originally posted on 11/5/2021 1:13:41 AM
The end of the year is always a time for reflection and providing opportunities to create plans to make things better. I never imagined running for election — for anything, much less the largest coaster enthusiast organization in the world.
My journey started decades ago when I sat and wondered why all the great ACE events were held around Pittsburgh. While national events were held elsewhere, the Western Pennsylvania region had activities around them all the time. Living in Atlanta, I knew there was no way one of these smaller events would happen near me.
But I knew we had ACE members nearby. In 1997 we got together for the media preview for Six Flags Over Georgia’s Batman The Ride. We had a great time, and my wife, Peggy, decided to go to work for Six Flags, where she met some really great people. Through those friendships, I also met people at the park and became convinced there were some opportunities to get arrange events for ACE there.
I considered it for a long time and finally reached out to our regional representative, Judy Curtis, to ask how it could happen. That one semi-courageous act self-nominated me to become an assistant regional representative for Region 12 (if I remember correctly – region names were one of the things I helped bring about). Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by the park with the news that the shuttle launch coaster Viper was going to be removed. I asked if ACE could hold a goodbye party, and the rest is ACE event history.
The only reason I am president of American Coaster Enthusiasts today is the fact that I conquered my fear, insecurities and introverted nature and volunteered for a position in the club long ago. It wasn’t about getting to be famous or about me. It was because I had a vision of a better ACE. And that’s what makes our organization great — a collection of dedicated individuals trying to make things better for everyone else.
2022 is an election year for ACE. All of the elected positions are up for nominations. Hopefully, individuals who are experienced in volunteering for the club will step up. But you can start your journey, or even step immediately into one of the elected roles.
First, it takes the courage to have a vision of “better” and then to speak up and volunteer for a position. It may be just a little thing, but the impact you make could be very big. Take the chance. The rewards can also be very great, too, even if they aren’t financially motivating. Smiles greet me all the time, and I love sharing about the people in the club if not the roller coasters I get the privilege to enjoy.
Make it a personal resolution to volunteer for ACE in some capacity in the coming year. Who knows? You might end up running the place!
See you in a queue.
— Robert Ulrich, ACE President
rulrich@aceonline.org
#ACENews