Season's Greetings from Association TRENDS!
Association along for the ride with the Capitol Christmas Tree
This year's Capitol Christmas Tree traveled from White River National Forest in Colorado to the U.S. Capitol with a little help from the National Association of Convenience Stores, Alexandria, Va.
NACS sponsored the 23-day trek, which included the cost of refueling and refreshments for those traveling with the tree. Former Colorado Rep. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R) drove the 73-ft. Engelmann Spruce to Washington on a 105-ft. semi truck, the Hill reported.
"Convenience stores are America's fueling station, and who better to provide the fuel for the caravan than America's convenience stores," NACS CEO Henry Armour said.
The tree's nonprofit sponsor was Choose Outdoors, a coalition of people and organizations that promotes outdoor recreation. Choose Outdoors founder Bruce Ward was the Capitol Christmas Tree national director. His organization planned promotional activities, such as ornament design and poster contests.
Many members of Congress, including several from the Colorado delegation, attended the Dec. 4 lighting ceremony. Colorado Springs high school student Ryan Shuster helped House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, flip the lighting switch, but only after Boehner lightheartedly reminded Shuster, who is an Eagle Scout, to button his suit jacket for that indelible Washington ritual, the photo op. “Ryan, pictures last forever," the speaker said. [Photo: Architect of the U.S. Capitol]
Library notice: The TRENDS editorial office will be closed for the holiday break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1. There will not be an issue during this period. Send emails to AssociationTRENDS@AssociationTRENDS.com. We will get back to you starting on Jan. 2 when we return. TRENDS wishes everyone Happy Holidays, and a safe and Happy New Year!
