Many people have asked me to post the tribute toast I wrote for JoAnn Cadwell , sorry I didn't have a chance sooner. This was from my heart.
--- For JoAnn
I want to say a few words about a very special person to all of us, who I?m sorry to announce has passed away this year. Many of us remember Joann Cadwell fondly by her industry nickname "Mama CCBill".
Joann was very proud of what this convention and its attendees have become. I remember talking to her once about how the Phoenix Forum compares to other conventions. Her response was "I don't care what anyone else does; I know how I want MY show to be!" And this IS her show! Year after year, Joann worked hard to build the Phoenix Forum into what you see here tonight. It isn't hard to see; her touches of class, caring, and generosity are all around us. The chocolate fountain, the snack shack, the etched bottles of Cristal? all these ideas came from her. She even asked the housekeeping staff here to push their service hours back so we could all sleep in, because she knew US so well!
I thought about what message Joann would ask me to convey to everyone on her behalf, and I think it would be this. "Don't take tomorrow for granted. Live your lives to the fullest. Start today." In that spirit, I want to call on each person here to make the most out of this weekend, and the people gathered around you. Make a new friend, enjoy time with old friends, and find new ways to help each other grow your businesses. Let's carry on her legacy and make this year's Phoenix Forum one that would make Joann proud!
So raise your glasses and help me say to Joann:
Thank you for all the things you did for us, and for everything we learned from you. We love you and we miss you. Rest in Peace, Mama CCBill.
