Richman, a graduate of Utah State University, and a former Vocational Agricultural teacher, served two terms on the ASA Board from 1988 until 1994. During his year as Board Chairman, Richman's steady hand and leadership helped guide the Association through some difficult and trying times, a period marked by upheaval, member lawsuits and a threatened move of the ASA headquarters.

A strong advocate of performance programs, he was instrumental in organizing the ground-breaking FOCUS 2000 program, held at the University of Missouri in 1992. He was also deeply involved in planning the 1992 WSSF Congress that was hosted by ASA in Dallas, Texas.

�Reese Richman not only talked the talk, he walked the walk,� said current ASA Trustee Jay Rinderknecht, Paradise, Utah, who nominated Richman for the Golden Book Award. �Reese and his wife, Darlene, faithfully attended dozens of conventions, conferences and meetings on the local, state, national and even international levels. The well-attended 1990 ASA Summer Conference that he planned and coordinated at Park City, Utah, is still recalled as being among the most successful such events ever conducted by ASA.�

The Golden Book Award, which is approved by the American Simmental Association Board of Trustees, is the most prestigious honor given by the Association. According to WSFF guidelines, no more than three Golden Book Awards may be given per year. Since 1982 when the award was initiated, just 49 individuals and/or operations have been so honored.

Presentation of the 2008 recipients was made at the Chairman's Reception during ASA Annual Meeting and Convention, November 10, 2007 in Louisville, KY.