GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

Two weeks to District Conference!  I didn’t think those words were possible when I started my term as District Governor.  The year has truly flown by.

 

District Conference is shaping up to be an exciting event, I think.  The featured speakers are first-rate.  Our exchange student and RYLA presentations will be inspiring.  The opportunities for training will be, well, educational.  The Sun Valley Resort’s food will be top-notch (and in contracting with them this year we specified some of their top-of-the-line meals).  The opportunities to network and have fellowship with our fellow Rotarians from around the state will be unequalled. 

 

We also have at least two items of business to transact, which we will do at the Friday opening lunch.  We will vote to confirm sending PDG Rick Phillips to Rotary International to serve with the selection committee for our Rotary Director from our Zone 27.  We will also present for approval the District financials (a new request from RI President Ravi).  Neither will take long, but they are important business items to conclude while we are all together.

 

This year, we’ll also be featuring some of our own….our own members and our own clubs.  During the “Club Showcase” presentation, each of the 43 clubs in our district will have the opportunity to highlight something, or someone, in their club.  I’m sure you’ll find it interesting to learn something about our clubs in different regions of the state.

 

Our own members will also be making some “Ted Talk” style presentations.  You’ll hear inspiring stories of personal growth, Rotarians doing good in the world, and other topics that reflect the diversity and commonality of our Rotarians across the district. 

 

I’m excited for the opportunities that we will all have to get to know one another better.

 

And the raffle.  The Raffle!  Please remember to sell as many tickets as you can.  This is the only District fundraiser we have, and your sales support Youth Exchange and other district programs.  The Rotarian who sells the winning ticket also receives a duplicate grand prize….$4,500 in credit at AAA Travel for a cruise (or other vacation) to “anywhere” you select.  This year, the Rotarian who sells the most tickets will receive a transfer of 1,000 FRP (“Paul Harris Points”), as well – sufficient to become a Paul Harris Fellow, or to move to the next Paul Harris Fellow level.  Please bring a single club check for all of the clubs’ raffle tickets, and of course we’ll need these to be at the start of District Conference.  You can drop them off at the registration desk.

 

Finally, but certainly not the least, will be some recognition of our clubs’ accomplishments, and of the club leadership that has advanced our work this past year. 

 

If you haven’t yet registered for District Conference, there is still time.  Just go to www.rotary5400.org and follow the district conference links. (or, just click on the poster below)

 

District Conference marks a sobering reality for District Governors.  This is one of the last official Rotary events during my term of office.  There is still a flurry of administrative activity in marking the transition from one Rotary year to the other, and I’ll continue to work closely with the district “leadership chain” of Jim Hogge, Terry Jones and Jennifer Deroin.  The district is fortunate to have such committed, talented and thoughtful leaders who will serve during the next few years.  I hope to remain a valued resource to them.

 

I trust that each of the outgoing club officers will likewise continue to serve as a resource in their clubs.  While there is always room for innovation and change, there is much more that unites us as Rotarians than divides us.  However our leaders and clubs change, all of us remain united in Service Above Self.  Thank you for allowing me to serve as your District Governor.