My Phoenix Forum Tribute Toast to JoAnn Cadwell
 

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.


http://www.fubarwebmasters.com/galle...8/t/z02020.jpg

I had wondered who she was, now I know. Rest in peace JoAnn.

great speech Steve

RIP JoAnn

Great words Steve. Wish I could have been there to hear them in person.

Great speech Steve wish I was there to see it ;-)

Steve it was Great seeing you again, I enjoyed breakfast with you and ynot Bob, Brad (mojohost) you guys are always awesome. The speach was very well put together and very heart felt yet inspiring all at the same time. The words written here cannot express the emotions felt nearly as well as you did in person.....Very nicely done Steve.:pimp

Jim

What a great pic of JoAnn...think she would have really liked being remembered so fondly :)

nice speech!

That was a very touching moment when you gave the tribute for JoAnn, Steve.

I still remember the first time she just stopped my wife and myself out of the blue to introduce herself and it seemed like we talked forever. She was a very special lady and will be missed deeply.

May she rest in peace......

Great speech, and as always a great show. It was nice hanging out with you on Wed. night.

RIP Joann!

Excellent tribute Steve , pleasure seeing you again my friend:thumbsup

tears were brought to my eyes when i heard ur speech. rest in peace.

Nice Speech Steve.
Very Moving Moment!

that was very sweet/

Nice Speech Steve.

I wish I would have been there to hear it.

Steve you did a great job with that speech, and it was obvious that it wasn't easy for you to step up there and do it. Was definitely from the heart... and very good words that I kept in mind throughout the show. I think it was a show that would have made her proud.

A very sweet woman. When I met her for the very first time she treated me like she had known me for 20 years, and looked into my eyes when she spoke to me. That is a rare quality. I believe I met her twice, and both times were identical moments.

Beautiful speech, Steve!! We miss you JoAnn!!

great speech!

Unfortunately I only caught the ending, it was dark, all that stuff, but this will give you an idea if you weren't there...

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NKTIjkfrjuA

Steve,
that really was a great speech and wonderful moment.
a really nice reminder for Ron and Steph about just how well thought of their mother was and by so many.

Good seeing you again

Came from the heart.... I am sorry that I never met JoAnn

I recall having dinner several times with JoAnn and Frank and our small conversations here and there, during these last 6 years.

She will be missed.

Was a GOOD thing you did Steve and I am sure she appreciates it greatly.

Great stuff!

Amazing speech!!!

It's a great tribute and something everyone really should follow! I am sure she would be proud =)

Megan

Beautiful speech!!!

Nice hangin with you Steve :)

great speech I wish I was there

Thanks again Steve that was awesome of you definitely got me teary eyed!

Very sweet speech!

well done.

That was a great speech and well done.

RIP JoAnn

Did not have the pleasure of knowing her but your speech was a class act. Thank you for sharing.

I was a very nice speach Steve. JoAnn was loved by many people.

Cheers again to JoAnn

It was a great speech for a very special lady. She will be missed.

Nicely said, I am sorry I never got to meet her. Rest in Peace and may Ron and everyone else get all the support needed to get through these tough times.

Etched bottles of Cristal.

Thats nice:)

endless thread bumps for a lady who deserves to be on the front page.