In Case We Missed You: August 5, 2016
Reporter — Greg “Cubby” Sparkman
Chop Chop Chong Takes a Whack at Membership
Amiably munching meat balls and chatting with Robert Gulcher, little did I know that I was sharing the table with the man who had single-handedly decimated the membership at the LA5 Rotary Club. As President of the Los Angeles “Super” Club, Ken Chong decided that Rotary was such a special organization that it required only special members. By his own account, Mr. Chong was responsible for culling approximately 300 individuals from the LA5 roster; a greater loss of members than all other District 5280 clubs combined in that year. It is not without a small bit of irony that Ken “Chop Chop” Chong is now the District’s Senior Assistant Governor…for Membership!
As our guest speaker last Friday, Mr. Chong related the stories of his start with Rotary (rejection by the Santa Monica club), his joining the LA5 club (where he was woo’d, won and forgotten), his rise to Presidency of that club and subsequent membership reduction, to his enlightenment to the keys of gaining and keeping new club members.
The question to be asked is, “What is the value proposition of our Rotary Club?” Mr. Chong argues that in this time of easy communication that it is a simple matter for individuals to find ways to serve the community without being a full time member of organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, etc. As a club we have to provide something beyond the opportunity to serve. In Mr. Chong’s experience at LA5 it was a strong and significant scholarship program in Central Los Angeles. The ability to demonstrably affect the lives of so many young people enabled that club to attract a number of new members that wanted to be a part of that objective. Getting new members involved in the process solidified their desire to stay active members in the club.
Mr. Chong asks us to identify our value proposition and leverage it to attract and retain new members. Our club has a strong scholarship program and a celebration of educational professionals. Our club also has a very strong social atmosphere and camaraderie. What do you see as our club’s value? Why are you here? How do we solidify this into a tangible reason for membership? Good questions, huh? Mr. Chong’s message was to think about this.
Mr. Chong asks us to identify our value proposition and leverage it to attract and retain new members. Our club has a strong scholarship program and a celebration of educational professionals. Our club also has a very strong social atmosphere and camaraderie. What do you see as our club’s value? Why are you here? How do we solidify this into a tangible reason for membership? Good questions, huh? Mr. Chong’s message was to think about this.
So, how did this great meeting begin? President Bond… Allen Bond rang the bell at 12:15 p.m. and promptly invited Henry “He’s Got Seoul” Lee to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
This was followed by the invocation presented by Chris “He’s Got Heart” Leach.
The the pièce de résistance of the opening act was the patriotic song led by Kjell “No Solo” Hellberg, accompanied by Norton Donner, Chris Stillians, Greg Sparkman, and our pianist, John Schuricht.
And then we ate.
Following a great lunch, Inga “Hostess with the Mostess” Liden introduced our guests who included Senior Assistant Governor (SAG) Karen Greenberg and Jennifer Smith, a guest of James Morgan.
The rousing and famous PVP Welcome Song was led by our very own Hang Up “Ima Full” Moon.
Kjell gave us an update on his wonderful wife, Cheryl, and thanked everyone for the cards sent in support. She’s is doing well and almost back to 100%. Great news! Julia “Wonder Woman” Parton reminded those signed up for the District Breakfast, which have taken place by the time you read this, to meet for carpooling. We have (had? Ooo…time travel) 40 members attending to support our District Governor, Greg O’Brien, at his first District-wide event. John “Numbers” Cameron noted that our club bank accounts were moving to Premier Bank of Palos Verdes.
President Allen followed up with a few remarks beginning with a big Thank You to our two Sargent at Arms, Henry “The Chemist” Ott and Jack “Sampson” Goldberg. He went on to announce this year’s District Picnic to be held at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. We are looking for Cardboard Boat Racers. If interested, contact Allen soon.
President Allen followed up with a few remarks beginning with a big Thank You to our two Sargent at Arms, Henry “The Chemist” Ott and Jack “Sampson” Goldberg. He went on to announce this year’s District Picnic to be held at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. We are looking for Cardboard Boat Racers. If interested, contact Allen soon.
And if you’ve read this far, congratulations, because you are now invited to Wednesday Night Live this August 17th at Rajun Cajun restaurant on PCH. Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m. These are always fun offsite meetings, so don’t miss it!
See you all on Friday where we will do it all again.