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"It's Not Easy Being Green"
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This site is hosted by:
Chicagoweb
10/24/13
ANNOUNCING THE 2014
GATHERING OF THE GREEN:
March 19, 20, 21 & 22, 2014
RiverCenter, Davenport, Iowa
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You can now register online for the 2014 “Gathering of the Green” conference. Click HERE or click “Registration” on the sidebar (on the left side of this page)
Be sure to review each category on the sidebar before registering online.
Online registration is fast, accurate and easy to complete. Take your time and follow the directions. If you encounter a problem, during online registration, please call
815-910-2500. If you get a message, leave your name and phone number. A “Gathering” worker will get back to you as quickly as possible.
You can start making your Hotel Reservations NOW, at the Quality Inn & Suites (Davenport, IA): 563-386-8336, or at the Radisson on John Deere Commons (Moline, IL): 309-764-1000.
The schedule, in a nutshell, is as follows:
Be sure to review the trips and tours on the Trips & Tours page. They are listed in order of day and departure time.
GREAT NEWS: “Gathering” costs have not increased. Registration for the full conference remains at $35 and the banquet is still only $30.
BANQUET: Plan on joining us for the ending banquet on Saturday evening. Cost remains at only $30 per person. The always humorous and interesting Johnny Dickinson will be our keynote speaker. Nearly 700 “Gathering” folks attended the 2012 banquet and we want to top that number for 2014. The banquet is always a delightful evening when good friends gather to enjoy each others company for some gentle banter, many laughs and to reflect of a wonderful week at the “Gathering.”
WORKSHOPS: The lineup of workshops will again be numerous, varied and interesting. The workshop titles and descriptions will be posted under WORKSHOPS as soon as they are complete. Sometime later the workshop schedule will be posted.
VENDORS: The list of vendors will be posted when the list is complete. Seventy-nine vendors were part of the 2012 “Gathering” and it is anticipated an equal number will be part of the 2014 “Gathering.” Keep checking this web site.
TRIPS & TOURS: The trips and tours are posted on the TRIPS & TOURS page. Be sure to review them before registering online. John Deere factory tours are listed on this page and you can easily sign up for these tours when you register online. Please note that there are several trips which will interest the ladies.
SPEAKERS: A reminder to read about our evening speakers for 2014. Charlie Gause, retired marketing manager for Deere & Company, will talk about the development and marketing of the Sound-Gard cab on Generation II John Deere tractors on Thursday evening. Johnny Dickinson, retired worldwide marketing manager of tractors will share stories about his early years on the farm in New Mexico and his interesting years related to selling John Deere tractors around the globe. Johnny will be our banquet keynote speaker.
DISPLAYS: The displays for 2104 will mirror the 2014 “Gathering” theme, “Preserving America’s Heritage.” You will view significant tractors from yesteryear as well as interesting implements from the past. Take a tour though a machine shed and see a timeline of JD equipment. Watch for the John Deere silo in the RiverCenter Atrium. As always, the displays will be awesome!
WIN A GATOR AT THE “GATHERING”: A John Deere CX Gator will again be raffled at the banquet on Saturday evening. You can buy a Gator ticket online. Simply click on the Gator on the sidebar and follow directions to purchase a ticket. They are $10 each and only 1000 tickets will be sold.
PINS & HATS: Remember to order your pins and hats when registering online. “Gathering” hats and pins from past conferences are worn by “Gathering” folks at almost every tractor show throughout the year. Many people purchase them for their collections. Don’t miss out for these 2014 items.
BELT BUCKLES: The belt buckles were a hit in 2012 and they are back again for 2014. A small number will be on sale at the “Gathering.” Note that you cannot order a belt buckle online.
HOTELS: Reservations are being taken at the Radisson on John Deere Commons in Moline (309-764-1000). It’s just across the Mississippi and a short drive to the RiverCenter in Davenport. Reservations are also being taken at the Quality Inn, Davenport (563-386-8336). Be sure to mention you will be attending the “Gathering.”
WHY DO WE DO THIS?The four sponsoring clubs meet every other year at Grand Detour, John Deere’s home, for a tractor show, and during a group meeting there during the 1999 show, Mark Johnson, an NEITCC member, shared that he had recently attended a conference sponsored by another tractor company. Given the fact that no such conference had ever been sponsored for John Deere enthusiasts, it was his opinion that our four groups together could create such an event for our faithful green and yellow collectors. After some serious conversation, the group agreed to give it a try, and the rest is history. I know that bit of history doesn’t answer the original question…”Why do we do this?” We do this because of…YOU…ALL OF YOU! We do this because you are so very appreciative of our efforts and you offer your kind understanding when everything doesn’t run perfectly. We do this because of your generous, positive comments. We do this because you are friendly and eager to share your love of John Deere products. No one “talks tractors” better than GOG attendees. We thrive on your kindness, friendliness, and eagerness to strike up a conversation. You never fail to share your enthusiasm for the activities we have offered during the event, and that is so deeply appreciated. The amazingly kind comments so many of you share when completing the opinion form at the closing banquet are so meaningful for us. We honestly don’t know whether to smile or cry. Thank you so very much! 
So, that’s “why we do this.” Thank you so much for joining us at “Gathering of the Green” 2012 and for sharing your warmth and kindness so freely. It’s what keeps us going. If you weren’t able to join us, plan to do so in the future.
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The "Gathering of the Green is sponsored by four John Deere antique tractor clubs:
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If you have any questions, or if you would like to be added to our database to receive materials through the mail, please e-mail your name, address, telephone and e-mail address to: |