‘I learned more about leadership in three days than I had in 16 years.’

FEBRUARY 15, 2012 - Like many NASO members, Ken Schimpf had heard about the annual NASO Sports Officiating Summit for years.

“You read about in Referee magazine,” said Schimpf. “And it’s on the NASO website, emails, newsletters and everywhere else. I knew it was a big deal, and top officials from all over the country attended.

“What I didn’t know until I finally decided to attend, was how valuable it is for high school level officials and association leaders.”

Schimpf attended the 2011 NASO Summit in Atlanta, Ga., where the theme was “Image in Officiating: the Perception, the Reality, the Focus.”

Schimpf, who officiates high school basketball and serves as the president of the Eastern Wisconsin Officials Association (EWOA) in Milwaukee, Wis., said, “I spent time networking with some of the nation's top officiating leaders and officials. My only regret during the entire three-day event was that I was the only EWOA member there as an attendee.

“After I returned I wrote about my experience in the EWOA’s newsletter and I encouraged every EWOA member to consider attending this summer’s Summit in Portland, Ore. The cost is minimal and the rewards are great. I learned more about leadership in three days than I have in 16 years as a vice president in the financial services industry.”

Schimpf is a believer in NASO’s mission. He was instrumental in getting the EWOA members into NASO through the NASO group program, saving each member more than 25 percent on their NASO dues.

“The group membership program provides the highest possible benefits from NASO at the lowest cost offered to any association in the nation,” said Schimpf. “We’re very pleased with the insurance coverage and access to training that we receive. I’m proud to show my support for NASO.”