New York, NY – The National Retriever Club (NRC) honored Bill Speck for his more than 20 years of service with retrievers and retriever field trials at the NRC annual meeting held in Montgomery, TX, on November 6, 2004. The occasion marked the first time the NRC has presented the award. In recognition, Speck received a bronzed duck statue by artist Chris Smith.

Speck retired from his position as the AVP of Performance Events for the AKC in December 2003, but continues to serve as a consultant.

“All of us at AKC are extremely proud of this award given to Bill Speck who made so many outstanding contributions to the performance world,” said Dennis B. Sprung, President and CEO of the AKC.

“Having known Bill personally for more than 30 years, it was a privilege to honor him with an award for his 20 years of service,” said Tony Snow, Secretary/Treasurer National Retriever Club. “Few people have done more for the sport of field trials.”