Tompkins Honored with Vista Award
On April 26 , 2022 , Rip Tompkins , MCA was presented with the association ’ s prestigious VISTA Award . The award was established by the MAA in 2000 to recognize leaders in our industry . It is given to an individual whose actions serve as a guide and challenge to other members . The award ’ s title – VISTA – is an acronym for Vision , Integrity , Service , Talent and Action – the leadership qualifies inherent in all award recipients . It is the highest honor the MAA bestows upon a member .
A large crowd of members , old friends and colleagues gathered at the April meeting to celebrate with Rip as he received his VISTA award . Rip ’ s longtime friend , Matt Foti , MCA made the presentation which was followed by an exuberant standing ovation . The following are excerpts from Matt ’ s remarks that evening :
“ As many of you know , I am a world traveler . I ’ ve met extraordinary people , especially arborists , along the way . To me , the person we honor tonight , Rip Tompkins , represents the very definition of the word Arborist , but he is not just arborist , he is a devoted teacher and innovator .”
“ Rip ’ s commitment to climbing and caring for trees has educated countless arborists through the years – and has undoubtedly made our industry a safer place to work .”
“ Let me give you a quick rundown of some of the ways ( big and small ) that Rip has given back to our industry :
• He sat on the MAA Board of Directors for more than 8 years and was president in 1998 .
• He has also served on the Mass . Urban Forestry Council , the Society of Commercial Arborists , TCIA and ISA Safety Committees , ANSI Z133 Standards Committee , and more .
Matt Foti , MCA presents Rip Tompkins , MCA with the 2022 VISTA Award on April 26 .
• In the world of International Climbing Competitions , Rip competed for years and won the prestigious ISA International Championship in 1996 . He was Head Judge for many years , chaired the ITCC committee , volunteered at many Climbing Championships and is a member of the Rules and Awards committees .”
“ Rip is a person of great character . His first response to any request is ‘ how can I help ?’ From training the next generation of professional arborists , to volunteering in a big way at Arbor Day , to climbing every single day – he is the very definition of Arborist and we ’ re grateful for what he has taught us all .
This is when I get to be like the Wizard of Oz . Since we already know you have a heart , a good working brain and I ’ m confident that you have courage , I get to bestow upon you this shiny silver tree as proof of your lifelong commitment to Vision , Integrity , Service , Talent , and Actions in our esteemed organization and industry .”
Know someone you ’ d like to nominate for the VISTA Award ?
MAA members are encouraged to nominate colleagues for VISTA award consideration . Please write a letter to the MAA board of directors with the name of your nominee and include the reasons why you believe he / she should receive the award . Take the award ’ s purpose and title into consideration when crafting your nomination letter . Be specific , cite examples , include details and , if possible , ask for letters of support for your nominee from other MAA members . The deadline for nominations is September 10 , 2022 .
Nomination letters : may be sent to :
VISTA Award / MAA Board of Directors • 67 West Street , Medfield , MA 02052 Or email to info @ MassArbor . org with “ VISTA Award ” in subject line please .
SUMMER 2022 MAA NEWS 11