Thanks to every active member for making this place special. Regardless of titles, or whatever it says next to my name, I'm a member first. I had the opportunity to be much more active a couple years ago when I joined up (member #56 as I recall) and due in large part to my Chicago location at the time, had the great fortune to meet several of the founding members and other locals that were there at the time. My personal background in design led to the identity we all know today, and that's what I'm most proud of, but there are other members more capable and talented than I who can take all that to the next level.
I have some connections with Weber Stephen LLC that I've been able to leverage on a couple occasions, and have seen some amazing things in the inner sanctum at Weber HQ in Palatine. But as amazing as the untouched original kettles that are sprinkled around the halls are, it's the people of Weber Stephen that make the place such an incredible icon of American industry. Trust me, we'll have much more to love about Weber in the coming years.
I'm not alone in feeling that this is a special place. An oasis of pleasure amidst the chaos of everyday life. I learn something new almost every time I check in. I'm inspired by what members find, what they cook, and especially the stories they tell. Most of us have kids - or, like me, Grandkids - that are being exposed to grilling at a young age. Those memories will last a lifetime, and are more important than any family heirloom. (Unless of course that heirloom is a Weber kettle!)
Godspeed to the WKC in 2015 and beyond!