
ACE and the amusement industry have benefited from Robert’s tireless service, thoughtfulness and continued contributions, which have significantly impacted both ACE and the amusement industry.
May 18, 2024
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President
#ACENews