DG's Message for October 2012

In 1932 Herbert J. Taylor saved a company from bankruptcy by developing our beloved 4-Way Test as an ethical guide to follow in all business matters. It took me years and many strained business relationships to realize the value of this wonderful standard for all business behaviour.

Today, you will find the 4-Way Test posted at the entrance of my humble business – and I consciously work towards inculcating the culture and spirit of this creed to all our managers and staff – and so it naturally transcends into our business relationships and contracts for one very special reason: both parties know exactly what to expect from each other.

"Of all the things we think, say, or do:

• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to ALL CONCERNED?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to ALL CONCERNED?"

Adhering to these principals will guarantee the most ethical outcome, no matter what the circumstance. Additionally, we have the Object of Rotary and our "Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions." The declaration was adopted by the 1989 Council on Legislation to clarify the high ethical standards called for in the Object of Rotary. It provides a framework for ethical behaviour that all Rotarians can use, together with The 4-Way Test, in their business and professional activities.

Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions

As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to:

1. Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve;
2. Be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country, and to the moral standards of my community;
3. Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation;
4. Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public, and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship;
5. Recognize the honour and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;
6. Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community;
7. Adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to the public concerning my business or profession;
8. Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.

Keeping these sort of standards in mind, I turn to you and say - whether hiring, training, reviewing procedures, communicating and interacting, provide opportunities to encourage exemplary behaviour both on and off the job and throughout any and all associations with everyone.

Vocational Services and classification create great both challenges and opportunities for all Rotary clubs. Membership in Rotary is based on a member's vocation, with each club striving to create a microcosm of its community's business and professional world.

Wouldn't it be incredible if every club could represent the entire cross-section of vocations within their communities? What a potential to grow our club membership and our ability to make even greater change in the world through contributing our professional expertise and skills to address the needs of society.

How many times do we meet someone, ask them what they do, hear the answer and think to ourselves "that's interesting but, what do you do?" It seems like the professional world today is a sea of specialists who are not only breaking into completely new fields, but are fascinating individuals themselves who bring extreme value to business and professions.

Thinking back to our own existence as a company, this really describes who we are and what sets us apart. We have created something of value and continue to make it better, all the while evolving through reassessment and recreation. For all the statisticians out there, how many new vocations are created every day? The answer - PLENTY! Let's go get them and bring them into the greatest organization in the world and the best district in the Rotary world: District 9200. Let us shout-out loudly of all our accomplishments over the years and thump our chests with pride for truly touching the lives that we have. Let us show our communities and point at our paths for the future. Let us sing out loud the name of Rotary as we promote our cause for Peace through Service across our District and beyond!

I have said it before and I will say it again. Giving the gift of Rotary membership is without argument the greatest gift. Representing all vocations would be our most valuable gift. The return on the investment is the personal relationship we have with fellow Rotarians. Whether it's calling your doctor or your members at home to discuss a personal issue, Rotarians are there for each other. You can't replace that value.

We are changing the world one act of kindness at a time and we're doing it with friends. These acts of kindness have served the world well over our 107 years and there's no telling what we can and will do in the future. Who's knows what greater challenges lie ahead of us – perhaps we may even rid the world of another disease!

You have to love the possibilities and opportunities. GO FORTH AND SERVE! Go forth and spread the word and celebrate the past to build the future for Peace through Service!

My dear Rotarians, I have no doubt at all that we can, we must and we certainly will.

Yours in Rotary

Geeta Manek