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If you didn't go to the
2014 Gathering, take a
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"It's Not Easy Being Green"
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Chicagoweb
4/4/14
THE GATHERING OF THE GREEN:
March 19, 20, 21 & 22, 2014
RiverCenter, Davenport, Iowa
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The schedule, in a nutshell, was as follows:
If you have questions about the “Gathering,” Whether or not you are a two-cylinder fan, love those amazing New Generation tractors, enjoy John Deere implements, are devoted to toys or just admire everything Deere, we hope you found the “Gathering of the Green” to be an awesome event. 70+ vendors from across the USA, 60+ technical & historical workshops with outstanding presenters, amazing displays, fun auction & evening speaker Be sure to look at 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 remained at $35 and the banquet is still only $30. BANQUET: The banquet was on Saturday evening. Cost remained at only $30 per person. The always interesting Ken Buell was 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 on a wonderful week at the “Gathering.” WORKSHOPS: The lineup of workshops was again numerous, varied and interesting. The schedule is posted on the WORKSHOP SCHEDULE page. Complete descriptions are posted on the WORKSHOPS page. VENDORS: The current list of vendors is posted on the VENDOR LISTING page. Seventy-nine vendors were part of the 2012 “Gathering,” and it is anticipated an equal number came to the 2014 “Gathering.” TRIPS & TOURS: The trips and tours are posted on the TRIPS & TOURS page. 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 were several trips which will interest the ladies. SPEAKERS: Remember to read about our evening speakers for 2014. Charlie Gause, retired marketing manager for Deere & Company, talked about the development and marketing of the Sound-Gard cab on Generation II John Deere tractors on Thursday evening. Our banquet keynote speaker was Ken Buell, retired Deere & Company manager, who gave us his perspective on "Life in the Deere Lane." He also shared his interest in collecting tractors, implements, and antique cars and trucks. DISPLAYS: The displays for 2104 mirrored the 2014 “Gathering” theme, “Preserving America’s Heritage.” We featured significant tractors from yesteryear as well as interesting implements from the past. There was a tour though a machine shed and see a timeline of JD equipment. A John Deere silo was in the RiverCenter Atrium. As always, the displays were awesome! WIN A GATOR AT THE “GATHERING”: A John Deere CX Gator was again raffled at the banquet on Saturday evening. Tickets were $10 each, and only 1000 tickets were be sold. PINS & HATS: “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. BELT BUCKLES: The belt buckles were a hit in 2012 and they are back again for 2014. A small number were be on sale at the “Gathering.” Note that you cannot order a belt buckle online.
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” 2014 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: |