110%

My Brother Rob always gives 110%. We all agree the idea of giving even more than you have (by as much as 10%) is crazy. Nevertheless, we have known football coaches, notably at Saint Luke Grade School (where I was co-captain) and at Lakewood High School (where Rob was a co-captain). If you grow up in a large Catholic family, you believe in miracles. That makes 110% seem like a fair expectation coming from a football coach. If you participate in sports at any level, you are quick to embrace countless metaphors.       

Rob has a rare tumor  the size of a ping pong ball in lower part of his brain stem (lower medulla). Doctors could not be sure if the tumor is benign or malignant so surgery is scheduled for July 13, 2016. “A biopsy on the tumor would tell whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Initial results of the biopsy are available quickly, within 15 minutes. Depending on the results of the biopsy, they may continue the process to remove as much of the tumor as possible. They won't likely be able to remove it all.” Rob reports with his own brand of clinical precision.

So surgery is tomorrow on July 13, 2016 at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. Rob will be with wife of 34 years, Joy and their 3 amazing children: Megan (28), Tara (25) and Kevin (23). Our brother Greg is flying in as a show of support. Our brother Dan will arrive sometime after the surgery. (If you are counting – there are five brothers and one sister in our immediate generation ... plus kids and kids having kids too.)

Today, the day before the scheduled surgery, Rob and I exchanged a typical albeit a bit cryptic series of text messages:

Me: Godspeed

Rob: Prep/Clinic: all ready for tomorrow. It will all go well. I know it. (Message sent with picture above.)

Me: Game face on. Robo always gives 110%

Rob: As Mom always said you can’t give 110%. That’s stupid. But do your best. I plan to do just that.

Me: Mom never played football. Everyone expects 110% from you.

Rob: Okay, 110% it is.

That tells you a lot. I am certain Rob will give it all he's got. He'll have the love and support of family and friends. I, for one, believe in miracles. I have seen Rob play football. I was never very good at math - so 110% seems do-able enough to me. I will also be praying for divine intervention.   

Update - Benign. He gave 110%. Prayers answered. He was home in 48 hours. Superman. Special thanks to Uncle Uber Greg and the amazing Dragons. Go Team!

AMA GOLF 2016

Creve Coeur Golf Course hosts American Marketing Association Championship 2016

Once again the American Marketing Association launched an Independence Day weekend with its annual golf outing at Creve Coeur Golf Course. The venue has hosted our annual golf event for the bulk of our events in the last twenty years.  No-one has taken better care of us. This year 30 golfers competed for the coveted Traveling Trophy. Tim Nenninger of MAR graphics is our low net champion with a score of 40. Creve Coeur City Councilman Ted Ruzicka earned closest to the pin prize on #9. Brad Wahlgren was closest to the pin on #2.

Bob Mastis, incoming President of the American Marketing Association, St. Louis Chapter fielded a team. His firm Digital Intersection’s team included Justin Payne who was winner of the the longest drive contest on #8. (He crushed it!) Justin, if not for struggles on the challenging hole number six, might have earned the title. Ted Ruzicka, Brad Wahlgren and John Probst were in the hunt as well.

Sneller Creative contributed a double wall acrylic GULP tumbler to all golfers who participated. In addition, Sandbox Creative contributed pre-chilled designer water for all players. Golfers also got a goody bag that included a sleeve of balls, tees, a chip clip (from AMA), a glow stick (from Morgan Studio/East) and commemorative coins (from Clayco).

Sandbox Creative once again served with all art direction, graphics and social media promotion prior to the event. Dave Cox, Randy Niederer, Troy Libbra and “Photo Matt” suggested "Delta" feedback for next year: Work on attracting more female players and also enhance the on-course beverage service. (Fair enough)

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the first day of our chapter year. Contact Bob Mastis or Wes Morgan about joining the St. Louis Chapter of the American Marketing Association. We hope to see you at event luncheons, networking gatherings, collegiate functions, and other gatherings during the

year. www.ama-stl.org for details.

Above top: the Infamous traveling trophy won this year by Tim Nenninger --- Foursome: Marco Tocco of Rock Solid Branding, Matt from Contegix, Rowdy Jones of Compear and Tom Shaughnessy of Group 360. ---- Creve Coeur City CouncilmanTed Ruzicka. ---- Dave Cox, Steve Allen, Justin Payne and Randy Niederer toast with GULP double wall acrylic attendance prize from Sneller Creative