President Bill's Initial Club Address

Let me start by saying that I am truly looking forward to my term of 2002-2003!

The international theme for Rotary during this coming year is ' Sow the Seeds of Love'.

Rotary provides each of us with an opportunity to serve humanity, and extend compassion at a local and international level to those afflicted by poverty and disease.

We can 'Sow the Seeds of Love' be doing our part by assisting the people around us to get their lives on track.

I ask each member to embrace the four "goals" for 2002-2003:

1) Membership: In keeping with last years "Rotary Global Quest", let us challenge ourselves to initiate one new member per month, with the overall objective to grow membership by 10% (net increase of 5 members) by June 30, 2003.

2) Polio Plus: Secure donations / pledges from members, payable over the next three years, for a minimum of $7,500, an amount to be matched from club resources to target at least $15,000. by June 30, 2003.

Objective, to eradicate Polio, worldwide, by 2005. (Rotary is required to raise US $80 million by December 31, 2002.)

3) Public Relations: We must have a strong Public Relations / Communications committee within our club in order to raise the profile of Rotary in our community.

4) Promote Fellowship: Involve the Rotary family in club events / meetings. Help foster a link of Rotarians and partners working together in the community. Let's have some fun along the way!

Most of us can agree that Rotary has enabled us to become better members of our communities.

I know we have a very strong incoming Board of Directors, however strength comes in numbers, and we need you to share your ideas as well as support our actions!

Yours in Rotary,

William Ives
President 2002 / 2003