Director’s Tribute to Steve Alford

Steve Alford has resigned from the board. Steve has been on the board for so long I can’t remember when he started. He has been chair of the board, which is a tough job, although mostly he has been know for heading up the 24 Hour Video Race. There are many people and so much effort that go into making the Race happen. The idea to start the Video Race was originally Laura Neitzel’s, but it has been Steve who has put his heart and soul into making it an event that turns out so well year after year. The last 10 years of the Race have all been a testament to Steve’s hard work. He does so much that is unseen to all of you, and many things unseen by me. One of his accomplishments that I admire most that he handles the judging fairly and quickly. Many nights I wonder how they managed to pick the winners, when many were so good.

Steve’s support of the Video Association and the Video Festival has been enormous over the years. He has also helped me personally grow and learn. I often think I know a lot, (“think” being the operative word here) but when Steve talks, I stop and listen. I remember once I wanted to run one of the films in a building that was a bit away from the rest of the activities, and was hell bend on doing it, until Steve talked me out of it. I don’t know how we will get along without Steve. I have learned the lessons I needed and can pass them on, but I will miss his council and his presence.

Steve is a very successful businessman. Successful in not just in the fact that his business is making money and has the best gear around, but more successful in the environment he has build around him.  The people who work for him really love him, because he really takes care of and appreciates what they do. I really don’t know any other business like that.
Steve is the perfect model of being what my people call a mench (a good person) in all three aspects of life: work, home and community. Steve leads a full life.

Oh and as Steve Jobs would say, “one more thing,” if you have been to the festival and/or the Video Race and have enjoyed the beautiful projection, it was a video projector from Alford Media.

Steve we love you!