Speaker: Andrew Spar, President, Florida Education Association
Andrew Spar: So it's a great opportunity to be able to recognize really one of the great leaders in our union and our union movement, Jim Geiger. You know, Jim has told numerous stories about the 1968 walkout, talked about the work he's done in the union movement, and then of course the work he did in helping really build creative benefits and making creative benefits a great, valuable resource for all our members in F E A across the entire state. Jim, I'm sure you're not going that far as you retire and step down because I know that your heart, your love and your passion is always with us. And personally, I just want to say how much I've learned from you over the years, how much I respect you in everything that you've done for our union, for our union members across the state. And for me personally, Jim, best of luck, enjoy, enjoy retirement, a full retirement, a well earned and well deserved retirement. And I'm sure we'll see you around
Ed Baum: Hi, my name is Ed Baum and I'm past president of Creative Benefits for Educators and I've known Jim Geiger for over 25 years now and we worked together in many capacities. And one of the first interesting things I learned about Jim was he was born on April one, who was born on April Fool's day. So growing up, you can imagine the pranks that came his way. What can you say now? You know where it came from? The second, interesting thing I learned about Jim was when I heard him talk about his biography and the fact that he was 5th generation Floridian. And then another time I heard him give the talk and I think he said he was the 7th generation Floridian and by the time I worked it up, I think it was the 12th generation Floridian. So I guess all we know is he had some relatives and they lived in Florida for quite a long time. But in all seriousness throughout all of these years I've seen Jim as a passionate leader all the time. He's very thoughtful in his decision making and always, always, always looking out for the betterment of the FEA members. So Jim on behalf of Kim and I, we wish you the absolute best in your retirement. And just as a reminder when I retired the first time it lasted two weeks and you hired me as a consultant. So you better watch out, you never know how long this retirement might last for you. Best of luck to you.
Elizabeth Albert: Hi Jim, on behalf of the Volusia United Educators, we want to thank you for all that you've done for us over the years and for the hard work and dedication that you have provided to our members. We appreciate you and we wish you the very, very best as you head into your retirement. Thank you again.
Gregg Patterson: Hello, this is Greg Patterson. This video is for you Jim Geiger, wishing you the absolute best. Very proud to have come back into your life after 20 something years to serve with you on the board of c. Be proud to be working under your leadership, wishing you the best as you move forward in your next phase of life. Go have fun. We'll miss you.
