Tim Soderquist, Southeast Texas Regional Director, was recently named the Regional
Director of the Year for the South Central Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Soderquist was presented his award at a recent national staff meeting.
DU’s South Central Region includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.
In the 06-07 fiscal year the Texas Southeast Region experienced a 50% growth in event fundraising totals versus the previous year. It was the second highest performance of all regions in the country.
“What a great accomplishment for both Tim and the volunteers he works with in Southeast Texas”, said David Schuessler, Director of Events and Volunteer Promotion. “After the hurricanes a couple years ago the Southeast Texas chapters worked very hard to keep fundraising totals even with the previous year’s results under very difficult conditions. No doubt that momentum carried over into the past year.”
Given the ever increasing annual cost of DU’s conservation work, local fundraising chapters are constantly challenged with growing their fundraising activities to meet the needs of the resource.
In addition to the historic growth in the Southeast Region, Texas DU experienced at 10% growth of more than $350,000 in 06-07. That was the highest percentage increase of any state in the country. In addition, the $3.77 million dollars raised by Texas chapters was the highest grassroots dollar total of all 50 states.
Soderquist spoke of the accomplishment and what it means for the resource.
“I’m so proud of all the volunteers in my region and what we were able to do for the ducks this past year. When we grow it means even more money we can send to the breeding grounds and use right here in Texas for our important habitat conservation. We continue to see waterfowl hunters join DU as a way of giving back to the sport and that’s what it’s all about – hunters working hard for the ducks.”
This marks the third year in a row this award has been given to a Texas Regional Director. East Texas RD Yazoo Thomas was awarded the title last year and Central Region RD Gary Erickson in 04-05.